STA, 2 May 2020 - Prime Minister Janez Janša said on Saturday that Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek was still enjoying his trust in the wake of accusations of political pressure in the purchasing of personal protective equipment and ventilators. Janša added that a government report on the procurement would be sent to parliament next week.
"Everything that could be received as soon as possible and that met at least basic standards was purchased. I'm not aware of a single EU country which would act differently. Many are still doing that. The delivery time and supply security are No. 1 factor. With every delivery, a huge weight has been lifted off of our chests," wrote the prime minister on Twitter today.
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The report on the PPE purchasing was requested by Janša after a wave of accusations was levelled at the government about dodgy procedures and faulty equipment as well as about attempts to influence the Agency for Commodity Reserves to choose certain suppliers.
More than a week ago, Ivan Gale, the deputy head of the agency, came forward with accusations of strong political pressure and other potential irregularities in the procurement. The whistleblower also told the Tarča current affairs show that Počivalšek had personally intervened in favour of a ventilator contract with the company Geneplanet worth EUR 8 million.
Pointing out that the report will be presented in parliament next week, Janša said that Počivalšek and Defence Minister Matej Tonin had wanted to present the report's key findings already during the latest Tarča show on Thursday, but "a yapping presenter did not allow them to do that".
The prime minister also highlighted that the previous government paid EUR 49,154 for the only ordered ventilator prior to 13 March, while the average price for ventilators stood at EUR 33,880 after the current government took over.
"The difference between these two price tags explains the motive of first-class suppliers and their media as well as PR branches for attacks on Počivalšek," said Janša.
Meanwhile, the opposition plans to file a no-confidence motion against Počivalšek as well as request a parliamentary inquiry. The coalition New Slovenia (NSi), led by Tonin, has said that it would back the investigation.
Počivalšek denies any wrongdoing, having said that the story was an orchestrated "hunt on my head".
