Audit Office Chief Criticizes Prime Minister for Meeting with Businessman Instead of State Institutions

The head of Slovakia's Supreme Audit Office expressed surprise that Prime Minister Robert Fico chose to meet with businessman Jaroslav Haščák rather than consulting with the country's competition authority or audit office. The criticism came from Ľubomír Andrassy, who leads the Supreme Audit Office, Slovakia's independent institution responsible for overseeing government spending and financial management. Andrassy suggested that patients' interests are being placed last in priority, though the specific context of this healthcare-related comment was not detailed. The remarks highlight tensions over the government's consultation practices, particularly regarding which voices are prioritized in policy discussions involving major business figures versus state oversight bodies.