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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Hlas Party Refuses to Support Migaľ's Bid for Prešov Regional Governor, Backs Kaliňák Instead

The Hlas party will not support Migaľ's candidacy for governor of the Prešov region, according to party officials. Instead, the ruling social-democratic party sees potential in backing Kaliňák for the position. The decision comes after Hlas previously expelled Migaľ from the party. Regional governors in Slovakia oversee local administration and development in the country's eight self-governing regions, with elections typically drawing significant attention as they influence local policy and EU development funding distribution.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Cancels Liptovský Mikuláš Event Due to Work Meeting

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will not attend a scheduled event in Liptovský Mikuláš, citing a necessary work meeting as the reason for his absence. Fico announced his cancellation during a Sunday press conference, explaining that an unavoidable work consultation prevented him from participating in the planned event in the northern Slovak town.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovaks Can Apply for Referendum Voting Cards Online Until June 15

Slovak citizens can apply electronically for voting cards until June 15, which will allow them to vote in any polling district during an upcoming referendum. The voting card system enables citizens to be added to voter lists in any electoral district, providing flexibility for those who may not be able to vote in their registered location. This electronic application process is part of Slovakia's preparations for the referendum, allowing voters to participate regardless of where they are on voting day.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Korčok Most Acceptable Prime Ministerial Candidate, Šimečka Matches Fico's Support in New Poll

A new Ipsos poll shows that Ivan Korčok, Slovakia's former foreign minister and presidential candidate, enjoys the highest public acceptance as a potential prime minister. The survey reveals that Michal Šimečka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, and current Prime Minister Robert Fico of Smer-SD have equal levels of public acceptance for the role, with approximately 30 percent of voters considering each acceptable. Šimečka received stronger support intensity, with 11 percent of respondents finding him "definitely acceptable" compared to a smaller percentage for Fico, though both politicians polarize the electorate. Progressive Slovakia currently leads opinion polls as the most popular party, while Smer-SD, Fico's ruling social-democratic party, follows as the second strongest political force in the country.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Coalition Council to Discuss Pro-Growth Measures Thursday

Slovakia's ruling coalition council will meet Thursday to discuss pro-growth economic measures, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced. The first decisions on these measures could be adopted at the subsequent government meeting. Fico cited the recent confirmation of Slovakia's A- credit rating with stable outlook by Fitch Ratings as validation of the government's public finance consolidation efforts, with the rating agency recognizing the significance and effectiveness of the fiscal measures.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Expects Justice for Former Police Chief in Očistec Case

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he expects former police chief Milan Gašpar to receive justice in the Očistec corruption case. Gašpar, who previously headed the Slovak police force, has been involved in the high-profile investigation that has targeted several senior officials. Fico also announced plans to visit Handlová on May 15, marking two years since he survived an assassination attempt in the central Slovak town. The prime minister, who leads the ruling Smer-SD party, was shot and seriously wounded in May 2022 while greeting supporters outside a cultural center in Handlová.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Weekly Review: Decodom Bankruptcy, Hormuz Strait Tensions, Whistleblower Disputes and New Cases Against Fico and Kaliňák

Slovakia experienced several major developments this week, ranging from economic turmoil to political scandals. The collapse of Decodom, a significant business failure, dominated domestic headlines alongside rising tensions in international waters near the Hormuz Strait. The week also saw heated disputes over whistleblower protections, highlighting ongoing debates about transparency and accountability in Slovak institutions. New legal cases emerged involving prominent political figures Robert Fico, leader of the ruling Smer-SD party and current Prime Minister, and Robert Kaliňák, a longtime Smer politician and former interior minister. Additionally, a scandal involving the Prešov hospital added to the week's controversies, reflecting broader concerns about governance and corruption in Slovakia's public sector.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Decodom Real Estate Giant Collapses Amid Broader Week of Political and Legal Developments

Slovakia experienced a turbulent week marked by the collapse of major real estate developer Decodom, one of the country's largest property companies. The firm's bankruptcy sent shockwaves through the Slovak real estate sector and raised concerns about potential impacts on homebuyers and investors who had committed funds to the company's projects. The week also saw escalating political tensions over judicial reforms involving cooperating witnesses, known locally as "kajúcnici" - defendants who provide testimony against co-conspirators in exchange for reduced sentences. This dispute reflects broader disagreements between the ruling coalition and opposition over the country's justice system and anti-corruption efforts. Additionally, new legal controversies emerged involving Prime Minister Robert Fico, leader of the ruling Smer-SD party, and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, along with issues surrounding a hospital in Prešov, eastern Slovakia's largest city. These developments add to ongoing political pressures facing Fico's government, which has been in power since forming a coalition following elections in 2023.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Project Backed by Kočner Associate Halted After Heated Council Debate

A local council meeting erupted in heated exchanges as representatives debated a controversial project supported by an associate of Marián Kočner, Slovakia's most notorious businessman currently serving prison time for murder. The discussion grew so intense that inflammatory language about lynching and white horses was reportedly used during the proceedings. The project ultimately received a halt from the council amid the contentious debate. Kočner, a media mogul and businessman, was convicted in 2022 for ordering the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée in 2018, a case that triggered massive protests and brought down the government of Robert Fico.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Former Police Chief Gašpar's Parliamentary Work Focused on Opposition and Ex-President Kiska

Tibor Gašpar, a former police chief who became a member of parliament for Smer-SD, has focused his legislative work on targeting political opponents and former President Andrej Kiska. Since taking office as an MP, Gašpar has gained attention for proposing amendments to criminal legislation. Among his notable initiatives was successfully pushing through a parliamentary resolution stating that Kiska had "dishonored" the presidential office. Smer-SD is Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, while Kiska served as president from 2014 to 2019 before founding the opposition party For the People.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Coalition Party Demands Zero Tax for Mothers, Higher Birth Allowances

Hlas-SD, a ruling coalition party in Slovakia, is demanding zero income tax for mothers of at least four children and increased birth allowances as conditions for supporting the government's budget proposal. The party has indicated it will have difficulty backing the budget without these family support measures being included. Party representatives have suggested they would be open to lowering the threshold to mothers with three or more children during negotiations. Hlas-SD is part of the three-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, making their budget support crucial for the government's fiscal plans.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Opposition SaS proposes changes to electoral law to address inequality in municipal and regional elections

Slovakia's opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) has proposed amendments to the country's electoral law aimed at eliminating inequality in municipal and regional elections. The party, which is part of the parliamentary opposition, has submitted the proposal to address what it views as unfair disparities in the current electoral system for local and regional government elections. SaS is a liberal political party that has historically advocated for political and electoral reforms in Slovakia. The proposed changes would affect how voters elect representatives to municipal councils and regional self-governing bodies, though specific details of the amendments were not disclosed.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Opposition MP Criticizes Changes to Film Fund as Cultural Setback

Opposition lawmaker Malatinec said members of parliament feel deceived regarding changes to the Audiovisual Fund, arguing the modifications will negatively impact Slovakia's cultural sector. The politician, who represents the opposition in the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, expressed concerns that the alterations to the film funding mechanism could harm cultural development in the country. Malatinec is also considering running for chairman of the Banská Bystrica regional government, indicating potential ambitions for regional political leadership beyond his current parliamentary role.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Party Smer-SD Draws Criticism for May Day Event Content

Slovakia's main opposition party Smer-SD faced criticism for its May Day celebration event, which featured controversial content including sexist remarks, references to Russia, and discussions about women's social clubs. The party's May 1st gathering drew attention for what critics characterized as inappropriate messaging during the traditional workers' holiday commemoration. Smer-SD, led by former prime minister Robert Fico, remains Slovakia's largest opposition party following its defeat in the 2020 parliamentary elections, though it continues to maintain significant popular support and frequently advocates for closer ties with Russia while taking conservative positions on social issues.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Minister Links Personnel Changes to Central Bank Governor Re-election

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has made coalition personnel changes conditional on the re-election of Peter Kažimír as governor of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), the country's central bank. The statement emerged during political discussions, suggesting internal negotiations within Slovakia's ruling coalition over key appointments. The development indicates potential friction within the government coalition led by Smer-SD, as personnel decisions appear to be tied to maintaining control over the central bank leadership. Kažimír, who currently serves as NBS governor, would need parliamentary approval for another term, making his re-election subject to coalition dynamics and political bargaining.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Pro-Russian Motorcycle Group Rides Through Slovakia as Prime Minister Visits Moscow

The motorcycle group Brat za brata (Brother for Brother) conducted a ride through Slovakia while Prime Minister Robert Fico was visiting Moscow, creating tensions at a military cemetery in Zvolen. The events brought together two contrasting worlds that protesters described as propaganda efforts. The motorcycle group's activities coincided with Fico's controversial diplomatic mission to Russia, highlighting Slovakia's deepening pro-Russian orientation under the current government. Fico leads Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party that has shifted Slovakia's foreign policy toward closer ties with Moscow since returning to power.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak TV Studios to Host Government and Opposition Figures for Weekend Discussions on Moscow Visit and Consolidation

Television and radio studios across Slovakia will welcome key government and opposition representatives this weekend for political discussions. The programs are expected to focus on Prime Minister Robert Fico's recent visit to Moscow and the government's controversial fiscal consolidation measures. The weekend talk shows will provide a platform for debate between ruling coalition members and opposition politicians on these significant political developments that have dominated Slovak public discourse.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Satire Struggles to Interpret Government Minister's Confusing Statement

Slovak satirists and commentators found themselves puzzling over a confusing statement made by a government minister this week, with some humorously suggesting that a heavy lunch may have contributed to the unclear remarks. The incident has become a source of entertainment in Slovak political circles, highlighting the sometimes bewildering nature of political communication. Political satire shows and social media accounts have been attempting to decode what the minister actually intended to say, turning the verbal misstep into comedic material for public consumption.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Second Váhostav Scandal Damages Smer Party's Reputation

Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party faces renewed controversy over its connections to Váhostav, a major construction company that has been at the center of multiple scandals. The social-democratic party, which leads the current government coalition, is struggling with what analysts describe as a significant reputational crisis stemming from its ongoing association with the controversial contractor. Váhostav has previously been linked to various corruption allegations and questionable business practices in Slovakia's construction sector. The phrase "you can only go to the well so many times" suggests that the party's ability to weather repeated scandals involving the same company may be reaching its limits, potentially undermining public trust in the governing party.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

House for Sale After Scandal, Frozen Hospital Construction and Fico's Moscow Visit Highlight Political Tensions

A property linked to a recent scandal has been put up for sale while a hospital construction project remains suspended, according to developments reported Friday. The day also saw Prime Minister Robert Fico travel to Moscow, adding to ongoing political disputes in Slovakia. Additional controversies emerged concerning police operations and the extension of the R1 expressway project. These developments reflect broader tensions within Slovak politics, as Fico's government faces scrutiny over various policy decisions and institutional matters. The Smer-SD leader's visit to Russia comes amid Slovakia's complex balancing act between its EU membership and maintaining relationships with Moscow.

Aktuality
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