Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 01/07/2026 17:43 · 87 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2848 stories
Domestic Politics

Kočner and Zsuzsová Unable to Explain Court Messages About 'Scabies' and 'Cream' That Cures It

Prosecutors in a Slovak court challenged defendants' claims that coded messages between Marian Kočner and Alena Zsuzsová referred to a skin condition. The prosecution presented evidence showing that in a February 9, 2018 message, Kočner himself decoded the term "svrab" (scabies) as a crude acronym meaning "Damn Big F***ed Up Acne Bump." Prosecutors argued that if the defendants were genuinely discussing a skin disease, no such decoding would have been necessary. The case involves Kočner, a controversial businessman facing multiple criminal charges, and Zsuzsová, who has been linked to the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová - a case that triggered massive protests and brought down the government. The prosecution's argument suggests the coded language was used to disguise criminal communications rather than discuss medical conditions.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Prosecutors Decode Alleged Code Words in Kočner-Zsuzsová Messages

Prosecutors in a Slovak court presented evidence that businessman Marian Kočner and Alena Zsuzsová used coded language in their communications, rejecting claims that discussions about "scabies" and "cream to cure it" referred to an actual skin condition. During court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that in a February 9, 2018 message, Kočner explained an abbreviation to Zsuzsová with a vulgar phrase meaning "Damn Big Fucked-Up Acne-Like Sore." The prosecution argued that if the conversations genuinely concerned a medical condition, no decoding of terminology would have been necessary. Kočner, a controversial businessman linked to various scandals, and Zsuzsová are facing charges in what appears to be a major criminal case where coded communications played a central role in concealing their activities.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Analyst Warns Fico Could Become Isolated After Hungarian Elections

Political analyst Zsolt Simon suggested that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico could face domestic isolation following Hungary's upcoming elections. Simon's commentary raised questions about the behind-the-scenes relationship between Fico and Moscow, including potential discussions, contacts, and political decisions that may have influenced Slovakia's direction. The analyst indicated that more details about these connections might eventually emerge, potentially affecting Fico's standing within Slovakia.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Prešov Mayor Confirms Candidacy for 2026 Municipal Elections

Current Prešov mayor František Oľha has confirmed he will run for re-election in the 2026 municipal elections. Prešov, Slovakia's third-largest city and the administrative center of the Prešov Region in eastern Slovakia, will hold its next mayoral election as part of the nationwide municipal elections scheduled for 2026. The confirmation makes Oľha the first candidate to officially announce their intention to seek the mayor's office in what is expected to be a competitive race for leadership of the city of approximately 85,000 residents.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Coalition Partner Danko Expresses Disappointment in Slovak Prime Minister Fico, Warns of Government Reshuffle

Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS) and a key coalition partner in Slovakia's ruling government, publicly criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico, stating he has been disappointed in the premier despite continuing to respect him. Danko warned that the threat of a government reconstruction is real and suggested some ministers could face dismissal, using the term "execution" to describe their potential fate. The comments highlight growing tensions within Slovakia's three-party ruling coalition, which consists of Fico's social-democratic Smer-SD party, Danko's nationalist SNS, and the centrist Voice party. Such public criticism from a coalition partner raises questions about the stability of the government, which has been in power since October 2023 following parliamentary elections.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

SaS Lawmaker Says Party Must Compete with Far-Right by Acknowledging Some of Their Points

Jana Bittó Cigániková, a member of parliament from the liberal Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS), has found herself in conflict with her party's new leadership over what she describes as censorship of press conferences, particularly those concerning church issues. The lawmaker argued that SaS must compete with the far-right Republic party by acknowledging that Prime Minister Robert Fico and Republic's Milan Mazurek are "right about some things." Bittó Cigániková indicated she would follow former party leader Richard Sulík if he decides to run with a different political formation, and expressed a more positive view of Boris Kollár, the parliamentary speaker, than she held during their previous coalition government. SaS is a liberal party that was part of Slovakia's previous center-right coalition government but is now in opposition following the 2023 elections that returned Fico's Smer-SD party to power. The Republic party, led by Mazurek, is known for its nationalist and anti-immigration positions and has gained support in recent years.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Parliament Speaker Danko Suggests Prime Minister Fico May Propose Government Reshuffle After Budget Approval

Andrej Danko, Speaker of Slovakia's National Council, indicated during political discussions that Prime Minister Robert Fico is likely to propose a government reconstruction following the approval of the state budget. Danko's comments suggest potential changes to the current cabinet composition once the budget process is completed. The remarks come as Slovakia's parliament, the National Council, continues deliberations on the government's spending plan for the upcoming period. Fico leads a coalition government formed by his social-democratic Smer-SD party along with coalition partners, and any cabinet reshuffle would require careful coordination among the ruling parties to maintain political stability.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Christian Democratic Party Rules Out Immediate Expansion of Parliamentary Caucus

The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has stated that no discussions are currently taking place regarding the potential entry of Richard Vašečka into their parliamentary club. While the Christian democrats collaborate with Vašečka on various legislative proposals, they confirmed to the Slovak news agency TASR that official talks about expanding their caucus are not underway at this time. Vašečka serves as deputy chairman of the Conservatives - Christian Union party, a smaller political formation outside the current parliament. The KDH is part of Slovakia's opposition, having lost parliamentary representation in recent elections before regaining seats as a Christian democratic party focused on conservative social values.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

KDH Denies Ongoing Discussions About Vašečka Joining Parliamentary Club

The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has denied that any discussions are currently taking place regarding the potential entry of Jaroslav Vašečka into their parliamentary club. Vašečka serves as deputy chairman of the Conservatives - Christian Union party. The KDH is a center-right Christian democratic opposition party that has been part of Slovakia's political landscape since the post-communist transition, while the Conservatives - Christian Union is a smaller conservative party that emerged from splits within the broader conservative movement.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Judicial advocacy group condemns PM Fico's statements against judge as criminalization attempt

The Open Justice association has condemned statements made by Prime Minister Robert Fico against judge Pamela Záleská, calling them an unacceptable interference and a typical example of criminalizing judges. The criticism was directed at Záleská's ruling in a criminal case involving former special prosecutor Dušan K., a decision that was subsequently upheld by an appeals court. Open Justice represents judicial reform advocates in Slovakia, where concerns about political pressure on courts have grown amid ongoing tensions between the government and the judiciary over corruption prosecutions and judicial independence.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Leaders to Appear on Weekend Television Debates

Slovak television and radio studios will host key government and opposition representatives this weekend for political discussions. The lineup includes Rudolf Huliak in what is expected to be a heated debate, Andrej Danko making a double appearance, and Milan Majerský discussing the future of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). The weekend political discussion programs represent a regular fixture in Slovak media where party leaders and government officials address current political developments and field questions about policy positions.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Šimečka Takes Campaign to Pubs, Warns Against Government Plans

Michal Šimečka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, has been conducting political meetings in pubs and bars across Slovak regions, where he warns citizens about what he calls the "dirty deeds" being prepared by Prime Minister Robert Fico's government. The opposition leader uses these informal pub settings to engage with voters while holding a beer, creating a more casual atmosphere for political discussion. Progressive Slovakia, the largest opposition party in parliament, has been organizing these regional meetings as part of their campaign strategy to reach voters outside traditional political venues. The meetings represent an unconventional approach to political engagement, with Šimečka using the relaxed pub environment to discuss his party's concerns about the current government's policies and planned measures.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Week Features Family Criticism and Housing Concerns

Slovakia's political landscape this week was marked by notable developments including criticism directed at Matúš Oľha from the Freedom and Solidarity Party (SaS) by his own daughter, while Prime Minister Robert Fico faced questions regarding housing issues. The Freedom and Solidarity Party is a liberal opposition party in Slovakia's National Council, the country's parliament. Fico leads the ruling Smer-SD party, which governs in coalition with other parties. These personal and political challenges reflect ongoing tensions within Slovak political circles as various parties navigate both internal dynamics and public scrutiny.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak MP Returns Parliamentary Mandate After Breaking with Party Politics

A Slovak parliamentarian has returned his mandate to the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, after finding himself unable to align with his party's political direction. The decision was praised by political observers as the right course of action, even though returning a mandate is not a constitutional or legal requirement for MPs who disagree with their party's policies. The move highlights the ongoing tensions within Slovak political parties as representatives grapple with loyalty to party leadership versus personal political convictions.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

New Border System Rejected Thousands During Testing, Now Fully Operational

Slovakia's new border control system has begun full operations after a testing phase that saw thousands of people denied entry. The electronic system is designed to speed up and improve the efficiency of passenger controls at border crossings. During the trial period, the automated system flagged and rejected entry for thousands of travelers, demonstrating its enhanced screening capabilities compared to previous manual processes. Slovak authorities have now activated the system for regular use across the country's borders, marking a significant upgrade to the nation's border security infrastructure.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Pellegrini Attempts to Shift Hospital Responsibility to Opposition

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has written a letter attempting to transfer responsibility for the country's hospital crisis to opposition parties. The move comes as Slovakia's healthcare system faces mounting challenges, with hospitals struggling with funding shortages and staffing issues. Pellegrini, who leads the centrist Hlas party that is part of the ruling coalition with the populist Smer-SD party, appears to be deflecting criticism over the government's handling of healthcare reforms and hospital management.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Blocks Constitutional Amendment on State of Emergency Powers

Slovakia's opposition parties blocked a constitutional amendment that would have created a new "state of endangerment" provision, citing distrust of Prime Minister Robert Fico and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák. The initiative, which was actually proposed by the military's general staff, faced criticism directed at Kaliňák and partially at President Peter Pellegrini. The failed amendment would have expanded the government's emergency powers beyond the current constitutional framework. The opposition's refusal to support the measure reflects broader political tensions in Slovakia, where Fico's ruling Smer-SD party has faced persistent criticism over its handling of security and constitutional matters.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Faces Growing Criticism Over Leadership Approach

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing mounting criticism for his leadership style, with political commentators arguing he has adopted a pattern of deflecting responsibility rather than addressing the country's challenges. Critics accuse Fico of focusing on discussing problems he cannot solve while pointing blame at others, rather than seeking concrete solutions. The commentary suggests the prime minister's approach centers on finding excuses rather than delivering results. Fico, who leads the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, has faced declining popularity as his government grapples with various domestic issues. The criticism reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness of his administration's problem-solving capabilities.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Former Slovak Mayor and Successor Face Embezzlement Charges Over Fraudulent Financial Records

A former Slovak mayor is standing trial on embezzlement charges after an expert examination uncovered fraudulent invoices and false audit reports in municipal accounting records. Prosecutors have also filed charges against the individual who succeeded the former mayor in office. The case involves alleged financial irregularities in local government operations, though specific details about the municipality involved and the amounts allegedly misappropriated have not been disclosed. The charges suggest systematic manipulation of financial documentation during the former mayor's tenure, with the fraudulent practices apparently continuing under their successor's administration.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Files Criminal Complaint Against Judge Who Convicted Former Prosecutor General

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has filed a criminal complaint against Judge Pamela Záleská, who convicted former Prosecutor General Dušan Kováčik in a first-instance court ruling. Fico also called on Justice Minister Boris Susko to file disciplinary proceedings against the judge. The move represents an escalation in tensions between Slovakia's political leadership and judiciary, as Fico appears to prioritize defending Kováčik over other parliamentary business. Kováčik, who served as prosecutor general until 2020, was convicted in a corruption case, though the specific charges were not detailed in available reports. Fico's Smer-SD party leads Slovakia's ruling coalition, while his public criticism of judges handling high-profile cases has raised concerns about judicial independence in the country.

Dennik N
|