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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Former Diplomat Accuses Slovak PM Fico of Serving Orbán's Kremlin Interests

Former Slovak diplomat Peter Weiss has accused Prime Minister Robert Fico of acting as a servant to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his pro-Kremlin interests. Weiss argued that Fico is making Slovakia a defenseless country and jeopardizing the nation's European future for the sake of maintaining his own political power. The former diplomat also questioned how Fico, once considered an exemplary leftist politician, transformed into a leader of the far-right. The criticism comes amid growing concerns about Slovakia's foreign policy direction under Fico's leadership and its alignment with Hungary's increasingly pro-Russian stance within the European Union.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Protesters Confront Slovak Ruling Party at International Women's Day Celebration

Protesters confronted politicians from Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party and attendees at an International Women's Day celebration in the central Slovak town of Žiar nad Hronom. While some women at the event praised Prime Minister Robert Fico as a national hero who helps the country, protesters countered with chants rejecting symbolic carnation flowers traditionally given on the March 8 holiday. The demonstration highlighted ongoing political tensions in Slovakia, where Fico's social-democratic party returned to power in 2023 following parliamentary elections, despite facing criticism from opposition groups over his government's policies and approach to various issues.

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Domestic Politics

Architect Miloslav Olejár to Run for Mayor of Bardejov

Architect Miloslav Olejár has announced his candidacy for mayor of Bardejov, running as an independent candidate. Olejár previously sought the mayoral position four years ago, when he finished second in the election. The announcement sets up another mayoral contest in the eastern Slovak town, though details about other candidates and the election timeline have not yet been disclosed.

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Domestic Politics

Former Runner-up Olejár Announces Independent Bid for Bardejov Mayor

Miloslav Olejár has announced his candidacy for mayor of Bardejov, running as an independent candidate in the upcoming municipal elections. Four years ago, Olejár finished second in the mayoral race. Bardejov is a historic town in eastern Slovakia near the Polish border, known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval town center. Municipal elections in Slovakia typically see a mix of party-affiliated and independent candidates competing for local leadership positions.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Kočner Repeats Claim He Wasn't Interested in Kuciak, Can't Recall Why He Messaged Him at Christmas 2017

Marian Kočner, the businessman convicted in connection with the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, reiterated his claim that he had no interest in the reporter during recent testimony. However, Kočner could not explain why he had contacted Kuciak around Christmas 2017. The testimony comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the 2018 murder case that shocked Slovakia. In a September 2017 phone call, Kočner had threatened Kuciak, saying he would investigate and expose any wrongdoing by the journalist and his family, warning that "everyone has something under their fingernails" and promising to publish findings with evidence. Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were murdered at their home in February 2018, a crime that led to massive protests and the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico. The case exposed deep connections between organized crime, business interests, and political power in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Kočner Denies Interest in Kuciak Despite Threatening Messages

Marian Kočner, a controversial businessman currently on trial, maintained that journalist Ján Kuciak was not of interest to him, despite evidence of threatening communications between them. During a September 2017 phone call, Kočner had warned Kuciak that he would search for and publish compromising information about the journalist and his family, stating he would look for "dirt, misconduct, criminal acts" and expose them with evidence. When questioned about why he contacted Kuciak during Christmas 2017, Kočner claimed he could not remember the reason for the communication. Kočner is facing charges related to the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, a case that shocked Slovakia and led to major political upheaval including the resignation of the prime minister. The trial has revealed extensive evidence of Kočner's attempts to intimidate and threaten journalists who were investigating his business dealings and alleged connections to organized crime.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Christian Democrats Split on Potential Coalition with Ruling Parties

Two of five deputy leaders within the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) oppose excluding future cooperation with Slovakia's ruling parties, including Smer-SD, Hlas, and the Slovak National Party (SNS). The internal disagreement highlights divisions within the opposition party over its strategic positioning toward the current government coalition. KDH, a center-right Christian democratic party that has historically been part of various coalition governments, now faces internal debate over whether to maintain flexibility in potential future political alliances or take a harder stance against the current ruling parties led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD.

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Domestic Politics

Questions Raised Over Release of Čurilla Group Members from Custody

Prosecutor Michal Žeňuch has come under scrutiny for his handling of a case involving members of the Čurilla group, who remain at liberty despite ongoing legal proceedings. Critics are questioning why Žeňuch failed to leverage what sources describe as a 'home advantage' in the prosecution of the case. The Čurilla group has been linked to various criminal activities, though the specific charges and circumstances surrounding their release from custody have not been detailed. The case highlights ongoing concerns about prosecutorial effectiveness in high-profile criminal proceedings in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Faces Budget Deficit, Kočner Returns to Court, Mass Layoffs at Public Television

Slovakia is grappling with a billion-euro budget deficit as the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico faces multiple challenges. Controversial businessman Marián Kočner has returned to court proceedings, while Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), the country's public broadcaster, is implementing mass layoffs. These developments highlight ongoing tensions in Slovak politics and media landscape under the current administration. The budget deficit represents a significant fiscal challenge for Fico's government, which returned to power in 2023 leading a coalition that includes the nationalist Slovak National Party and the populist Hlas party. Kočner, a businessman previously convicted in connection with the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, remains a central figure in Slovakia's corruption investigations. The mass layoffs at STVR come amid broader concerns about media independence and government influence over public broadcasting in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Health and Justice Ministers Prepare Document to Reject International Health Regulations

Slovakia's Health Minister Kamil Šaško and Justice Minister Boris Susko have prepared a document proposing the rejection of international health regulations, which is expected to be included on the agenda of the government's next meeting. The move would align with positions advocated by Peter Kotlár, a controversial government official who has promoted anti-vaccination views and conspiracy theories about international health organizations. Kotlár, who serves as a government plenipotentiary for investigating the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a vocal critic of World Health Organization guidelines and international health cooperation frameworks. The document represents a significant potential shift in Slovakia's approach to international health cooperation and could affect the country's participation in global health initiatives and emergency preparedness mechanisms.

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Domestic Politics

Kočner Offers New Version of Toilet Emoji Case as Alleged Witness Dies

Marian Kočner, a controversial Slovak businessman currently on trial, presented a new version of events regarding the so-called toilet emoji case during testimony that lasted an entire day. The development comes as an alleged witness in the case has died. Kočner is a central figure in multiple high-profile corruption and organized crime cases in Slovakia, including investigations into the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The businessman has been linked to various scandals involving alleged manipulation of the judicial system and threats against journalists and prosecutors.

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Domestic Politics

State Employee in Košice Caught on Video Working as Driver Instead of Land Registry Duties

A former police officer employed at the land registry office in Košice has been caught on video apparently working as a driver for the head of the local district office rather than performing his official duties. The employee, who has been on the payroll for six months at the cadastral office, was filmed in what appears to be a chauffeur role for Tomáš Kysel, the head of the Košice District Office who represents Hlas, a center-left party that is part of Slovakia's ruling coalition. The case highlights potential misuse of public employment, where the individual receives a state salary for land registry work but allegedly performs unrelated services for a political appointee.

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Domestic Politics

Former Police Officer Employed at Košice Land Registry Allegedly Works as Driver for District Chief

A former police officer employed at the land registry office in Košice for the past six months has been caught on video in circumstances suggesting he actually works as a driver for Tomáš Kysel, the head of the Košice District Office. The employee receives a salary from the land registry despite allegedly not performing his official duties there. Kysel is a member of Hlas-SD, the social-democratic party that is part of Slovakia's ruling coalition government. The case highlights potential misuse of public employment and resources within the state administration under the current government.

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Domestic Politics

Košice cadastral office employee allegedly works as driver while receiving state salary

A former police officer employed for six months at the cadastral office in Košice has been caught on video apparently working as a driver for Tomáš Kysel, the head of the Košice District Office and a member of Hlas party, while receiving his government salary. The video evidence suggests the employee is not performing his official duties at the land registry office but instead is providing personal transportation services to the district official. The case raises questions about misuse of public resources and proper supervision of state employees under the current government, which includes Hlas as part of the ruling coalition alongside Smer-SD and SNS.

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Domestic Politics

Green Majority Initiative Rejects Minister Taraba's Statements About NGOs

The Green Majority Initiative has firmly rejected accusations made by a government minister regarding non-governmental organizations. The environmental group issued a strong denial in response to statements from Minister Taraba, though the specific nature of his comments was not detailed. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Slovakia's current government and civil society organizations, particularly those focused on environmental issues.

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Domestic Politics

Green Majority Initiative Rejects Environment Minister's Accusations Against NGOs

The Green Majority Initiative has strongly rejected accusations made by Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba regarding non-governmental organizations. The environmental advocacy group issued a formal statement distancing itself from Taraba's comments about NGOs, though the specific nature of the minister's statements was not detailed. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Slovakia's current government and civil society organizations, as environmental and civic groups have frequently criticized government policies since the coalition led by Smer-SD took power following last year's parliamentary elections.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Officers React to Criminal Group Charges in Operation Kajúcnik

Slovak lawyer Ján Dulovič revealed details about his clients' reactions to criminal charges filed during Operation Kajúcnik, a police investigation launched last week. Dulovič represents several detained police officers, including Ján Čurilla and Pavel Ďurka, who are among seven suspects charged in the operation. According to the lawyer, Čurilla found it absurd to be accused of leading a criminal organization when he learned of the charges during interrogations. The detained officers have become targets of sustained political attacks from Prime Minister Robert Fico and his allies. Operation Kajúcnik represents a significant development in ongoing tensions between Slovakia's political leadership and certain elements within law enforcement. The police inspection unit conducted the operation, which resulted in multiple arrests and interrogations in Banská Bystrica. The case highlights broader conflicts within Slovak law enforcement and the politicization of criminal investigations. Fico's Smer-SD party, which leads the current government coalition, has frequently criticized police officers involved in high-profile corruption investigations. The charges against these officers could reshape dynamics within Slovakia's law enforcement agencies and affect ongoing criminal cases.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Officers' Lawyer Says Client Found Organized Crime Charges 'Ridiculous'

A Slovak lawyer representing two police officers targeted in a major law enforcement operation said his client laughed when informed he was accused of leading a criminal organization. Attorney Ján Dulovič represents police officers Ján Čurilla and Pavel Ďurka, who were among seven people detained in Operation Kajúcnik launched by the police inspection service. The operation has drawn attention partly because Prime Minister Robert Fico and his allies have repeatedly criticized the two officers. Dulovič described his experience during the interrogations and said Čurilla found the accusation that he headed an organized crime group to be absurd when he learned of the charges.

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Domestic Politics

Kočner Changes Details in Murder Trial Testimony, Raising Questions About Credibility

Marian Kočner has begun testifying in his own defense during the retrial for the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The controversial businessman is providing testimony that differs from his previous statements, changing details about his relationship with key figure Peter Tóth and about screening journalists. These inconsistencies in his testimony may provide prosecutors with evidence that Kočner is lying, potentially undermining his defense in one of Slovakia's most closely watched criminal cases. The murders of Kuciak, an investigative journalist who reported on corruption, and Kušnírová in 2018 sparked mass protests that ultimately led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico and triggered a political crisis in Slovakia.

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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Calls on Prime Minister to Prevent Fuel Price Increases

Progressive Slovakia (PS), an opposition liberal party, has called on Prime Minister Robert Fico to ensure that motorists do not pay higher prices for gasoline. The party's chairman suggested that Fico could implement measures related to excise taxes to address fuel pricing concerns. The appeal comes as Slovakia faces potential increases in fuel costs, though the governing coalition led by Fico's Smer-SD social-democratic party has not yet responded to the opposition's demands for intervention in the fuel market.

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