Fico reports on X:
A few minutes ago, I received a phone call from the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who asked me for the Government of the Slovak Republic to change its position and not request a vote on the Pandemic agreement, which is scheduled to take place later this evening. I reiterated that the Slovak delegation is bound by the instruction of the Slovak government to request a vote on the Pandemic agreement. The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic expresses surprise that there are efforts to avoid a fundamental democratic institution – a vote. If a vote does take place, the Slovak delegation has been instructed not to support the Pandemic agreement, as it undermines the principle of the sovereignty of member states and disproportionately interferes with the sphere of human rights.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has revealed on X that WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called him personally – with an unusual request: The Slovakian government should withdraw its request for a vote on the pandemic agreement.
But Fico remains firm:
‘The Slovak delegation is bound by the government’s instruction to call for a vote.
And what’s more: if a vote is held, Slovakia will vote against the agreement – on the grounds that it:
jeopardises the sovereignty of the member states and disproportionately interferes with human rights
Fico is astonished by the attempts to circumvent a basic democratic function such as a vote.
A rare sign of political clarity in the midst of a highly sensitive global issue.
Will other countries follow suit?
