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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Prosecutor Launches Investigation into Abuse of Power in Čurillovci Case

A prosecutor has initiated criminal proceedings for abuse of power related to activities surrounding the Čurillovci case. The investigation marks a renewed focus on this matter, though specific details about the nature of the alleged abuse or the individuals involved have not been disclosed. The Čurillovci case appears to involve some form of law enforcement action or operation that has now come under prosecutorial scrutiny for potential misconduct by officials involved in the proceedings.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Slovak MP to face trial over EU agricultural subsidies fraud

Former Slovak parliamentarian Ľubica Rošková will stand trial on charges of damaging the European Union's financial interests and subsidy fraud. Prosecutors allege that a company linked to the ex-MP illegally received agricultural subsidies based on applications filed in 2016 and 2017. The case has been under investigation since 2018, marking another high-profile prosecution involving the misuse of EU agricultural funds in Slovakia.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Member Addresses Religious Faith Amid Party's Liberal Image

A member of Progressive Slovakia has publicly addressed questions about reconciling personal religious faith with membership in the liberal opposition party. The individual responded to a message from an old friend who questioned their affiliation with what the friend characterized as "the party of feminists and gays." The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Slovak society between traditional religious values and progressive political positions on social issues. Progressive Slovakia, one of Slovakia's main opposition parties, advocates for liberal policies on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, positions that sometimes conflict with conservative religious viewpoints in the predominantly Catholic country.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Submits Signatures for Early Elections Referendum in Slovakia

The Demokrati party, a non-parliamentary opposition group, delivered more than 380,000 signatures to President Peter Pellegrini requesting a referendum on early parliamentary elections. The submission represents the party's response to public dissatisfaction with the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Under Slovak law, citizens can petition for referendums on matters of public interest, though the process requires collecting signatures from a significant portion of the electorate. The move reflects growing opposition pressure on Fico's coalition government, which returned to power following elections in late 2023.

Košice Dnes
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Leader Pekár Rejects Criticism, Alleges Targeted Interference in PS Process

Michal Pekár, a leader within Progresívne Slovensko (PS), Slovakia's main liberal opposition party, has rejected criticism directed at him and accused opponents of deliberately interfering in internal party processes. Pekár stated that during PS's internal campaign he made no promises of financial or material benefits to anyone. The dispute appears to center on allegations related to Pekár's conduct during recent internal party activities, though he maintains his actions were appropriate and suggests the criticism is part of a coordinated effort to undermine party processes.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government to Address Regional Issues and Audiovisual Fund Legislation at Horná Kľačany Meeting

The Slovak government will hold its 134th session in Horná Kľačany, where ministers will address both regional development topics and legislative matters. The agenda includes a proposal to amend the Audiovisual Fund law, prepared by the Ministry of Culture. The Audiovisual Fund supports Slovak film and television production through grants and subsidies, making any changes to its governing legislation significant for the country's cultural sector. The decision to hold the government meeting in Horná Kľačany reflects the administration's practice of conducting sessions in different regions to focus attention on local development needs.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Backs Far-Right Candidate Despite History of Extremist Statements

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has indirectly endorsed Milan Mazurek, a European Parliament member from the far-right Republic party, for the position of Prešov regional governor. The endorsement continues Fico's gradual rapprochement with the Republic party, with politicians from his ruling Smer-SD party repeatedly suggesting they could govern together after the 2027 elections. Mazurek has a documented history of extremist statements, including remarks about white racial superiority, praise for Jozef Tiso - the wartime leader of Nazi-aligned Slovak State - and associations with Marian Kotleba, a convicted neo-Nazi politician. The endorsement represents a significant political development as Fico's social-democratic Smer-SD party, which leads Slovakia's current government, moves closer to potential coalition with far-right forces. This shift toward extremist parties could have major implications for Slovakia's political landscape and its relationships within the European Union, particularly given the Republic party's nationalist and anti-EU positions.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Education Minister Allocates Innovation Grants to Two Additional Companies Despite Earlier Controversy

Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, nominated by the Voice party, will award innovation grants to two additional companies - a recognized medical startup and a smaller construction firm - despite previously closing what he called a scandalous grant program. Drucker's ministry defended both projects as beneficial. Out of 235 million euros originally allocated for innovation grants, only 130 million euros were ultimately distributed, with over 100 million euros redirected to other programs following pressure from media and opposition parties. The minister had announced in mid-February that grants from the controversial program would be discontinued, but these final two allocations represent the completion of projects already in the pipeline. The innovation grant program, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec, had faced significant criticism over its transparency and selection process, leading to the government's decision to suspend further distributions and redirect the remaining funds.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Political Controversy Erupts Over Milan Ondrík's Speech as Critics Target Government Officials

A political controversy has emerged in Slovakia following a speech by Milan Ondrík that has divided opinion, with some calling it cowardly while others view it as courageous. The dispute comes amid broader criticism of government leadership, including accusations that President Peter Pellegrini has humiliated Slovakia on the international stage. Political observers are also pointing to what they describe as the hollowing out of Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, suggesting internal weaknesses within the governing coalition.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Commentary Sparks Debate Over Leadership and Party Direction

A speech by Milan Ondrík has generated controversy in Slovak political circles, with debate emerging over whether his remarks were courageous or cowardly. The commentary comes amid broader criticism of political leadership, including allegations that President Peter Pellegrini has diminished Slovakia's international standing. Political observers are also questioning the current direction of Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, with some describing the party as having lost its ideological coherence and purpose.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

New Poll Shows Tight Race for First Place as Slovakia Faces Employment and Data Security Concerns

A new opinion poll reveals a close contest for the leading position among Slovak political parties, highlighting the competitive nature of the current political landscape. Meanwhile, workers in Galanta face potential layoffs, raising concerns about employment stability in the region. Separately, authorities are investigating suspected data breaches related to the government's energy assistance program, which could affect citizens who applied for energy subsidies during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Hlas Party Official Says Coalition Must Differentiate From Smer Amid Declining Poll Numbers

Michal Kaliňák, a senior official with the ruling Hlas party, said the coalition must distinguish itself from its partner Smer-SD as the party faces declining support in opinion polls. Kaliňák, who serves as state secretary at the Interior Ministry and sits on Hlas's leadership board, argued that the party's falling preferences cannot be blamed solely on party leadership. The 46-year-old official, who oversees electoral legislation and previously led the Association of Slovak Towns and Villages, addressed questions about potential changes to election laws and his decision not to run again for the Prešov regional governor position. Hlas, a center-left party that split from Smer-SD in 2020, has been part of Slovakia's ruling coalition since forming the government with Smer-SD and the Slovak National Party following elections in 2023.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Officers Report Unsustainable Work Pace and Increased Pressure

Police officers in Slovakia are facing mounting pressure and an unsustainable pace of fieldwork, according to law enforcement personnel. The officers report that recent changes to police operations have failed to bring any improvement to their working conditions. The complaints highlight growing concerns about the effectiveness of police reforms and the impact of current policies on frontline officers who carry out daily patrol and investigative duties across the country.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Police Officers Being Deployed Without Proper Training, Senior Officers Warn of Field Risks

Slovak police are deploying officers to street patrols without completing proper training, according to warnings from experienced patrol officers. Senior members of patrol units are expressing concerns about the risks this practice creates in field operations, stating they must closely supervise the untrained officers to prevent potential problems during police work.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Opposition pushes Pellegrini into constitutional trap over early election referendum

Slovakia's opposition Democratic parties are attempting to force President Peter Pellegrini into a constitutional dilemma by demanding he call a referendum on early parliamentary elections. Under Slovak law, the president cannot legally declare such a referendum, creating a political trap that puts Pellegrini in an impossible position. The maneuver appears designed to highlight constitutional limitations on presidential power while applying political pressure regarding the current government's mandate. Pellegrini, who took office in June 2024 after winning the presidential election as a candidate supported by the ruling Smer-SD party, faces the choice of either appearing to obstruct democratic processes or acknowledging his constitutional inability to fulfill the opposition's demand.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Justice Minister Denies Discussions About Replacement

Slovak Justice Minister Viliam Susko stated that no one has spoken with him about replacing him in his ministerial position. However, Susko acknowledged that any government reshuffle remains at the discretion of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who leads the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party. The statement comes amid ongoing speculation about potential changes to Slovakia's government structure, with the final authority over ministerial appointments resting with the prime minister.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Intelligence Chief Calls for Investigation into Opposition Party Financing

Pavol Pčolinský, head of Slovakia's intelligence service, has called for an investigation into the financing of Progressive Slovakia (PS), a liberal opposition party. PS responded that it considers transparent financing a priority and has already returned money that businessman Michal Pekár previously donated to the movement. The call for scrutiny comes amid ongoing political tensions between Slovakia's ruling coalition and opposition parties over campaign financing and transparency issues.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Opposition MP Claims Government Diesel Rationing Measures Are Causing Chaos

Opposition lawmaker László Jakab criticized the government's diesel fuel rationing measures, claiming they are not working and are causing chaos in practice. The government adopted regulations on March 18 that limited the volume of diesel fuel that can be purchased at gas stations across Slovakia for a 30-day period. Jakab, whose party affiliation was not specified in the reports, asserted that the entire country is laughing at the current government due to these measures. The rationing appears to be part of broader fuel supply management efforts, though the specific reasons for the restrictions and their effectiveness remain subjects of political debate.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Promises Investments for Nitra Region During Cabinet Session

The Slovak government announced it will support development projects in the Nitra Region during an off-site cabinet meeting. The government pledged investments in transportation, logistics, housing, and education specifically for the Komárno district, which is located in the southern part of the region near the Hungarian border. The off-site cabinet sessions are part of the government's practice of holding meetings in different regions to focus attention on local development needs and demonstrate direct engagement with regional priorities.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Progressive Party Suspends Major Donor Over Unexplained 900,000 Euro Donations

Slovakia's opposition Progressive Slovakia party has suspended the membership of Martin Pekár, one of its largest financial contributors, after he failed to adequately explain how he was able to donate nearly 900,000 euros to the party. The suspension comes amid concerns over the unclear origin of the funds and allegations of inappropriate behavior by Pekár. Progressive Slovakia, a liberal opposition party that advocates for anti-corruption measures and European integration, has returned all donations and loans it received from Pekár. The move represents a significant financial blow to the party, which has positioned itself as a clean alternative to Slovakia's traditional political establishment. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny over political financing in Slovakia, where transparency of party funding has become a key issue in recent years.

Aktuality
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