Slovakia Drops Controversial Tax on Small Business Owners After Last-Minute Government Reversal

Slovakia's ruling coalition has made a last-minute reversal on a controversial tax proposal, exempting small business owners from paying a new levy known as the "micro-contribution." The government backtracked on the measure that would have required self-employed individuals with modest earnings to pay additional contributions to the state. Officials also promised further tax relief for workers on temporary contracts, signaling broader concessions to ease the burden on low-income earners. The reversal comes after significant public opposition to the original proposal, which critics argued would disproportionately affect small entrepreneurs and freelancers struggling with rising costs.