Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 08/06/2026 15:40 · 65 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2275 stories
Domestic Politics

Former Minister Raši Says Only Kaliňák Can Defeat Majerský in Prešov Region

Former minister Raši declared that Robert Kaliňák is the only candidate capable of defeating incumbent Prešov Region governor Milan Majerský in upcoming elections. Raši rejected supporting Uhrik for the position. The statement highlights emerging battle lines for control of the Prešov Region, one of Slovakia's eight self-governing regions, as political parties position themselves for regional elections. Majerský currently serves as the elected head of the Prešov regional government in eastern Slovakia.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Regional party leader rejects support from far-right politician, backs Kaliňák against Majerský

A regional political leader rejected support from Marián Uhrik, a far-right politician, while stating that only Robert Kaliňák can defeat incumbent Prešov Region governor Milan Majerský. The statement suggests growing political maneuvering ahead of regional elections, with Kaliňák, a former interior minister from the ruling Smer-SD party, being positioned as the primary challenger to the current regional leadership. Prešov Region, located in eastern Slovakia, is one of the country's eight self-governing regions whose governors are elected directly by voters.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Rejects Referendum Question on Shortening Parliamentary Term

Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini has rejected a referendum question proposing to shorten the current parliamentary term. The decision blocks a potential public vote that could have led to early elections. Slovak opposition parties and civil society groups have been pushing for early elections amid growing dissatisfaction with the current government led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, which returned to power in 2023. Under Slovakia's constitution, the president has the authority to approve or reject referendum questions before they can proceed to the signature-gathering phase required to trigger a national vote.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia May Soon Introduce Constitutional Referendum on Early Elections

Slovakia's ruling Hlas party has signaled it may support adding provisions for a referendum on early elections to the country's constitution. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Raši, who leads Hlas, said he expects constitutional lawyers to formulate specific rules for such referendums, with restrictions preventing them from being held shortly before or after regular parliamentary elections. Hlas is part of the governing coalition alongside Robert Fico's Smer-SD and the nationalist SNS party. The proposal would represent a significant constitutional change, potentially giving voters a direct mechanism to trigger early elections outside the normal four-year electoral cycle, though the specific conditions and procedural requirements remain to be defined by legal experts.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Man who shot Slovak Prime Minister Fico sentenced to 21 years, appeals case

Juraj Cintula, who shot Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison and will appear before an appeals court on Wednesday. Cintula carried out the assassination attempt on Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD party, in the town of Handlová while the prime minister was greeting supporters after a government meeting. The shooting shocked Slovakia and led to Fico being hospitalized for weeks with serious injuries before returning to office. The appeals hearing represents the next stage in the legal proceedings against Cintula, who could potentially see his sentence modified by the higher court.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition calls for finance minister's resignation after Slovakia's credit rating downgrade

Slovakia's opposition parties have called for Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický to resign following a recent downgrade of the country's credit rating. Progressive Slovakia, the Christian Democratic Movement, and Democrats are among the parties criticizing Prime Minister Robert Fico's government over the economic deterioration reflected in the rating cut. Kamenický has rejected the criticism and refused calls for his resignation. The downgrade represents a significant blow to the government's economic credibility and has intensified political pressure on the ruling coalition led by Smer-SD, Fico's social-democratic party that returned to power in 2023.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Has No Legal Obligation to Consult Constitutional Court on Disputed Referendum Question, Legal Experts Emphasize

Legal experts have emphasized that Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has no constitutional obligation to seek guidance from the Constitutional Court when faced with disputed referendum questions. Pellegrini recently declared a referendum containing only two questions, apparently excluding at least one controversial question that had been proposed. The president's decision to proceed without consulting the Constitutional Court, Slovakia's highest authority on constitutional matters, highlights ongoing debates about the scope of presidential powers in referendum procedures. Under Slovak law, the president has discretionary authority over referendum declarations, though legal scholars note this power can become contentious when questions involve disputed constitutional or legal issues.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Minister Criticized as Among Government's Worst Performers

Political commentators have ranked Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok among the three worst-performing ministers in Slovakia's current government, with some suggesting he has surpassed even the controversial Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď in terms of poor performance. Deputy editor-in-chief Juraj Koník cited chaos surrounding May 8th commemorative events as an example of the government's broader inability to govern effectively. The criticism reflects growing concerns about the ruling coalition's administrative competence and handling of key state functions.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Satirists Mock MP's Diet Claims About Vodka

Slovak political satirists have targeted a member of parliament named Cibulková for her claims about a "diet miracle" involving vodka, suggesting that the alcoholic beverage does not cause weight gain. The satirical content emerged as part of a weekly review of Slovak political events presented in meme format, highlighting the absurdity of the politician's dietary assertions. The mockery reflects the ongoing role of political satire in Slovak public discourse, where comedians and content creators regularly lampoon political figures and their statements.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Political Analyst Says Two Referendum Questions Lacked Significance

Political analyst Hrabko stated that two referendum questions had little importance and served merely as an add-on to the main petition drive. He argued it was predictable that a referendum on early elections would not take place, suggesting the petition organizers included these questions primarily for marketing purposes rather than genuine political objectives. Hrabko's comments reflect broader skepticism about the strategic value of certain referendum initiatives in Slovak politics.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Police Chief Takáč Faces Mounting Pressure Over Police Academy Crisis

Police President Štefan Takáč confronted a difficult week as problems at the Police Academy (PPA) reached a critical point that he can no longer dismiss or deny. The Police Academy, which trains Slovakia's future law enforcement officers, is experiencing what sources describe as a major crisis. Takáč, who heads the Slovak police force, has previously faced criticism over various institutional challenges, but the current situation at the academy appears to represent a significant escalation that threatens his leadership position. The nature of the crisis and its potential impact on police training and operations remains a developing story as pressure mounts on the police leadership to address the institutional problems.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Soldier Accused of Betting on Maduro's Capture Released

A Slovak soldier charged with placing bets on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been released from custody. The soldier denies the charges against him and faces another court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The case appears to involve allegations that the military member wagered on whether the Venezuelan leader would be captured, though specific details of the charges and the nature of the betting arrangement have not been disclosed.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak TV and Radio Studios to Host Government and Opposition Leaders for Weekend Referendum Discussions

Television and radio studios across Slovakia will welcome key representatives from both the government and opposition this weekend for discussions dominated by the upcoming referendum scheduled during the holiday period. The weekend political talk shows will focus primarily on the referendum, which is set to take place while many Slovaks are on vacation.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Police President Trial Continues as Text Message Evidence Emerges

The trial of former police president Milan Kovařík continued in Slovak courts, with new evidence emerging about text message communications. Court proceedings revealed that a text message from Kaľavský was sent to Zurian, who then forwarded it to members of Hlas, a political party in Slovakia's ruling coalition. The case involves the former head of Slovakia's police force, though specific details about the charges and the content of the messages were not disclosed in court proceedings. The trial represents part of ongoing judicial proceedings against former high-ranking police officials in Slovakia.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Minister Continues Making False Statements Despite Public Apology

A Slovak government minister has continued making misleading statements to the public despite previously apologizing for lying. The minister had earlier issued a public apology saying "Sorry that we lied," but has since made additional false claims. The incident raises questions about accountability mechanisms for government officials who provide inaccurate information to citizens. Slovakia's political system provides limited tools for directly controlling ministers who repeatedly make false public statements, highlighting broader concerns about government transparency and accountability.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

State Office Intervenes in Slovakia's Most Expensive Corruption Case

A state office has taken action in what is being described as the most expensive corruption case in Slovak history. The case originated during the first government of Robert Fico, who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2010. Fico, leader of the social-democratic Smer-SD party, has held the prime minister's office multiple times and currently heads Slovakia's ruling coalition government. The intervention by the state office represents a significant development in this high-profile corruption investigation, though the specific nature of the action and the case details were not disclosed in the initial reports.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Commentators Review Weekly Events in Public Discussion

Political analysts Štrasser, Šáteková, Hudák and Čikovský provided commentary on significant political developments from the past week in Slovakia. The commentators discussed what they considered the most important events, political missteps, and underestimated moments in Slovak politics. Their analysis focused on recent political developments and their broader implications for the country's political landscape.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Defense Legislation Called Outdated, Unable to Address Modern Security Threats

Slovakia's defense legislation has been found inadequate for responding effectively to contemporary security threats, according to findings from a recent military exercise. The Table Top Exercise 2026, a strategic planning simulation, revealed significant gaps in existing laws that prevent appropriate responses to modern security challenges. The exercise highlighted deficiencies in the legal framework governing Slovakia's defense capabilities, suggesting that current legislation has not kept pace with evolving security threats facing the country. The findings indicate that Slovakia may need comprehensive legal reforms to ensure its defense systems can operate effectively in addressing 21st-century security challenges.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Publicist Argues Opposition Must Focus on Professional Politics to Challenge Fico

Political commentator Samo Marec argues that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico can only be defeated through professional political work rather than waiting for a charismatic leader. Marec, speaking in a video podcast, suggested that failure to challenge Fico would result from amateurism and selfishness within the opposition. He drew parallels to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's political dominance and questioned whether Slovak opposition voters clearly understand their own political preferences. Fico leads the ruling Smer-SD party and has dominated Slovak politics for much of the past two decades, serving multiple terms as prime minister.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia Drops Six Places in Global Democracy Index Despite Worldwide Improvement

Slovakia fell six positions in the latest Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, even as global democracy showed surprising improvement after a decade of decline. The index, which measures democratic institutions and practices worldwide, indicated that the overall downward trend in global democracy may be reversing for the first time in ten years. However, Slovakia's ranking declined against this positive global backdrop, suggesting particular challenges to democratic governance within the country. The Democracy Index evaluates countries based on electoral processes, civil liberties, government functioning, political participation, and political culture to provide an annual assessment of democratic health worldwide.

Dennik N
|