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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Military Hospital Director Overseeing Billion-Euro Projects Despite Procurement Violations

Marian Križko, director of the military hospital in Ružomberok, is supervising the construction of new hospitals in Prešov and Bratislava worth nearly 2 billion euros despite repeated procurement violations identified by Slovakia's Public Procurement Office. The construction projects have encountered significant problems, with dozens of incorrectly built pillars now being demolished in Prešov. Križko has previously been linked to communications with Marian Kočner, a controversial businessman convicted in high-profile criminal cases. The Public Procurement Office, which oversees government contract tenders to prevent corruption and ensure transparency, has repeatedly confirmed irregularities in procurement processes under Križko's oversight, raising questions about the management of these major healthcare infrastructure investments.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Environment Minister Faces Growing Pressure to Resign as Coalition Tensions Mount

Slovak Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba is facing increasing calls for his resignation from the Slovak National Party (SNS), a partner in the ruling coalition. Despite the pressure from SNS, Prime Minister Robert Fico has given the feuding parties until the end of September to restore trust between them. Former state secretary Michal Kiča warned that this prolonged uncertainty could prove costly for citizens, as it creates opportunities for political horse-trading involving state-owned enterprises and party appointments. Kiča suggested the prime minister might use this time to weaken support for SNS leader Andrej Danko by potentially courting his allies. The dispute highlights growing tensions within Slovakia's three-party ruling coalition, which includes Fico's Smer-SD social democrats, the nationalist SNS, and the populist Hlas party.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Chief Uses Emergency Powers Against Opposition for First Time

Slovak Police President Štefan Gašpar has used emergency disciplinary powers against opposition members for the first time, marking a significant escalation in political tensions. The move represents the first deployment of these controversial enforcement mechanisms since Gašpar assumed leadership of the national police force. Despite facing allegations of covering up murder cases, Gašpar appears undeterred and has proceeded with the disciplinary action against opposition figures. The use of these powers, colloquially referred to as the "whip" in Slovak political discourse, signals a hardening stance by law enforcement leadership toward political opposition and raises questions about the independence of police operations from political influence.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Strict Church Registration Law Creates 'European Anomaly,' Critics Say

Slovakia's extremely restrictive church registration law has created what critics call a "European anomaly" that undermines rather than protects the state's interests, according to legal experts. The legislation, originally designed to shield Slovakia from unwanted religious influences, has instead forced smaller religious communities into a gray zone where they operate as civic associations rather than registered churches. This has reduced state oversight of religious activities rather than strengthening it, observers argue. The debate over church registration has been complicated by political rhetoric focused on fears about mosques, rather than substantive discussion of religious freedom and state security concerns.

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Domestic Politics

Analysis Questions Smer Party's Commitment to Public Service Following Internal Divisions

Political observers are questioning the unity and direction of Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party amid signs that key figures may be prioritizing personal business interests over party loyalty. The analysis suggests that Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing challenges with longtime allies, including Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák, who appears to be focusing on business ventures rather than party solidarity. Smer-SD, the dominant social-democratic party that has led Slovakia for much of the past two decades, has traditionally campaigned on a platform of serving ordinary citizens. The emerging internal tensions raise questions about the party's cohesion and electoral prospects, particularly regarding what would happen to both the party organization and its supporters if Smer-SD were to lose power in upcoming elections.

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Domestic Politics

Slovakia signs agreement to strengthen protection of children abroad

Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and Children's Commissioner Jozef Mikloško signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening the protection of Slovak children's rights abroad. The agreement promises faster state intervention in crisis situations and more effective communication when Slovak children face difficulties in foreign countries. The initiative addresses the need for improved coordination between Slovakia's diplomatic services and child protection authorities to better safeguard young Slovak citizens living or traveling outside the country.

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Domestic Politics

SaS Criticizes SNS Proposal on Cosmetic Salons, SNS Rejects Claims as Misleading

The liberal opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) has criticized a legislative proposal from the Slovak National Party (SNS) concerning cosmetic salons, describing it as gambling with public health. The SNS, a nationalist party that is part of the ruling coalition, has rejected SaS's characterizations as misleading. The dispute centers on proposed regulations for cosmetic salon operations, though specific details of the contested measures were not disclosed in available information.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Political tensions emerge in Slovakia's ruling coalition amid police investigations

Political developments in Slovakia centered on tensions within the ruling coalition, particularly involving Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The day's events also included a police operation at the residence of the brother of State Secretary Radomír Šalitroš, adding to ongoing controversies surrounding government officials. Additionally, internal conflicts emerged within the Slovak National Party (SNS), one of the coalition partners, with reports of a rebel faction forming within the party ranks. The developments highlight growing instability within Slovakia's governing coalition, which consists of Fico's Smer-SD party, Pellegrini's Hlas party, and the nationalist SNS.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Begins Final Session Amid Healthcare and Opposition Debates

Slovakia's National Council, the country's parliament, began its final session of the current term with multiple contentious issues on the agenda. The session comes as political tensions rise over healthcare infrastructure, particularly regarding hospital funding and development in eastern Slovakia. Opposition parties have intensified their criticism of government policies, with debates focusing on regional healthcare needs that could have significant implications for public welfare. The parliamentary proceedings also involve discussions around academic and institutional appointments, reflecting broader political maneuvering as the current legislative term draws to a close.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Concludes First Day of Session with Family Law Debate

The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, ended the first day of its session with debates on proposed changes to family law. Opposition lawmakers criticized the government's decision to combine discussions on two separate legislative proposals that they argued were unrelated to each other. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties over parliamentary procedures and legislative priorities.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Promises New Hospital in Prešov Within 15 Months

Prime Minister Robert Fico has pledged to complete construction of a new hospital in Prešov within one year and three months. The announcement comes as the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), an opposition party, is calling for authorities to review the actual progress of preparations for the National University Hospital project in Vajnory near Bratislava. KDH's demand stems from their experience with delays and issues surrounding the Prešov hospital project, raising concerns about whether similar problems might affect the Vajnory facility. The Vajnory hospital is planned as a major medical facility that would serve the capital region.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Downplays Hospital Crisis, Defends Health Minister Against Opposition Criticism

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico dismissed criticism over problems at a hospital in Prešov, defending Health Minister Kamil Saško against opposition attacks. Fico accused the opposition of overreacting to the hospital issues, sarcastically remarking that there were so many critics present "as if the government was about to fall." The prime minister's comments came as opposition parties intensified their criticism of the government's handling of healthcare problems in the eastern Slovak city. Fico leads a coalition government that has faced mounting pressure over various policy issues since taking office, with healthcare being a recurring source of political controversy in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Christian Democrats Propose Healthcare Fee Limits and Gambling Ad Restrictions

KDH, Slovakia's Christian Democratic Movement party, has unveiled legislative proposals to limit healthcare fees and restrict gambling advertisements. The opposition party also wants to strengthen protections for minors on social media platforms. KDH, a center-right Christian democratic party that is not part of the current ruling coalition, has positioned itself as advocating for social protection measures. The proposals reflect the party's focus on family-oriented policies and public health concerns, though their prospects for passage remain unclear given the party's opposition status in the National Council, Slovakia's parliament.

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Domestic Politics

Smer Party Dominates Slovak Politics Through Senior Voter Support

Smer-SD has established itself as the dominant political force in Slovakia primarily through its appeal to older voters, according to political analysis. The social-democratic party, led by Robert Fico, leveraged strong support among seniors to maintain a powerful opposition presence and subsequently become the strongest party in the current governing coalition. The party's success with this demographic has been crucial to its political resurgence, highlighting the significant influence of older voters in Slovak electoral politics. This demographic strategy has proven particularly effective in a country with an aging population, where senior citizens represent a substantial and reliable voting bloc.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Speaker Ejects Opposition MP Over Jacket Inscription Under New Rules

Parliamentary Speaker Tibor Gašpar ejected opposition MP Alojz Hlina from the assembly hall over a three-word inscription on his jacket, marking one of the first incidents under Slovakia's new parliamentary rules of procedure. The ejection occurred as parliament began operating under revised regulations that Gašpar believes will make proceedings more efficient and improve both behavior and dress standards in the chamber. The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, recently implemented stricter rules governing conduct during sessions, with the ruling coalition arguing the changes will enhance the dignity and effectiveness of parliamentary debates.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Prešov Hospital Becomes Test of Government Focus, Says Commentary

A Slovak commentary has described the situation at Prešov Hospital as a collective test of concentration for Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák's administration. The piece suggests that developments at the medical facility represent a significant challenge that the government cannot afford to mishandle. Kaliňák, a member of the ruling Smer-SD party, serves as interior minister in Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government. The commentary appears to frame the hospital situation as a critical moment requiring careful government attention and proper handling.

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Domestic Politics

Opposition KDH Submits Multiple Proposals to Address Slovak Problems

The opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has submitted several legislative proposals aimed at helping Slovak citizens, criticizing the ruling coalition for failing to deliver concrete solutions to the country's problems. The party argues that the current government is not providing adequate responses to pressing issues facing Slovakia. KDH, a center-right Christian democratic party that sits in opposition to the current ruling coalition led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, positioned its proposals as practical alternatives to what it characterized as the government's inaction on key domestic challenges.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia to Allow Voting Outside Embassies for Citizens Living Abroad

Slovakia will introduce a new voting system that allows citizens living abroad to cast ballots in parliamentary elections outside embassy premises. The change comes through amendments to electoral law proposed by Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party. Currently, Slovak citizens abroad can only vote at diplomatic missions, which limits access for those living far from embassies or consulates. The new legislation aims to make voting more accessible for the estimated hundreds of thousands of Slovak citizens working and living in other European Union countries and beyond.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Interior Ministry to relocate from recently purchased building, opting to pay rent instead of renovation

Slovakia's Interior Ministry will move out of a building it recently purchased and pay rent to a private company instead of proceeding with planned renovations. The ministry, led by Matúš Šutaj Eštok of the ruling Hlas party, had acquired the property but has now decided against refurbishing it. The decision means taxpayers will cover rental costs for alternative premises rather than investment in the state-owned building. The move raises questions about the ministry's property management strategy and the efficient use of public funds, particularly given that the building was only recently brought into state ownership.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Key witness Andruskó appears without mask for first time in Kuciak murder trial

Zoltán Andruskó, a crucial witness in the murder case of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, appeared in court without his face covered for the first time during proceedings in Pezinok on Tuesday. Andruskó told the court he was afraid because authorities had suddenly prohibited him from hiding his face under a mask, which he had been allowed to do in previous hearings. The trial continues to examine the 2018 murders of Kuciak and Kušnírová, as well as alleged orders to kill prosecutors. Kuciak was an investigative journalist who reported on corruption and organized crime before he and his fiancée were shot dead at their home, a case that triggered massive anti-government protests and led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico.

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