Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 05/07/2026 05:40 · 31 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2902 stories
Domestic Politics

Criminal charges reclassified in Slovak Kajúcnik case to avoid statute of limitations

Prosecutors have reclassified criminal charges against defendants in the Kajúcnik case to prevent the alleged crimes from becoming time-barred under the statute of limitations. The defense team is challenging both the reclassification of the charges, which they claim was done for strategic purposes, and prosecutors' request for collusion detention. Defense lawyers describe the detention request as weak, full of contradictions and illogical conclusions. The Kajúcnik case involves criminal proceedings related to unspecified activities, with the legal reclassification allowing prosecutors to continue pursuing charges that would otherwise have expired under Slovak law.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Fico Launches Week of Political Retaliation

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has initiated what observers are calling a "week of great revenge" as he strikes back against his political opponents. The campaign represents Fico's response to recent challenges to his government, though specific details of the retaliatory measures have not been disclosed. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, has previously demonstrated a combative approach to political opposition during his multiple terms as prime minister. The escalation comes amid ongoing tensions in Slovak politics, where Fico's government faces pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups over various policy issues and governance concerns.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Meets with Chief Prosecutor to Discuss Tax Crime Legislation

President Peter Pellegrini met with Chief Prosecutor Maroš Žilinkom on Friday to discuss prosecutorial matters and upcoming legislative initiatives. The head of Slovakia's prosecution service briefed the president on proposed legislation targeting tax-related criminal activities. The meeting represents part of regular consultations between Slovakia's executive and prosecutorial branches on legal and law enforcement matters.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Calls for Review of Pumped-Storage Power Plant's Classification as Strategic Investment

Progressive Slovakia, the main opposition party, is demanding a review of the decision to classify the Málince pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant as a strategically significant investment. MP Zuzana Stohlová from the liberal opposition party criticized the classification process, arguing that the decision regarding the Málince facility is being made based on unsubstantiated claims. The pumped-storage power plant project has been granted strategic investment status, which typically provides accelerated permitting procedures and other benefits for major infrastructure developments deemed important for Slovakia's economic development.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Constitutional Court Judge Procházka Wears Black Armband in Apparent Protest

Constitutional Court Judge Procházka appeared wearing a black armband during recent proceedings, in what appears to be a symbolic gesture of protest or mourning. The display occurred amid ongoing tensions within Slovakia's highest constitutional authority. The Constitutional Court, which serves as the final arbiter of constitutional matters in Slovakia, has faced increased scrutiny in recent months as political divisions have deepened across the country's judicial institutions.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak High School Student Challenges Prime Minister Fico to Public Debate

A Slovak high school student has publicly challenged Prime Minister Robert Fico to a debate, claiming that recent student discussions have awakened young people's political awareness. The student argued that Fico uses their encounters with young people to improve his public image, while students have become more aware of what they described as the prime minister's manipulative techniques. The challenge reflects growing political engagement among Slovak youth and their critical assessment of the country's leadership approach to public discourse.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Defense Attorney Claims Police Investigators Prosecuted for Targeting Powerful Figures

A defense attorney representing investigators in a high-profile case claims his clients are being prosecuted for pursuing powerful individuals. Štefan Mašin, defending the so-called "Čurila group" - investigators, operatives and a prosecutor facing charges - argues that what was once tactical interrogation language has been twisted into evidence against his clients. Mašin maintains that Ján Čurila, a key figure in the case, is not a leader of any group that abused suspects through detention. The case appears to involve law enforcement officials who are now facing legal proceedings, with their attorney suggesting they are being targeted in retaliation for investigating influential figures in Slovak society.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

No Slovak government minister enjoys public confidence, new poll shows

A recent poll has revealed that no member of Prime Minister Robert Fico's cabinet enjoys greater public trust than distrust among Slovak citizens. The survey, conducted in February 2026, found that every minister in the current government has negative approval ratings, with public confidence remaining below 50 percent for all cabinet members. Fico leads a coalition government dominated by his Smer-SD party, a social-democratic party that has been a major force in Slovak politics for over two decades. The poll results suggest widespread public dissatisfaction with the government's performance across all ministerial portfolios, though the survey did not specify which minister recorded the lowest approval ratings.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Leader Predicts Matovič Government Will Collapse Within Six Months

Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, predicted that any government led by Igor Matovič would collapse within six months. In an interview, Šimečka also made personal remarks about his academic background, stating that despite holding a doctorate from Oxford University, he wrote parts of his doctoral thesis in pubs while drinking beer.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Claims Government Failed to Prove Predecessor Crime Allegations After 2.5 Years

Slovakia's current ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, has failed to substantiate its allegations of criminal wrongdoing by previous governments despite being in power for nearly 2.5 years, according to opposition politician Zoroslav Kollár. The comment highlights a key criticism of Fico's political strategy, which has frequently involved accusations against former administrations. Since returning to power in late 2023, Fico's government has made various claims about alleged crimes committed by predecessor governments, but none of these allegations have been confirmed in court proceedings. The observation underscores ongoing political tensions in Slovakia, where accusations and counter-accusations between different political camps have become a recurring feature of the country's political discourse.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Wages 'Financial War' Against NGOs, Third Sector Representatives Warn

Slovakia's government has cut 16 million euros in funding to non-governmental organizations over the past two years as part of what civil society representatives describe as a deliberate campaign against the NGO sector. Lucia Szabová and Filip Vagač, representatives of the Third Sector, say the government has shifted tactics from attempting to stigmatize NGOs as "foreign agents" to using bureaucratic harassment and financial pressure to weaken civil society organizations. The Third Sector is an umbrella term for non-governmental organizations, charities, and civil society groups that operate independently of government and business sectors in Slovakia. The representatives warn that while the funding cuts are designed to undermine NGOs, the ultimate impact will be felt by ordinary citizens, including the government's own voters, who rely on services provided by these organizations.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Minister Kaliňák Engaged in Business Dealings While PM Fico Promotes Peace

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák has been involved in business activities while Prime Minister Robert Fico pursues peace initiatives, according to reports. Money flows have been documented between Prague and Bratislava in connection with these dealings. The contrast highlights different approaches within Slovakia's government, with Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, focusing on diplomatic peace efforts while his defense minister appears to be engaged in separate commercial activities involving cross-border financial transactions with the Czech Republic.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Penalizes Intelligence Chief with Pay Cut as Police Operation Targets Officials

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini imposed a 15 percent salary reduction on the head of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the country's intelligence agency, as a disciplinary measure. Meanwhile, a police operation codenamed Kajúcnik resulted in detention requests for two individuals associated with a group known as "čurillovci." The Arts Support Fund also faced criticism over its grant distribution practices. The intelligence service, which handles national security and counterintelligence operations, operates under presidential oversight, giving Pellegrini authority to impose such penalties on its leadership. The police operation appears to be part of ongoing efforts to combat organized networks, though the specific charges against the detained individuals were not detailed.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Pellegrini Faces Criticism Over Response to Government Minister's Traffic Fine Controversy

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini missed an opportunity to assert moral authority in addressing a controversy surrounding Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok's son, who received a traffic fine. Critics argue the case highlights broader issues of arrogance among government officials' family members rather than the monetary amount of the penalty itself. The incident has drawn attention to questions about accountability and standards of conduct for those connected to Slovakia's ruling establishment. Pellegrini, who serves as the country's head of state, was expected by some observers to take a stronger moral stance on the matter but his response has been viewed as insufficient by critics.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Pellegrini Criticized for Missing Opportunity to Assert Moral Authority

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini faced criticism for failing to take a strong moral stance in a recent controversy involving Gašpar Jr., where critics argued the issue was not about the amount of any fine but about confronting what they described as arrogant behavior. The commentary highlighted this as another example of missed opportunities for moral leadership. Separately, new concrete connections have reportedly emerged between the business interests of Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok's associate Kaliňák and entrepreneur Strnad, adding to ongoing scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest within the government coalition. The analysis also pointed to growing concerns about former U.S. President Donald Trump's potential return to power and American technological dominance as additional reasons for international concern.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Glass Angel Memorial for Late Police Chief Displayed at Police Headquarters Despite Corruption Charges

A glass angel memorial dedicated to former police chief Milan Lučanský has been installed at Slovakia's police headquarters, though it remains unclear who funded the tribute. Lučanský, who served as police president before his death, was facing corruption charges at the time of his passing. The memorial's placement at the official police building has raised questions about the appropriateness of honoring a former official who was under criminal investigation for alleged corrupt practices.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Prosecutor Claims Police Officers' Alleged Crimes Would Be Time-Barred Without Organized Crime Charges

Prosecutor Michal Šúrek, speaking after his release from detention, defended police officers involved in a case connected to Ján Čurilla, arguing that without charges of operating as an organized criminal group, the alleged crimes would be time-barred. Šúrek described the accused officers as "professionals who worked under enormous pressure," stating it was "inadmissible to say they committed criminal activity." His comments come as he faces his own legal troubles in what appears to be a broader investigation involving law enforcement officials. The case highlights ongoing tensions within Slovakia's justice system, where the Special Prosecutor's Office handles major corruption and organized crime investigations, and where questions of statute of limitations often become central to high-profile prosecutions involving current and former officials.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Former Prosecutor General Candidate Criticizes Current Coalition's Actions

A prosecutor who was previously blocked from becoming Slovakia's top prosecutor by former President Ivan Gašparovič has publicly criticized the current ruling coalition's recent moves. The man, whose appointment as Prosecutor General was derailed by Gašparovič during his presidency, accused the current government of attempting to create a false impression that their actions are not solely aimed at protecting their political allies. Gašparovič, who served as Slovakia's president from 2004 to 2014, had significant influence over judicial appointments during his tenure. The criticism comes as Slovakia's current coalition government faces scrutiny over various legislative and personnel changes that opposition parties claim are designed to benefit government supporters and shield them from prosecution.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak National Party Leader Criticizes Polling Agencies Over Support Numbers

Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), has expressed frustration with polling results and singled out three polling agencies for particular criticism. The SNS chairman indicated he will no longer remain passive about survey results that show lower support for his party. Danko's party acknowledges only two polling agencies as credible - specifically those that show higher support numbers for SNS. The Slovak National Party is a nationalist party that forms part of Slovakia's ruling coalition government alongside the social-democratic Smer-SD and the centrist Hlas parties. Disputes over polling methodology and results are common in Slovak politics, with parties often questioning surveys that show unfavorable numbers for their electoral prospects.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Head of Slovak Intelligence Service Cleared in Traffic Accident Investigation

Police have concluded that Michal Gašpar, director of the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS), was not at fault in a recent traffic accident. The SIS is Slovakia's foreign intelligence agency, responsible for gathering intelligence abroad and protecting national security interests. The investigation into the incident involving the intelligence chief has been completed, with authorities determining he bore no responsibility for the collision.

SME
|