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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Hospital Construction in Prešov Suspended Over Financial Irregularities Linked to Ján Kováčik

Construction of a hospital in Prešov has been suspended due to serious suspicions and questionable money flows connected to Ján Kováčik, a former Slovak prosecutor. Kováčik previously served as Special Prosecutor and later Deputy General Prosecutor before being dismissed and subsequently convicted on corruption charges in 2021. The suspension reflects ongoing concerns about financial transparency in major public projects. The development comes amid broader disputes over European Union funding and emerging questions about political and business practices in Slovakia.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Authorities Find No Evidence Against Pro-Russian Biker Group's 'Intelligence Service' Plans

Slovak state authorities have found no evidence of illegal activity regarding the "parallel intelligence service" announced by the pro-Russian motorcycle group Brat za brata (Brother for Brother). In October 2025, Matúš Alexa, chairman of the Brat za brata civic association, announced plans to establish a parallel intelligence service that would collect information on Slovak citizens. Following this announcement, the NGO Peace for Ukraine together with the Institute for New Security Threats (NEST) filed complaints with the General Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Interior. The Brat za brata group is known for its pro-Russian orientation and has previously been associated with activities supporting Russia's position in international conflicts. The case highlights ongoing concerns about pro-Russian organizations operating in Slovakia and their potential impact on national security, particularly given Slovakia's membership in NATO and the European Union.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Kalińák Shuts Down Mixers in Prešov as Political Tensions Rise

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák ordered the shutdown of concrete mixers in Prešov, though the specific context and reasons for this decision remain unclear. Meanwhile, political maneuvering continues as regional politician Gubík rejected potential alliances with both Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party, and the far-right Republic party. The developments come amid broader political tensions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy facing criticism from Slovak public opinion despite his defensive stance on various issues.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Faces Multiple Political Challenges

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's administration is confronting several political setbacks across different fronts. Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák shut down cement mixers during a visit to Prešov, signaling potential infrastructure or policy disputes. Meanwhile, political figure Gubík has rejected alignment with both Smer-SD, Fico's ruling social-democratic party, and the opposition Republic party, indicating shifting political alliances. The developments come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues his defense efforts, though polls suggest a majority of Slovak citizens do not support his position, reflecting Slovakia's complex stance on the Ukraine conflict under Fico's leadership.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Says Coalition Admits It Cannot Meet Economic Goals, Calls for Finance Minister's Resignation

Opposition politician Kišš has called for Slovakia's finance minister to resign, claiming that the ruling coalition has already admitted it cannot achieve its own economic objectives. The statement represents escalating criticism of the government's economic performance and fiscal management. Slovakia's current ruling coalition, led by the social-democratic Smer-SD party, has faced mounting pressure over its ability to deliver on campaign promises amid challenging economic conditions. The opposition's demand for ministerial resignation reflects broader tensions over the government's handling of public finances and economic policy implementation.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Mayor Defends Parking Lot Rental Deal Amid Criticism from Opposition Lawmaker

A Slovak opposition lawmaker has criticized a municipal parking lot rental agreement, calling the financial terms "a mockery to citizens." The controversy centers on the rental conditions for a public parking facility, which the lawmaker argues are unfavorable to taxpayers. The local mayor has defended the decision, stating that the municipality followed transparent procedures in the rental process. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over how local governments manage public assets and whether they are securing appropriate returns for taxpayers from commercial arrangements involving municipal property.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Defense Ministry Suspends Construction of Military Hospital in Prešov

Slovakia's Defense Ministry has suspended construction of a new military hospital in the eastern city of Prešov. Military police are currently guarding the construction site. The ministry, which oversees the country's armed forces and defense infrastructure, has not disclosed the reasons behind the suspension of the project, which was intended to serve military personnel and expand Slovakia's defense medical capabilities in the eastern region.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Commentary Panel Reviews Week's Key Political Developments

Slovak political commentators Petková, Štrasser, Šáteková, and Čikovský conducted their weekly review of significant political developments, highlighting key events, political missteps, and underestimated moments from the past week. The panel's discussion included analysis of Slovakia's relationship with European Union funding mechanisms, with particular attention to the potential consequences if EU financial support were to be suspended. The commentators emphasized that alternative funding sources, referenced colloquially as "rublefondy" (ruble funds), would not provide adequate compensation for lost European investment.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Companies excluded from government subsidy program plan legal action

Several companies that were removed from a government subsidy program by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office are preparing to challenge the decision in court. The exclusions have prompted the opposition Slovakia movement to call for an extraordinary parliamentary committee meeting to examine the matter. The Deputy Prime Minister's Office, which oversees various government programs and policy coordination, made the decision to exclude the companies from the subsidy scheme, though the specific reasons for their removal have not been detailed.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Parties Form Regional Coalitions Ahead of October Local Elections

Slovak political parties are negotiating regional coalitions and candidate selections for October's municipal and regional elections. Parliamentary Vice-President Peter Gašpar is considering running for regional governor, while the ruling Smer party is reportedly weighing support for an extremist candidate in some regions. Meanwhile, the opposition Progressive Slovakia party is moving closer to forming an alliance with the Hungarian Alliance party. The coalition-building process reveals varying strategies across the country, with some parties already finalizing their candidates in certain counties and district cities while others continue negotiations. These local and regional elections will serve as an important test of political strength ahead of future national contests, as parties seek to establish territorial control and demonstrate their organizational capabilities beyond the national parliament.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Members Face Wave of Personal Attacks

Members of parliament from Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party have experienced a series of personal attacks this week, prompting political discussions about the safety of elected officials. The social-democratic party, which leads the current government coalition, addressed the incidents during what party officials described as a difficult week. The attacks on parliamentarians have raised concerns about the broader political climate and the security of public representatives in Slovakia.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Accuses Slovak Government of Failing to Meet Own Economic Goals

Opposition Progressive Slovakia MP Ivan Štefunko criticized the ruling coalition government, arguing that Slovakia's economy requires stimulus to move forward but instead remains stuck in past approaches. The coalition now admits it cannot fulfill its own economic objectives, according to the opposition lawmaker. Štefunko claimed the government is merely preserving outdated economic policies rather than implementing measures to drive growth and modernization.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Court upholds conviction against former prosecutor Macejková in Miloslavov case

A Slovak regional court has upheld the conviction of former prosecutor Eva Macejková in the Miloslavov case and shortened her probationary period. The court reduced Macejková's probationary period citing that four years have passed since the offense and she has committed no further crimes or misdemeanors during that time. The court also awarded the victim 25,000 euros in compensation for non-material damages. The Miloslavov case involved corruption and abuse of office charges against several officials, with Macejková being prosecuted for her role while serving as a prosecutor in the case.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Hlas-SD Backs Lunter for Regional Governor in First Open Coalition Electoral Declaration

Hlas-SD became the first governing party to openly declare support for a regional gubernatorial candidate, announcing it will back incumbent Ondrej Lunter for governor of the Banská Bystrica region. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, who leads Hlas-SD, made the announcement as part of the party's strategy for upcoming regional elections. The party also confirmed it will not field a candidate against Jaroslav Baška, signaling potential coordination with coalition partners. Hlas-SD is part of Slovakia's ruling coalition government alongside Smer-SD and the Slovak National Party, and Šutaj Eštok's declaration represents an early positioning ahead of regional elections where governors oversee administrative regions that handle areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Ends Session, to Resume Monday with Intelligence Reports

Slovakia's National Council concluded its current parliamentary session and will reconvene on Monday. The upcoming session is scheduled to begin with reports on the fulfillment of tasks by Military Intelligence and the activities of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the country's main intelligence agency. The National Council, Slovakia's unicameral parliament, regularly receives briefings on the work of the country's intelligence services as part of parliamentary oversight of these security institutions.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Media Criticizes Government Leadership as 'Cynical Perpetuum Mobile'

Slovak newspaper SME published a commentary describing the leadership dynamic between Prime Minister Robert Fico and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok as a "cynical perpetuum mobile," suggesting a self-perpetuating system. The article, titled using harsh language to characterize the governing arrangement, indicates that despite what it describes as "extremely black humor" in the situation, all parties involved appear satisfied with the current arrangement. Fico leads Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, while Šutaj Eštok represents Hlas-SD, a junior coalition partner that split from Smer in 2020.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Supreme Court Upholds 21-Year Prison Sentence for Prime Minister's Attacker

Slovakia's Supreme Court has upheld a 21-year prison sentence for Juraj Cintula, the 73-year-old man who attempted to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. The court, led by Chief Justice Peter Kaňa, rejected Cintula's appeal on Wednesday and confirmed the lower court's verdict for the particularly serious crime of terrorist attack. The ruling brings final closure to the case that shocked Slovakia when Cintula shot the prime minister in what prosecutors classified as a terrorist attack. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD party, survived the assassination attempt but required extensive medical treatment. The Supreme Court's decision represents the final legal resolution of a case that highlighted political tensions in Slovakia. The 21-year sentence reflects the severity with which Slovak courts treat attacks on senior government officials, particularly when classified under anti-terrorism legislation.

Košice Dnes
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's President Appoints New Armed Forces Chief of Staff

President Peter Pellegrini appointed Miroslav Lorinc as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, replacing Daniel Zmeko in the country's top military position. The government approved Lorinc's nomination on April 22, paving the way for the presidential appointment ceremony. The new military chief stated his intention to maintain continuity while strengthening Slovakia's defense capabilities. During the appointment ceremony, President Pellegrini thanked outgoing Chief of Staff Zmeko for his service and wished success to his successor in leading the country's armed forces.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Trnava Mayor Peter Bročka Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

Peter Bročka, the mayor of Trnava, officially announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming local elections. Bročka made the announcement through an official statement, ending speculation about his political future in Slovakia's third-largest city. Several candidates have already entered the race to replace him, including Branislav Baroš, who is supported by the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) and the local movement Trnava for Everyone, and Ľubica Horvátová, who has backing from the opposition Democrats party. The announcement sets up a competitive contest for leadership of the historic city, which serves as an important regional center in western Slovakia.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak police break up major drug network, arrest 12 in Operation Medellin

Slovak police dismantled an extensive drug trafficking network in Operation Medellin, arresting 12 people and charging eight with organized crime. Among those charged is a previously convicted member of the notorious Twins gang from Púchov. The operation represents a significant blow to organized drug trafficking in Slovakia, targeting what authorities describe as a large-scale criminal network. The Twins gang has been linked to various criminal activities in the region, making this arrest particularly significant for law enforcement efforts against organized crime.

Aktuality
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