Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 21:40 · 36 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2254 stories
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
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Faces Growing Domestic Challenges as Government Support Wanes

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is encountering mounting political difficulties as his administration struggles with declining public support and several controversial issues. Political analysts suggest that Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák should consider resignation amid ongoing criticism of his performance. The government is also facing scrutiny over alleged connections between Russian allies and Slovak political figures. Meanwhile, mixed reactions emerged from recent public holidays in Bratislava and district towns, reflecting broader tensions in Slovak society. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, has been criticized for avoiding key domestic issues while the country faces various internal challenges that require immediate attention from the government coalition.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Mayor Challenges Regional Governance Structure in State Reform Debate

The mayor of Trenčín and president of the Union of Slovak Cities has criticized Slovakia's current regional governance system, arguing that politically created higher territorial units (VÚC) cannot serve as the foundation of the state. The criticism comes as local government associations launch discussions about comprehensive state administration reform that goes beyond technical issues of competencies and financing. The debate centers on fundamental questions about Slovakia's future governance structure, particularly whether municipalities and cities will maintain their autonomy or gradually become mere implementing units under regional control. Slovakia's current system includes eight self-governing regions (VÚC) established after the country's transition to democracy, which serve as an intermediate level of government between the national government and local municipalities.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Figure's Associate Puts House Up for Sale Days After Document Forgery Allegations

Andrea Puková, an associate of opposition leader Igor Matovič's mother, has put her house in an upscale Bratislava neighborhood up for sale just one week after being accused of document forgery. The allegations emerged when Marta Šimečková publicly released documents suggesting that Puková had falsified bank statements. Matovič leads the OĽaNO party, which was previously part of Slovakia's ruling coalition but is now in opposition following government changes in recent years. The timing of the property sale has raised questions about whether it is connected to the recent allegations, though no official charges have been announced in connection with the document forgery claims.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Judge Orders Pre-Trial Detention for Man Who Crashed Into Fountain During Police Chase in Bratislava

A Slovak judge ordered pre-trial detention on Friday afternoon for a man who crashed his car into a fountain in Bratislava's Petržalka district during a police chase on Wednesday evening. The incident prompted plainclothes police officers to open fire during the pursuit through the residential area. Petržalka is the largest housing estate district in Bratislava, home to over 100,000 residents, where such dramatic police operations are relatively uncommon.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Accuses Interior Minister of Using Ministry Resources for Campaign Activities in Prešov Region

Opposition party Progresívne Slovensko has accused Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok of using ministry resources to build campaign support in the Prešov region. The progressive party, which sits in opposition to the ruling coalition, is demanding transparency regarding the costs of the minister's official trips to the eastern Slovak region. The allegations suggest the minister may be leveraging his official position and state resources for political campaigning purposes, a practice that would raise questions about the proper use of public funds and the separation between official duties and party political activities.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Weekly Review: Political Developments Draw Comparisons to Past Scandals

Slovak commentators this week drew parallels between current developments at the Public Procurement Authority and past political controversies. The comparison specifically referenced former Justice Minister Gašpar's tenure at the judicial council Očistec, suggesting similar patterns of influence and control. Political analysts Petková, Štrasser, Šáteková, and Čikovský selected this as a significant political development of the week, alongside other notable events and overlooked moments in Slovak politics.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Public Procurement Office welcomes approval of law amendment expanding oversight powers

Slovakia's Public Procurement Office welcomed the approval of amendments to the country's public procurement law that will expand the agency's supervisory capabilities. The legislative changes will allow the office's oversight division to implement a prioritization policy in its monitoring activities. The Public Procurement Office serves as Slovakia's watchdog agency responsible for overseeing government contracts and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, playing a crucial role in preventing corruption and ensuring transparent use of public funds in state purchases and projects.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Defense Minister Questions Military Hospital Construction Standards in Prešov

Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď revealed an assessment showing that none of the concrete pillars at a military hospital construction site in Prešov meet required standards. The minister questioned why Prime Minister Robert Fico and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok remain silent on the construction issues. The development raises concerns about construction quality and oversight at the military medical facility project in eastern Slovakia's largest city.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Teachers' Association Objects to Interior Ministry Campaign

The Slovak Chamber of Teachers has raised objections to a campaign run by the Interior Ministry. The ministry's "Na vlastnej koži" (On Your Own Skin) project has drawn criticism from educators, though the Interior Ministry defended the initiative, stating it was not designed to frighten children or expose them to inappropriate content. The Slovak Chamber of Teachers represents the country's teaching professionals and frequently advocates on educational policy matters. The nature of the specific objections raised by the teachers' organization was not detailed, though the ministry's defensive response suggests the campaign involves content that educators consider potentially harmful or unsuitable for students.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Warns of Rising Military Tensions on Victory Day Anniversary

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe by honoring those who fought for freedom while warning about deteriorating global order. In his statement commemorating Victory Day over fascism, Pellegrini highlighted the concerning trend of major powers increasingly turning to military force to resolve conflicts. The president used the historical occasion to draw parallels between past and present, urging vigilance against allowing the horrors of war to become reality again. Pellegrini's remarks reflect growing concerns about international stability as conflicts continue in various parts of the world.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Honors WWII Anniversary, Calls for Return to Peace Principles

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II on Friday at the Soviet soldiers' military cemetery in Bôrik, Žilina. During the ceremony, Blanár emphasized that the international community must return to peaceful foundations, highlighting the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the war. The commemoration took place at one of Slovakia's significant war memorial sites, where Soviet soldiers who died fighting against Nazi Germany are buried.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Speaker Calls for Democracy Defense on WWII Victory Day

Richard Raši, Speaker of Slovakia's National Council, called for protecting peace through the strength of law and democratic values during commemorations of Victory Day over fascism. The Hlas-SD party leader emphasized that the current task is not merely to remember the past, but to courageously and unitedly defend peace through democratic principles. His statement came as Slovakia marked the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on May 8th, a significant national remembrance day that honors the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Slovakia.

Košice Dnes
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Interior Minister Again Suspends Senior Police Investigator Ďurka

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has once again suspended senior police investigator Pavel Ďurka from duty, citing new criminal charges filed against him in early March. The suspension is reportedly connected to charges in the Kajúcnik case. Ďurka is a prominent investigator who has worked on high-profile corruption and organized crime cases in Slovakia. The move comes as the investigator faces multiple legal challenges, with the interior minister citing the new charges as grounds for removing him from active service. The suspension represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between the current government and investigators involved in major anti-corruption cases.

SMEAktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Police Chief Proposes Changes to Professional Competency Certificate System

Police President Tibor Gašpar is proposing legislative changes that would eliminate the requirement for examinations when issuing new professional competency certificates. The proposed amendment would streamline the current system by removing the mandatory testing component that applicants currently must complete to obtain these credentials. Gašpar, who heads Slovakia's national police force, believes the change would simplify administrative processes while maintaining professional standards in relevant sectors.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Court to Begin Major Police Corruption Trial Involving Former Top Officials

A major corruption trial involving Slovakia's former police chief Tibor Gašpar and his alleged network within the police force is set to begin, drawing significant media attention. Gašpar was released from custody in November 2021 after spending a year in detention, declining to answer journalists' questions and stating he would focus on his defense until the case concludes. The trial, known as "Očistec" (Purgatory), involves multiple defendants accused of corruption within Slovakia's police hierarchy. The case represents one of the most significant challenges to Slovakia's law enforcement establishment, with prosecutors alleging the existence of a corrupt network that operated at high levels within the police force. The proceedings will shed light on the extent of alleged corruption and abuse of power within Slovakia's police during Gašpar's tenure as police chief.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Former Deputy Governor Migaľ Announces Candidacy for Prešov Regional Governor

Marián Migaľ has announced his candidacy for the position of Prešov regional governor, positioning himself as a full-time alternative to current and potential candidates. The announcement comes as Migaľ distances himself from both incumbent governor Milan Mazurek and another potential candidate, Majerský. Migaľ emphasized that the Prešov region requires a leader who can dedicate themselves fully to the role, suggesting that his opponents may not offer the same level of commitment. The Prešov Self-Governing Region, located in eastern Slovakia, is one of the country's eight regional administrative units responsible for education, healthcare, culture, and regional development. Regional governor elections in Slovakia typically see multiple candidates competing for four-year terms to lead these important administrative bodies.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Commentary Reflects on Political Future After Recent Tensions

A Slovak commentator drew parallels between a cookbook title and recent political discourse, referencing the frequently mentioned term "dog's mother" that has gained prominence in Slovak political rhetoric over the past three years. The commentary speculated about the current prime minister's political future, drawing comparisons to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and questioning which political forces might ultimately prevail in Slovakia. The piece mentioned various political actors including references to the Miazga movement and other political groups, though the commentary's fragmented nature suggests it may be part of a larger opinion piece examining the current state of Slovak politics and potential future scenarios.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Commentary Critiques Government's Peace Rhetoric

A Slovak political commentator has published a critique titled "The Lie About Peace," drawing parallels to George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" with its famous contradictory slogans "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." The commentary by Peter Bárdy appears to challenge official government narratives about peace, suggesting contradictions in current political discourse. The reference to Orwell's totalitarian themes indicates the piece likely critiques what the author views as doublespeak or misleading rhetoric from Slovak authorities regarding military or foreign policy matters.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia Marks 81st Anniversary of Victory Over Fascism Amid Political Tensions

Slovakia commemorated the 81st anniversary of the victory over fascism with memorial ceremonies at Slavín monument in Bratislava and across the country, attended by top constitutional officials and political representatives. The opposition Progressive Slovakia party criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico's recent trip to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations, highlighting ongoing political tensions over the government's foreign policy orientation. The day's events included not only memorial services but also political press conferences and discussions about postal voting arrangements for Slovak students studying abroad, reflecting the intersection of historical remembrance with contemporary political debates in the country.

Aktuality
|