Slovak Defense Minister Faces Audit and Potential Dismissal Over No-Tender Hospital Contract

Slovakia's Supreme Audit Office and Public Procurement Office will investigate Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák's decision to award a 259 million euro construction contract for a military hospital in Prešov without any public tender. The opposition is considering a parliamentary motion to dismiss Kaliňák over the procurement decision, with the Christian Democratic Movement already collecting signatures for an extraordinary parliamentary session. The controversy centers on Kaliňák's choice to bypass standard competitive bidding procedures for the substantial hospital construction project. Slovakia's Supreme Audit Office oversees government spending and procurement practices, while the Public Procurement Office ensures transparency in state contracts. The investigation represents a significant challenge to Kaliňák, who serves in the ruling coalition government, as opposition parties seek to hold him accountable for what they view as improper use of public funds.