In a recent interview, Viktor Novysedlák, the Executive Director of the Office of the Budgetary Responsibility Council, emphasized the need for the Slovak government to reassess its economic consolidation measures. He articulated that both taxation on income and corporate taxation have reached a point that could potentially hinder economic growth. He expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of current measures aimed at stimulating growth, suggesting they are unlikely to meet consolidation goals set for 2027 or 2028.

Novysedlák highlighted a concerning downward revision of the economic growth forecast, which has been adjusted to just below one percent. He pointed out that without leveraging recovery plans, the growth could be nearly zero, contrasting Slovakia’s projected growth with neighboring countries like the Czech Republic and Poland, which are expected to achieve between two to three percent growth. This disparity indicates a potential competitiveness issue for Slovakia as it risks lagging behind its regional partners.

The Budgetary Council's critique of consolidation packages reveals a broader concern about their impact on the economy, arguing they have not sufficiently reduced the deficit while instead slowing down growth. Additionally, Novysedlák mentioned European rules and the prospective military exemption, which might allow a nearly six percent deficit by 2027, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and sustainability in the near future.