Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 15:41 · 49 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2253 stories
Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Leader Claims Security Services Leaked Phone Bill Records

Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, accused security services of orchestrating intelligence operations against him after records emerged showing his phone bill was paid by a non-governmental organization led by his mother in 2012. The bill concerned a phone number Šimečka had inherited from his grandmother. Šimečka characterized the revelation as part of a broader "intelligence game" targeting him and his family. Progressive Slovakia is Slovakia's largest opposition party and has been critical of the current government led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party. The controversy adds to ongoing political tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition forces in Slovakia.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Attends New Tank Presentation by Defense Contractor Strnad

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico attended a presentation of a new tank by defense contractor Strnad in Bratislava. The demonstration marks the latest in a series of increasingly frequent appearances by Fico alongside defense industry representatives. Following the approach of Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák, Fico has been emphasizing the importance of defense companies for Slovakia's economy and security. The Slovak government has been strengthening ties with the domestic defense sector as part of broader efforts to boost military capabilities amid regional security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Council Group in Poprad Seeks to Redraw City's Electoral Districts Despite Mayor's Opposition

An opposition faction in Poprad's city council is pushing to redraw the electoral districts within the city, facing resistance from the mayor. The proposal to change the voting boundaries will be discussed again at the end of May, indicating ongoing political disagreement over the electoral map in Slovakia's High Tatras region city. Poprad, located in northern Slovakia near the Polish border, is a significant tourism center and the largest city in the Prešov region after Košice. The dispute over electoral boundaries reflects broader tensions between the opposition council members and the mayor's administration over local governance and political representation.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Files Criminal Complaint Over Interior Minister's Involvement in Prešov Hospital Project

The Democrats, an opposition political party, have filed a criminal complaint regarding Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák's involvement in a hospital project in Prešov, eastern Slovakia. The party alleges that serious irregularities may have occurred in connection with the project. The Democrats have questioned what Kaliňák may be concealing about his role in the Prešov hospital development. The complaint suggests potential wrongdoing in the handling of the healthcare infrastructure project, though specific details of the alleged irregularities have not been disclosed.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Finance Minister Signals End of Transaction Tax as Coalition Prepares Negotiations

Slovak Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický has indicated that the controversial transaction tax may be abolished, with coalition parties set to open discussions on scrapping the levy. Kamenický, who represents Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party that leads Slovakia's three-party coalition government, expressed expectations that an agreement will be reached on eliminating the tax. The transaction tax, which applies a small fee to electronic payments and bank transfers, has been a source of debate since its introduction, with critics arguing it burdens consumers and businesses while supporters view it as a revenue source for public finances.

Bratislavak
|
Domestic Politics

Major corruption trial postponed as Slovak court consolidates related cases

The long-awaited trial in the high-profile Očistec (Purgatory) corruption case began yesterday at the Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica, more than four years after charges were filed. However, the proceedings were immediately suspended after the first day, with all scheduled May hearings cancelled as the court moves to consolidate related cases. The trial has been postponed until June to allow for the merger of connected proceedings. The Očistec case is one of Slovakia's major corruption investigations handled by the Specialized Criminal Court, which deals with serious organized crime and high-level corruption cases.

Košice Dnes
|
Domestic Politics

Trial in Major Očistec Corruption Case Postponed After Opening Day

The trial in Slovakia's high-profile Očistec corruption case began at the Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica after more than four years since charges were filed, but was immediately postponed until June. The court suspended proceedings on the first day and cancelled all scheduled May hearings due to the consolidation of related cases. The Očistec case is one of Slovakia's major anti-corruption investigations handled by the Specialized Criminal Court, which deals with serious organized crime and corruption cases involving public officials and significant financial crimes.

Košice Dnes
|
Domestic Politics

Defense Minister Blames Contractor for Halted Hospital Construction Project

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák defended the government's handling of a stalled hospital construction project, asserting that the state did not fail and that the contractor was responsible for the problems. Kaliňák, a member of the ruling Smer-SD party, criticized the opposition for lacking sufficient information about the project. An assessment of the situation is expected to be completed next week, which may provide more clarity on the construction delays and determine next steps for the hospital project.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Minister Suspends Military Hospital Construction in Prešov Due to Quality Concerns

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák announced on April 30 that his ministry has suspended construction of a military hospital in Prešov, a city in eastern Slovakia. The suspension was ordered to conduct quality inspections of work performed on the building's structural load-bearing elements. Kaliňák rejected criticism that the state had failed in managing the hospital project, though the suspension raises questions about oversight of the construction process.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia Described as 'Country of Imitators' in Critical Commentary

A commentary in Slovak media has characterized Slovakia as a "country of imitators," warning that a nation which only pretends to function as a state will eventually discover that the pretense has ended. The piece suggests Slovakia is engaged in superficial governance rather than substantive statecraft, though the specific examples or context behind this critique were not detailed in the available summary.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Hlas Party Proposes Referendum to Shorten Electoral Term, Unaware of Justice Ministry Draft

Slovakia's ruling Hlas party has announced its own proposal for a referendum to shorten the current parliamentary term, according to party officials. The development comes amid apparent confusion within the governing coalition, as Hlas representatives stated they were not informed about a similar draft proposal from the Justice Ministry. The Slovak National Party (SNS), another coalition partner, also confirmed it has no information about the Justice Ministry's initiative. The competing proposals highlight coordination issues within Prime Minister Robert Fico's three-party coalition government, which includes Smer-SD, Hlas, and SNS. Early elections could potentially reshape Slovakia's political landscape, as the current parliament was elected in 2023 following the previous government's collapse.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliamentary Speaker Boris Kollár Faces Enforcement Action After Failing to Issue Court-Ordered Apology

Boris Kollár, leader of the We Are Family party and former speaker of parliament, has failed to comply with a court-ordered deadline to publicly apologize to Ján Čurilla, prompting the plaintiff's lawyer to file for enforcement action. The ten-day deadline for the apology expired without Kollár fulfilling the legal requirement, despite having a final court judgment against him. The case stems from Kollár's 2021 comments referring to the "Čurilla mafia," which led to the defamation lawsuit. Čurilla's legal team is now pursuing enforcement proceedings to compel compliance with the court's ruling requiring a public apology.

SMEAktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Banner Comparing Slovak PM Fico to Hitler and Putin Appears in Košice After Moscow Visit

A banner featuring Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico alongside images of Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin was displayed in Košice following Fico's recent visit to Moscow. The protest banner was organized by Košický odboj, a local activist group. The demonstration reflects growing criticism of Fico's diplomatic engagement with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD party, has faced opposition criticism for maintaining dialogue with Moscow while Slovakia remains a NATO and EU member state.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Justice Ministry Prepares Constitutional Amendment to Ease Early Elections

Slovakia's Justice Ministry is preparing a constitutional amendment that would make early elections easier to trigger, giving politicians greater incentive to seek them more frequently. The proposed change would put Slovakia in rare company, as only one other European country has similar provisions for dissolving parliament. The development comes as Prime Minister Robert Fico's government faces ongoing political pressures and follows previous tensions with the Constitutional Court over various legal and institutional matters.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Former Progressive Slovakia Deputy Leader Considers Legal Action After Expulsion

Martin Pekár, former deputy leader of Progressive Slovakia, is considering filing a lawsuit and criminal complaints against the party following his expulsion. Progressive Slovakia removed Pekár from the party due to allegations of suspicious financing and harassment of women. Pekár has denounced his expulsion as a political process and is preparing legal retaliation against the liberal opposition party. Progressive Slovakia is one of Slovakia's main opposition parties, positioning itself as a pro-European liberal alternative to the current government coalition led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Očistec Case Reaches Court to Determine Police Ties to Criminal Group

The Očistec criminal case has finally reached court proceedings in Slovakia. The case centers on allegations that police officers may have served as accomplices to an organized crime group. The trial will examine whether law enforcement officials were compromised and actively assisted criminal activities rather than investigating them. The Očistec case represents a significant test of Slovakia's judicial system in addressing corruption within its police force and determining the extent of collaboration between law enforcement and criminal organizations.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Overrides Presidential Veto on Collective Investment Law

Slovakia's parliament has overridden President Peter Pellegrini's veto of amendments to the collective investment law, allowing the legislation to take effect without his signature. Pellegrini refused to sign the bill for the second time, but lawmakers voted to break his veto, demonstrating their authority to enact legislation even when the president opposes it. In Slovakia's parliamentary system, the president serves largely as a ceremonial head of state, while the National Council holds primary legislative power and can override presidential vetoes with sufficient support.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition MP Jaroslav Naď Confronted by Protesters, Called 'Ukrainian Collaborator'

Jaroslav Naď, a Slovak opposition politician, was confronted by protesters who shouted "Ukrainian collaborator" at him during an incident last week. Images and videos of the confrontation, including footage showing Naď making an obscene gesture, have circulated widely on social media. Naď, a former defense minister and member of the opposition Democracts party, described the incident as "unbelievable." The confrontation reflects Slovakia's deepening political divisions over the country's support for Ukraine, with the current government led by Robert Fico taking a more critical stance toward military aid to Kyiv compared to the previous administration in which Naď served.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Signs Amended Product Conformity Assessment Law

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has signed an amended law on product conformity assessment following parliamentary revisions. The legislation is designed to improve market functioning during crisis situations by streamlining the process for evaluating whether products meet required standards and regulations. The law received parliamentary approval after a second reading, which typically indicates that lawmakers made modifications to the original proposal before final passage.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Security Service Now Escorts Defendants as Well as Judges to Court

Slovakia's security service has expanded its protective escort duties beyond judges to include defendants in high-profile cases, according to recent developments. The change represents an evolution in court security procedures, with protective services now being provided to both judicial officials and accused individuals in sensitive proceedings. This development comes amid ongoing high-stakes legal proceedings in Slovakia's courts, where security concerns have prompted enhanced protection measures for various participants in the judicial process.

Dennik N
|