Slovakia's Ruling Smer Party Signals Thirteenth Pension May Face Cuts

Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party has indicated that the thirteenth pension, an additional annual pension payment to retirees, is no longer considered untouchable and may face cuts as part of broader budget consolidation measures. The social-democratic party, which leads the current government coalition, had previously defended the benefit as a key social policy achievement. The potential reduction of the thirteenth pension represents a significant policy shift for Smer-SD, which has traditionally positioned itself as a defender of social benefits for pensioners and lower-income citizens. The move appears to be part of preparations for broader spending cuts as Slovakia grapples with fiscal pressures and the need to reduce its budget deficit.