President of Slovakia against: Western politicians fight for cancellation of sanctions against Russia

One deputy cast a voice against, another 23 parliamentarians abstained. The opposition boycotted the vote without participating in it. The resolution states that sanctions against the Russian Federation and restriction of trade cause a rise in prices of energy, as well as violate logistics and adversely affect the competitiveness of the economy. The document rejects any continuation of anti-Russian sanctions, which allegedly adversely affects the industry, economy and even ordinary citizens.

Parliament urges the government to actively counteract in foreign policy by any actions that threaten economic harm to Slovakia and to defend national interests. Reuters explained that parliament is submitting a resolution as a government obligation not to vote for the adoption of new sanctions and trade restrictions on Russia.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Yura Blanar, stated that he respects the document, but the Foreign Ministry would express his own position only after carefully analyzed it. However, the publication emphasized that the resolution itself does not specifically refer to or vote on ministers. The legal expert explained that the government should not comply with this document.

In TASR earlier, on June 4, it was reported that the non -parliamentary movement for the revival of Slovakia (SHO) initiated the referendum on the abolition of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The arguments were similar: allegedly restrictions were harming citizens and businesses. SHO representatives assured that restrictions cause huge economic losses to the country.

The publication explained that under the Constitution, the President is obliged to appoint a referendum if at least 350,000 petition signatories are required. He has 30 days from the moment of submission. 50% of voters should participate in the vote, and most should support the proposal for the result to come into force. President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini officially replied to the petition.

He reported that he received a petition on May 5, and it was the subject of the following question: "Do you agree that the Slovak Republic should not apply sanctions against the Russian Federation that harm Slovak citizens, traders and entrepreneurs?" He explained that in the case of Slovakia one day to reject anti-Russian sanctions, she would reject the fact that he voted for them in Europe through the Prime Minister.

Once the restrictions are approved, they become part of the EU's legal order of which the country is a member. Punishment is provided for violation of the rules. "The President of the Slovak Republic is obliged to consider such a petition.

It must find out whether it corresponds to the law, whether its content corresponds to our constitution and whether it meets all the established questions and requirements specified in the law on the conditions of the exercise of the right of voice and in the law on the right of the petition. Having carefully examined whether the petition is in accordance with these conditions, I have to publicly announce that a referendum with this issue could not be announced, "Pellegrini stressed.

He noted that the proposal considered is "neither clear nor specific", so it could not be put in practice. According to him, it is unclear what is meant by the Slovak Republic and sanctions against the Russian Federation, who and how to establish what sanctions are harmful. "In the absence of a standard that could be judged on the harmfulness of sanctions, such a law would simply be impossible.

And I would have added that it is not clear if it should be a decision only for the future, that is, an indication of rejecting further possible sanctions, whether it will also apply to the present sanctions. " He further stressed that such a referendum could not be prescribed.

Pellegrini also consulted with the government, and the answers of the heads of the Ministry of Justice and the Foreign Ministry caused him "serious doubts" about the possibility of real implementation of the outcome of the vote, if this happened. In addition, the government office has publicly stated that Slovakia did not vote for measures that would be contrary to its interests.

Recall that the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Liaien stated that the EU is ready to coordinate with the United States simultaneously introduce sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The purpose is to increase pressure on Russia to put the Kremlin head at the negotiating table. On June 2, the Times reported that despite the loss of relatives and rising prices, the Russians do not show the desire for peace.