Monika Jankovská (Smer-SD) will no longer act as Justice Ministry state secretary. The Government dismissed her from the post as of September 4 at its meeting on Wednesday, it was reported on the same day. In addition, the Government also dismissed her from the position of Vice-chairwoman of the Government's Legislative Council and appointed to the post Justice Ministry State Secretary Edita Pfundtner. Jankovská announced at a press conference on Tuesday (September 3) that she was stepping down from her post. She sparked controversy when she added that she wants to continue acting as a judge, as she sees no reason why she shouldn't. The police last month secured Jankovská's mobile phone in order to investigate her possible contacts with Marián Kočner, who is suspected of ordering the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak last year. Charges have also been brought against him in the case of TV Markiza promissory notes.
The senior governing Smer-SD party hasn't discussed yet who will take up the post of Justice Ministry state secretary after Monika Jankovská's resignation, Prime Minister and Smer-SD Vice-chair Peter Pellegrini said before Wednesday's government meeting. The premier said he personally does not see a problem with Jankovská wanting to pursue the career of a judge, and did not want to comment on whether her intention jeopardises the credibility of the judiciary. He also refused to comment on Jankovská's alleged ties to Kočner, explaining that it is the role of relevant authorities to investigate the allegations. Other political leaders, however, including President Zuzana Čaputová and OĽaNO head Igor Matovič, have said that Jankovska should definitely not serve as judge in the wake of the scandal.
