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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Company Converts Soviet Cannon to Western Standards Ahead of Bratislava Arms Fair

A Slovak defense company in Dubnica has successfully converted a Soviet-era cannon to Western technical standards, according to Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák, though the weapon has not yet performed to full expectations in testing. The development comes as Slovakia prepares to host the IDEB arms fair in Bratislava after a two-year hiatus. Finnish defense contractor Patria is expected to showcase vehicles at the exhibition, though it remains unclear whether these will be equipped with weapons systems. The conversion project represents Slovakia's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and move away from Soviet-era military equipment toward NATO-compatible systems.

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Domestic Politics

Cocaine-Charged Musician Performs at Interior Ministry's Anti-Drug Campaign

René Strausz, a musician performing under the name Rene Rendy who faces cocaine-related charges, appeared at an anti-drug roadshow organized by Slovakia's Interior Ministry. The ministry, led by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, does not have a direct contract with the performer. The apparent contradiction of featuring a musician charged with drug offenses at an anti-drug campaign highlights questions about the ministry's vetting process for public events aimed at promoting drug prevention.

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Domestic Politics

Two Candidates Emerge for 2026 Mayoral Race in Snina

The 2026 municipal elections in Snina, a town in eastern Slovakia, have drawn interest from two candidates for mayor. The current mayor has announced plans to seek re-election, while a local ranch owner has also expressed interest in running for the position. Snina, located near Slovakia's borders with Poland and Ukraine, will hold its municipal elections as part of the nationwide local government voting scheduled for 2026.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Advanced Military Aircraft to Fly Over Bratislava for IDEB Defence & Security 2026

Military aircraft of unprecedented sophistication will conduct flyovers above Bratislava as part of IDEB Defence & Security 2026, an international defense exhibition. The aerial displays will feature advanced military aviation technology that the Slovak capital has not previously witnessed during such events. IDEB Defence & Security is a major regional defense industry trade show that showcases military equipment, technology, and capabilities to international buyers and defense officials.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Leader Faces Pressure Over Father's Forum Scandal

Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, is facing political pressure over a corruption scandal involving his father's organization. The Project Forum case centers on the Central European Forum, a prominent non-governmental organization that allegedly misused public funds. The scandal has damaged the reputation of Slovakia's civil society sector and raised questions about widespread corruption among non-profit organizations. Despite calls for his resignation, Šimečka shows no indication of stepping down as party leader. The case has broader implications for Slovakia's image as a country committed to democratic values and good governance, particularly affecting public trust in civil society organizations that have played a key role in the country's post-communist transformation.

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Domestic Politics

President Signs Amendment Reducing Property Ownership Requirements for Government Construction Grants

President Peter Pellegrini signed into law an amendment that reduces the mandatory property ownership period for recipients of construction grants from the Government Office. The sustainability period for properties built with government grants will be shortened from ten years to five years. The change is designed to simplify administrative procedures and provide greater flexibility for grant recipients who receive funding for construction projects through the Government Office, which oversees various state subsidy programs.

SMEAktuality
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Domestic Politics

Fico Pre-judges Očistec Case Outcome, Declares Gašpar Innocent

Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly declared former police chief Tibor Gašpar innocent in the ongoing Očistec corruption case, effectively prejudging the outcome before the court reaches its verdict. Fico's statement raises concerns about potential political interference in the judicial process. The Očistec case involves allegations of corruption within Slovakia's police force during Gašpar's tenure as police president from 2012 to 2018. Legal observers hope that judges will disregard the prime minister's public pronouncement and base their decision solely on evidence presented in court, maintaining the independence of Slovakia's judiciary from political influence.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Prosecutor Recommends Charges Against Marian Kočner in Technopol Case

Investigators have recommended bringing formal charges against convicted businessman Marian Kočner in connection with the Technopol case, marking the conclusion of the investigation phase. The recommendation comes as the probe into the controversial Technopol company reaches its final stages. Kočner, already serving time for financial fraud involving promissory notes, has been a central figure in multiple high-profile corruption investigations in Slovakia. The Technopol case represents another chapter in the ongoing legal battles surrounding one of Slovakia's most notorious businessmen, who has been linked to various scandals involving alleged connections between business and political circles.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Ministry Procures Medium-Heavy Helicopters

Slovakia's Interior Ministry is moving forward with the acquisition of medium-heavy helicopters for its operations. The ministry has expressed interest in purchasing up to four aircraft as part of its equipment modernization efforts. The Interior Ministry in Slovakia oversees domestic security operations, including police forces and emergency response units, which typically use helicopters for law enforcement, search and rescue missions, and disaster response activities.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Opens Major Corruption Trial Against Former Top Officials and Oligarch

A specialized criminal court in Slovakia has opened the Očistec (Purgatory) case, one of the country's most significant corruption trials involving prominent former officials and an oligarch. The defendants include Tibor Gašpar, former police chief, Norbert Bödör, a wealthy businessman described as an oligarch with ties to the ruling party, and Dušan Kováčik, former special prosecutor. Also facing charges are Peter Hraško, Róbert Krajmer, Bernard Slobodník, Ladislav Makó, František Imrecze, and several other defendants. The case involves nominees and associates of Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, and represents a major test of the country's efforts to combat high-level corruption. The Specialized Criminal Court, which handles the most serious corruption and organized crime cases, is overseeing the proceedings in what has become one of Slovakia's most closely watched trials involving the intersection of politics, law enforcement, and business interests.

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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leaders Call for Swift Conclusion of Major Očistec Corruption Case

Opposition leaders in Slovakia are demanding the rapid conclusion of the Očistec corruption case currently before the courts. The leaders described the ongoing trial of defendants Norbert B. and Tibor G. as a crucial test of the country's judicial system and commitment to justice. The Očistec case is one of several high-profile corruption investigations that have gripped Slovak politics in recent years, involving allegations of criminal networks and abuse of power. Opposition parties, which are not part of the current ruling coalition, view the case as a barometer for whether Slovakia's courts can effectively prosecute major corruption cases and hold powerful figures accountable.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Mayor Arrested After Allegedly Taking Money from Municipal Account

A Slovak mayor has been arrested and detained after allegedly withdrawing money from his municipality's official account for personal use. The case came to light following an investigation by the municipality's chief controller. This is not the first legal controversy involving the mayor, according to the report, though details of previous cases were not specified.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Opposition SaS Party Plans Focus on Family Business Policies

The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party announced plans to develop systematic measures supporting family businesses in Slovakia. The liberal party will work with economist Monika Naďová Krošláková to prepare policy proposals aimed at strengthening this sector of the economy. SaS, which was previously part of the governing coalition before losing parliamentary representation in the 2023 elections, has been positioning itself as a pro-business alternative to the current ruling coalition led by Smer-SD. The initiative reflects the party's continued focus on economic liberalization and support for private enterprise as it seeks to rebuild its political relevance in opposition.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Public Television Suspends Host for Moderating Smer Party Event

Slovak public television STVR suspended presenter Karin Majtánová from hosting her show "Dámsky klub" (Ladies' Club) for one month after she moderated a May Day celebration organized by the ruling party Smer in Bánovce nad Bebravou. The broadcaster stated that while it respects the civic rights and professional freedom of its employees, it expects public television personalities to avoid activities that could raise questions about their impartiality. The suspension highlights ongoing tensions over journalistic independence at Slovakia's public broadcaster, which faces scrutiny over political influence since Smer returned to power following elections last year.

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Domestic Politics

Government Commissioner Daško Rejects Opposition Calls for Resignation

A Slovak government commissioner has dismissed calls for his resignation amid political pressure from the opposition. Progresívne Slovensko, a liberal opposition party, has demanded that the commissioner step down from his position. However, the official has stated he sees no reason to comply with the demands and intends to remain in his role. The dispute reflects broader tensions between Slovakia's ruling coalition and opposition parties over government appointments and accountability.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Court Suspends Major Police Corruption Case, Leaving Single Defendant to Face Trial

A Slovak court has suspended the high-profile Očistec (Purgatory) corruption case at its outset, leaving only one defendant to proceed to trial. Police officer Roman Stahl was originally charged alongside former police chief Tibor Gašpar and businessman Norbert Bödör in what was known as the Ezechiel 7 case. However, the proceedings against Gašpar and Bödör have been halted, with Stahl now facing trial alone. The case represents part of Slovakia's broader efforts to prosecute corruption within law enforcement and business circles, though the court's decision to suspend the main proceedings suggests potential legal complications in the prosecution's case against the high-profile defendants.

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Domestic Politics

Očistec Corruption Trial Begins with All Ten Defendants Present

All ten defendants appeared in court as the trial in the Očistec corruption case officially began in Slovakia. Among those facing charges are former police chief Tibor Gašpar and businessman Norbert Bödör, who are key figures in the high-profile case. The presiding judge banned online broadcasting of the proceedings, preventing public access to live coverage of the trial. The Očistec case represents one of Slovakia's major corruption investigations, involving allegations of abuse of power and improper conduct within law enforcement circles. Gašpar served as the country's police chief from 2012 to 2018, while Bödör is a prominent businessman who has faced multiple criminal charges in recent years. The case is being closely watched as part of Slovakia's ongoing efforts to address corruption within state institutions and restore public trust in the justice system.

SMEAktualityBratislavak
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Domestic Politics

Former Police Chief Tibor Gašpar Faces Trial in Major Corruption Case

Former police chief Tibor Gašpar, businessman Norbert Bödör, ex-special prosecutor Dušan Kováčik and other prominent figures began facing trial today in the Očistec case, described as Slovakia's most important court proceeding this year and likely next. The case centers on corruption allegations that sparked a political conflict between Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, and a group of police investigators known as the "Čurillovci" after former police investigator Ján Čurilla. The trial represents a significant moment in Slovakia's ongoing battle against high-level corruption, with the charges involving abuse of power and obstruction of justice by senior law enforcement officials and their alleged connections to organized crime figures.

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Domestic Politics

Two Slovak City Councilors Face Charges for Vote Manipulation in Secret Ballot

Prosecutors have filed charges against two city councilors in Kežmarok, northern Slovakia, for allegedly falsifying a secret ballot during a crucial vote on changes to the city's territorial plan. A third councilor involved in the incident has reached a plea agreement with authorities. The case represents a significant precedent in Slovakia, highlighting vulnerabilities in local democratic processes and the mechanisms that govern municipal self-administration. The charges stem from what prosecutors describe as manipulation of the secret voting procedure during the key decision-making process about urban planning changes in the historic mountain town.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Described as 'Ruthless Political Cannibal' in Commentary

A political commentary has characterized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as a "ruthless political cannibal," suggesting an end to political alliances. The commentary, written by Petr Bárdy, appears to address Fico's approach to political relationships and coalition management. Fico, who leads the social-democratic Smer-SD party, returned to power in 2023 after forming a coalition government following parliamentary elections. The commentary suggests tensions within Slovakia's political landscape, though specific details about which alliances or partnerships are dissolving were not provided in the available information.

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