Bratislava Mayor Defends May Day Celebrations Amid Political Controversy

Bratislava Mayor Matúš Šimko defended the city's May Day celebrations after facing criticism for allegedly misusing municipal resources for political purposes. The controversy arose because ruling coalition parties Smer-SD, Hlas, and the Slovak National Party (SNS), along with the opposition party Republika, are participating in the May Day events organized under the city's banner. A candidate from Progressive Slovakia (PS), an opposition liberal party, complained that the city should not serve as a political headquarters. Šimko responded to the criticism by saying he would personally pay for the goulash and beer at the celebrations, suggesting the costs involved are minimal and the criticism is overblown.