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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Ministry Launches Public Tender for Bombardier Aircraft Maintenance Contract

Slovakia's Ministry of Defense has initiated a public procurement process to secure maintenance services for its Bombardier aircraft fleet. The framework contract is valued at an estimated 10 million euros. The tender represents a significant investment in maintaining the military's aviation capabilities and follows standard public procurement procedures required for government contracts of this scale.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Trial continues in murder of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and plot to kill prosecutors

The Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok is continuing proceedings in the case involving the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and a conspiracy to eliminate prosecutors. The court is hearing testimony from Iľja Weiss, a member of a criminal gang from Sereď. The case centers on the February 2018 assassination of Kuciak, who was investigating corruption and organized crime connections, and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová at their home. The murders sparked massive protests and led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Specialized Criminal Court handles major organized crime and corruption cases in Slovakia's judicial system.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Ruling Party Proposes Costly Pre-Election Measures Despite Budget Deficit Concerns

The Slovak National Party (SNS), part of Slovakia's ruling coalition, has submitted dozens of legislative proposals ahead of April parliamentary sessions that could cost tens or possibly hundreds of millions of euros. The proposals include tax licenses, reduced taxes for certain groups of citizens, and higher pensions for selected categories of people. SNS is also working with coalition partner Hlas to modify micro-contributions for self-employed individuals. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický criticized the timing of these expensive proposals, suggesting some coalition colleagues have confused pre-election campaigning with responsible budget management. The initiatives threaten to further increase Slovakia's budget deficit at a time when fiscal discipline remains a key concern for the government.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Corruption Case Links Former Officials to Criminal Gang Protection Scheme

A corruption case has emerged linking former high-ranking Slovak officials to a criminal protection scheme involving the Takáčovci gang. Testimony in court revealed that former Prime Minister Robert Fico and former Interior Minister Pavol Gašpar discussed the criminal group during meetings at a hunting lodge. A witness testified that if businessman Ľubomír Kudlička had paid a bribe to former police chief Milan Lučanský, members of the Takáčovci gang would not have faced prosecution. The witness, who testified about pressure he faced while in prison, described a system where criminal prosecutions could allegedly be influenced through high-level corruption. The Takáčovci are known as one of Slovakia's most notorious criminal organizations, involved in extortion, explosives attacks, and other serious crimes. The case highlights allegations of political protection for organized crime groups and suggests corruption reaching the highest levels of Slovak government and law enforcement during the previous administration.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

President Pellegrini to Review NATO Elite Forces in Trenčín as Government Announces Major Infrastructure Plans

President Peter Pellegrini will inspect NATO elite forces stationed in Trenčín as part of his official duties, while government ministers are set to announce a historic renovation program for Slovakia's castles. The Transport Ministry will also reveal plans for new highway sections, as Slovak security forces prepare to launch Operation Green II in cooperation with Czech authorities. The developments come amid ongoing political tensions over a referendum petition that political observers suggest will benefit all parties except the republic itself.

SMEAktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Constitutional Court Judge Says She Would Not Accept State Honor from Pellegrini

Eva Pavlíková, a former Constitutional Court judge, declared she would refuse to accept the Pribina Cross, one of Slovakia's highest state honors, if offered by President Peter Pellegrini. The statement represents a rare public rejection of presidential recognition by a prominent legal figure. Pavlíková served on Slovakia's Constitutional Court, the country's highest constitutional authority responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws and government actions. The Pribina Cross is awarded by the Slovak president to citizens for exceptional contributions to the state, democracy, and human rights. President Pellegrini, who took office in June 2024, previously served as prime minister and is associated with the Smer-SD party, though he ran as an independent candidate.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Igor Matovič Honors Michal Šimečka in Unexpected Political Move

Former Prime Minister Igor Matovič has publicly honored Michal Šimečka, the leader of Progressive Slovakia (PS), following the opposition party's recent congress. The recognition comes after PS held its party assembly, where two potential scenarios were discussed among party leadership and observers. Both scenarios that were outlined during the congress proceedings have reportedly materialized quickly in the aftermath of the meeting. Matovič, who leads the centrist OĽaNO party and served as prime minister from 2020 to 2021, made the gesture toward Šimečka, whose Progressive Slovakia is a liberal opposition party that has been critical of the current government led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Kuciak Murder Case to Continue with Testimony from Former Police Official

The trial in the Kuciak murder case and the alleged plot to assassinate prosecutors is set to continue with testimony from Ivo Weiss, a former police official. According to the indictment, the planned assassination target was General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka. During a June 2022 court hearing, Weiss testified that he was asked to provide a stolen car for defendant Darko D., who had approached him about some unspecified work in Piešťany. The case stems from the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, which exposed high-level corruption and organized crime connections in Slovakia. The prosecution alleges that the same criminal network behind the Kuciak killing also planned to murder prosecutors involved in major corruption cases, representing an unprecedented attack on Slovakia's justice system.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Ten Hlas Party Officials Face Corruption Allegations Worth Hundreds of Millions

Ten leading figures from Slovakia's Hlas party are facing various corruption and clientelism allegations involving hundreds of millions of euros, according to a comprehensive review of scandals that have emerged in less than three years since the party's formation. Hlas, a social-democratic party that split from the larger Smer-SD party in 2020, has been plagued by a series of high-profile cases despite joining the current ruling coalition government. The party, led by Peter Pellegrini who previously served as prime minister, has struggled to distance itself from corruption allegations that have dogged Slovak politics for years. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about governance and transparency in Slovakia's political system, particularly as the country continues to grapple with the legacy of previous corruption scandals that have shaped its political landscape.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Culture Minister Says Fico Realizes This Is His Weakest Government

Former Slovak Culture Minister Marek Maďarič said Prime Minister Robert Fico recognizes that his current administration is his weakest government to date and that he is not particularly enjoying the role. In an interview with SME newspaper, Maďarič also characterized STVR, Slovakia's public broadcaster, as a government media outlet. Maďarič served as culture minister during Fico's previous terms in office, giving him insight into the prime minister's leadership style across different periods. Fico is currently serving his fourth term as prime minister, leading a coalition government that includes his Smer-SD party, the nationalist SNS party, and the populist Hlas party since taking office in October 2023.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Parties Officially Rule Out Coalition with Ruling Parties

All opposition parties in Slovakia have officially excluded the possibility of forming coalitions with the three ruling parties: Smer-SD, Hlas-SD, and the Slovak National Party (SNS). The announcement represents a significant political development as it formally establishes clear battle lines ahead of future electoral contests. The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party along with the social-democratic Hlas-SD and the nationalist SNS, now faces unified opposition from all parliamentary opposition forces. This political polarization could have major implications for Slovakia's governance and future coalition-building possibilities after the next elections.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Pellegrini Loses His Composure Over Referendum Petition

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has publicly criticized the ongoing referendum petition campaign, suggesting it will end well for everyone except the republic itself. Pellegrini, who serves as the country's head of state in a largely ceremonial role, appeared to break from his typical diplomatic restraint when addressing the petition drive. The referendum petition represents part of Slovakia's direct democracy mechanisms, where citizens can collect signatures to force national votes on specific issues, though the president's comments suggest concern about the political implications of the current campaign for the country's stability.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Interior Minister Accused of Double Standards Over Violence Response

Slovakia's Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok faces accusations of applying double standards in his response to violent incidents. Critics point to contrasting reactions between his previous statements about incitement when discussing the Valaška case and his silence following an attack on opposition politician Schutz. The attacker in the Schutz incident has filed a complaint, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding the minister's handling of political violence cases.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Student Explains Anti-Government Protests Over Spending Priorities

An 18-year-old Slovak student studying abroad has spoken out about ongoing protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, contrasting the administration's spending on luxury items with neglected public infrastructure. The student, who is eligible to vote, highlighted the disparity between expensive purchases like luxury watches and basic maintenance issues such as leaking roofs in public buildings. The protests reflect broader frustration among young Slovaks with government priorities and spending decisions. Fico leads a coalition government that returned to power in 2023, and his administration has faced criticism over various policy decisions and budget allocations.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Swiss Man's Body Exhumed After Eight Years as Alleged Murder Mastermind Arrested

Slovak authorities have exhumed the body of a Swiss citizen eight years after his death as part of a murder investigation that has led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the killing. The suspect was brought to Slovakia based on an international arrest warrant and is now in custody. The exhumation suggests investigators are seeking additional evidence in what appears to be a complex murder case with international dimensions, though the specific circumstances of the Swiss man's death and the suspect's alleged role have not been disclosed by authorities.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister's Advisor Charged with Indirect Corruption

Prosecutors have formally charged a key advisor to Slovakia's Prime Minister with indirect corruption, escalating a significant legal case. The advisor, identified as Lindtner, faces criminal charges in what appears to be part of a broader investigation into potential misconduct within government circles. A crucial witness in the case, former judge Vladimír Sklenka, has yet to provide testimony that could prove pivotal to the prosecution's case. The charges against the prime ministerial advisor represent another high-profile corruption case affecting Slovakia's political establishment, where anti-corruption efforts have targeted officials across various levels of government in recent years.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Christian Democratic Movement Rules Out Pre-Election Coalition

The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) announced it will run independently in upcoming elections, rejecting the formation of a large pre-election coalition. The party declared its intention to compete on its own platform rather than join forces with other opposition parties ahead of the electoral campaign. KDH, a center-right Christian democratic party that has been part of Slovakia's political landscape since the 1990s, is currently in opposition to the ruling coalition led by Smer-SD. The decision reflects the party's strategy to maintain its distinct political identity and appeal directly to voters with its own program rather than compromise through coalition arrangements.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Party Hlas Faces Limited Partnership Options After Progressive Slovakia Rejection

Hlas, a center-left Slovak opposition party, finds itself with minimal potential coalition partners after being rejected by Progressive Slovakia (PS), the country's main liberal opposition force. The development has prompted speculation about possible cooperation with the far-right Republika party, though this would represent a dramatic ideological shift for Hlas. Party leader Richard Raši has responded to the rejection from PS leader Michal Šimečka, indicating internal discussions are underway about the party's future direction. The situation highlights the fragmented nature of Slovakia's opposition landscape, where ideological differences and strategic calculations are limiting potential alliances against the ruling coalition led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD party.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Faces Criticism Over Response to Journalist Attack

Slovak authorities are drawing criticism for their handling of a recent attack on a journalist, with opposition figures describing the government's response as inadequate. The incident has sparked debate about press freedom and the protection of media workers in Slovakia. The full circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, with authorities yet to release detailed information about what occurred or the motivations behind the incident.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Movement Leader Opposes Flat Tax, Warns of Food Price Increases

Igor Jakab, leader of the opposition Slovakia Movement party, rejected proposals for a flat tax system, arguing it would not solve the country's fiscal problems and could lead to higher prices for basic food items. Instead, Jakab's party advocates for increasing criminal penalties for tax fraud and improving detection mechanisms to combat tax evasion. The Slovakia Movement, which sits in opposition to the current ruling coalition, has positioned itself as favoring stricter enforcement of existing tax laws rather than comprehensive tax reform through a flat rate system.

TASR/Teraz
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