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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Kuciak Murder Case Continues with Testimony from Convicted Killer Szabó

The investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and alleged plans to kill prosecutors is set to continue with testimony from Miroslav Szabó, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence. Szabó was convicted for the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018. The Kuciak case shocked Slovakia and led to massive protests that ultimately brought down the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The journalist had been investigating links between Italian organized crime groups and Slovak politicians and businessmen when he was killed at his home. The ongoing proceedings appear to be examining connections between the Kuciak murders and alleged plots against prosecutors, suggesting the case may have broader implications for understanding organized crime's influence in Slovak institutions.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Coalition Chaos Continues as Danko Seeks Greater Voice in Government

Political instability within Slovakia's ruling coalition is expected to intensify as Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), is positioning himself for a more prominent role in government decision-making. Danko, whose party is the smallest member of the three-party coalition led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, appears to be leveraging the ongoing tensions to increase his political influence. The coalition, which also includes the Hlas party, has faced persistent internal disputes since taking power following the 2023 parliamentary elections, with disagreements over policy direction and power-sharing arrangements creating recurring crises that have complicated the government's ability to implement its agenda.

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Domestic Politics

Trial continues in murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and planned prosecutor killings

The Specialized Criminal Court is continuing proceedings in the case involving the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and the preparation of murders targeting prosecutors. Key witness Tomáš Szabó is scheduled to testify in the ongoing trial. The case centers on the 2018 assassination of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, which shocked Slovakia and triggered massive protests that led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico. The murders were linked to Kuciak's reporting on corruption and connections between Slovak politicians and Italian organized crime. The Specialized Criminal Court handles Slovakia's most serious criminal cases, including organized crime and corruption. Szabó's testimony is expected to provide crucial evidence in the complex case that has exposed deep connections between organized crime and political power in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Politicians Own Properties in Same Croatian Building

Martin Gračka, a politician from the Right to Truth party, owns an apartment in Croatia in the same building as politicians from Hlas-SD, the ruling social-democratic party. Among his neighbors is the sister of President Peter Pellegrini, who is also a Hlas-SD member. Gračka claims he only knows the other politicians from newspaper coverage. The property connections highlight the real estate investments Slovak political figures have made in Croatia, though the exact nature of any business relationships between the parties remains unclear.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Judges Issue Controversial Verdict in Anti-Corruption Case

A panel of Slovak judges has delivered what observers are calling one of the most surprising verdicts in the country's history, effectively penalizing efforts to combat corruption rather than corruption itself. The ruling represents a significant shift in how Slovakia's judicial system approaches anti-corruption enforcement. Slovakia has struggled with corruption issues since its independence, with various anti-corruption initiatives and investigations launched over the years to address systemic problems in public administration and the justice system. The verdict appears to reverse previous trends toward stronger corruption prosecution, potentially signaling a concerning development for rule of law advocates and European Union oversight of Slovakia's judicial reforms.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Agricultural Agency 'Hijacked by Oligarchy', Anti-Corruption Activist Claims

Slovakia's Agricultural Paying Agency (PPA), which distributes European Union agricultural subsidies, has been taken over by oligarchs who are exploiting the system for personal gain, according to Xénia Makarová from the Stop Corruption Foundation. Makarová argues that the agency has become "a state within a state" controlled by figures appointed by those misusing agricultural subsidies, while politicians provide cover for the corruption. The activist warns that European agricultural subsidies to Slovakia are now at risk due to the catastrophic state of the PPA. The Agricultural Paying Agency is responsible for managing and distributing billions of euros in EU funds to Slovak farmers and agricultural businesses. Slovakia, like other EU member states, receives substantial agricultural subsidies as part of the Common Agricultural Policy, making proper oversight of these funds crucial for both the country's farming sector and its relationship with Brussels.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Leader Faces Scrutiny Over NGO Project Funding

Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, faces mounting pressure over the 'Project Forum' affair involving allegedly improper invoicing and document falsification at an NGO previously led by his father. The ruling Smer-SD party, which leads Slovakia's governing coalition, has launched attacks against Šimečka over the case. The controversy centers on financial irregularities at the Forum for Youth with Europe foundation, where Šimečka's father served as director. The affair has sparked a broader political confrontation between the ruling social-democratic Smer party and Progressive Slovakia, the country's main liberal opposition force, with potential implications for Slovakia's political landscape.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Chief Prosecutor Žilinka Hospitalized with Suspected Heart Attack

Maroš Žilinka, Slovakia's Chief Prosecutor, was hospitalized with suspected heart attack and underwent medical procedures, though his condition has stabilized. The hospitalization of Žilinka, who heads the country's top prosecutorial office, comes at a time when his office has been handling several high-profile cases. As Chief Prosecutor, Žilinka oversees the prosecution service and has been a controversial figure in Slovak politics since his appointment, with critics questioning his independence from the ruling government led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party.

SMEAktuality
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Domestic Politics

Fico Promises Pro-Growth Measures Without Impact on State Budget

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico pledged to reach agreement on pro-growth economic measures that would not affect the state budget. The announcement comes as the government faces pressure to stimulate economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Fico also commented on Ukraine's European integration process, describing it as containing a "cruel paradox," though he did not elaborate on the specific nature of his concerns. The prime minister leads a coalition government dominated by his Smer-SD party, which returned to power in 2023 after campaigning on a platform critical of Western support for Ukraine and emphasizing domestic economic priorities.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Accused of Funding Disinformation Websites Ahead of Elections

Slovak authorities are facing allegations that state resources are being used to fund disinformation websites during the pre-election period. The controversy emerged as part of broader concerns about media manipulation and information warfare tactics being employed in the lead-up to upcoming elections. The allegations suggest a coordinated effort to influence public opinion through state-backed online platforms spreading misleading information, raising questions about electoral integrity and media freedom in Slovakia.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Weekly Review: Election Campaign Dominates May Day, Media Forum Project Under Scrutiny

Slovak political attention has shifted heavily toward pre-election campaigning, overshadowing traditional May Day observances and raising questions about where the holiday's significance has gone. Meanwhile, a project called Forum is facing scrutiny as a test case for media organization Fico, suggesting potential concerns about editorial independence or political influence. Separately, disinformation websites have reportedly received funding from state sources, highlighting ongoing concerns about government resources potentially being used to support problematic media outlets that spread false information.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Rural mayors oppose government reform proposal, claim it threatens village futures

Village mayors across Slovakia are voicing opposition to a proposed government reform, arguing that the changes would undermine the future prospects of rural communities. Local officials say they are being excluded from the decision-making process despite the significant impact the reform would have on their municipalities. The controversy highlights tensions between central government planning and local governance, as rural leaders push back against what they perceive as top-down policies that fail to consider the specific needs and circumstances of smaller communities.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Small Town Mayor Warns Against Municipal Consolidation Plans

The mayor of a small Slovak municipality has criticized proposed municipal consolidation reforms, warning that artificial mergers would destroy rural communities. The mayor stated that while officials in Bratislava may dismiss small towns, eliminating rural municipalities would leave urban areas without food sources. The warning comes amid ongoing discussions about reforming Slovakia's municipal structure, which includes hundreds of small communities across the country.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Escalates Dispute with President Over NATO Summit

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has intensified his public disagreement with President Peter Pellegrini, dismissing the NATO summit as "not a meeting of reserves with shoulder stripes" in a pointed message directed at the president. Blanár characterized Pellegrini as stubborn in the ongoing dispute between the two officials. The conflict highlights tensions within Slovakia's leadership over foreign policy matters, with the foreign minister and president holding different positions on NATO-related issues. This public spat reflects broader divisions within Slovak politics regarding the country's international commitments and diplomatic approach.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Coalition Party Pushes for Same-Day Voting and Online System for Overseas Citizens

The Slovak National Party (SNS) is advocating for overseas Slovak citizens to vote on the same day as domestic voters, along with implementing online voting systems for expatriate citizens. SNS leader Andrej Danko maintains that Slovaks living abroad must cast their ballots on the same day as voters within Slovakia. Opposition parties have criticized the proposal, characterizing it as voter intimidation and an attempt to restrict voting rights. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over electoral reforms affecting the estimated hundreds of thousands of Slovak citizens living abroad, who currently have different voting procedures than domestic voters.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Seize Drugs, Weapons and Explosives in Anti-Drug Operation PULEC

Slovak police conducted a major anti-drug operation called PULEC, seizing drugs, weapons and explosives in raids in Trnava and Zvončín. The operation targeted suspected drug trafficking networks in these western Slovak locations. If convicted, the suspects face prison sentences ranging from seven to fifteen years under Slovak law for drug-related offenses involving weapons and explosives.

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Domestic Politics

Six Members of 'Medellin' Drug Gang Ordered Into Custody Following Slovak Police Operation

A Slovak court ordered six suspects into custody following a major anti-drug operation targeting an organized criminal group known as "Medellin." The judge confirmed the validity of the prosecution's case against the defendants, who are accused of participating in organized crime activities. The operation appears to be part of a broader police investigation into an extensive drug trafficking network operating in Slovakia. The case represents a significant development in Slovak law enforcement's efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking within the country.

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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Ruling Coalition Divided Over Future of Universal 13th Pensions

Slovakia's ruling coalition faces internal division over the future of universal 13th pensions, with Interior Minister Tibor Gašpar of Smer-SD raising the possibility of targeting the payments to specific groups rather than providing them to all retirees. Gašpar's comments represent a departure from the position of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has previously rejected any changes to the universal pension system. The proposal has drawn criticism from coalition partner Hlas-SD, with party leader Erik Tomáš accusing the government of breaking its promises to voters. The 13th pension is an additional annual payment introduced as a universal benefit for all Slovak retirees, making any discussion of means-testing or targeted distribution politically sensitive. The internal disagreement highlights tensions within Slovakia's ruling coalition, which is composed of Smer-SD, the populist social-democratic party led by Fico, and Hlas-SD, a center-left party that split from Smer in 2020.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Local Governments Prepare Legislation to Improve Administrative Efficiency

Local governments in Slovakia are developing new legislation aimed at making their operations more efficient. The initiative includes efforts to establish financial backing through European Union funding programs, as municipalities seek to modernize their administrative processes and secure sustainable financing for local governance improvements.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Finance Minister Admits Fiscal Defeat as Opposition Leader Sulík Leaves Party

Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický acknowledged a fiscal defeat this week as the government's budget consolidation efforts fell short of targets. The political landscape shifted when Richard Sulík, a prominent liberal politician, left his party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), one of Slovakia's main opposition parties known for its free-market economic positions. Opposition parties engaged in disputes over referendum strategies, while media outlets faced increased pressure. The ruling Smer-SD party, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's social-democratic coalition, recorded record spending levels, highlighting the government's fiscal challenges amid ongoing political tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition forces.

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