Government Failing to Address Roma Issues

The Slovak Government is failing to deal with the Roma issue, representatives of the Milan Simecka Foundation, the Roma Public Policy Institute and In Minorita stated at a press conference on Tuesday.

The three groups pointed out that Slovakia is behind schedule in drawing European Union funds designated for the Roma, and the question of their education always remains at the level of priorities without any specific steps being taken.

"There's no visible sign that the Government has used EU funds to improve the situation of Roma. On the contrary, the situation is getting worse," said Laco Oravec from the Milan Simecka Foundation. He also criticised Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Dusan Caplovic for not communicating enough with public-sector representatives.

"His (Caplovic's) statements are racist and sexist," said Oravec in reaction to Caplovic's recent statement that the new Government Proxy for the Roma Communities should be male, and shouldn't have any links to any Roma interest groups.

Former government proxy for Roma communities Klara Orgovanova pointed out there is no need to find a new person for this post, as they don't have any power anyway. She added that Caplovic's stance is insulting.

"Orgovanova should search her own conscience. I won't be reacting to the press conference that they've organised. I want to verify the information first," said Caplovic, giving assurances that he values and honours the Roma issue.

Caplovic stated that he has no problems facing his critics, rejecting accusations that he is racist and sexist. "If I'm a racist? ... I'm a person, who has a close relationship with the Roma ... I didn't say that the government proxy has to be a man, I said it should be," he stated, adding that he will react to the criticism on July 7.

Continued at: Tasr