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

Slovak Intelligence Chief Gašpar Not at Fault in Traffic Accident, Police Say

Police have determined that Michal Gašpar, director of Slovakia's Intelligence Service (SIS), was not at fault in a recent traffic accident. The SIS serves as Slovakia's main intelligence agency, responsible for national security and counterintelligence operations. The incident has drawn public attention due to Gašpar's high-profile position as head of the country's primary intelligence organization.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Expert fails to answer key question in Slovak intelligence chief's car accident case

An expert witness has failed to provide answers to crucial questions in the investigation of a car accident involving Pavol Gašpar, head of Slovakia's intelligence service SIS (Slovak Information Service). Police have determined that Gašpar was not at fault for the accident. The Slovak Information Service is the country's main intelligence agency responsible for national security and counterintelligence operations. The lack of expert testimony on key aspects of the case leaves important questions unresolved about the circumstances surrounding the incident involving one of Slovakia's top security officials.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Draws Criticism for International Women's Day Remarks About Men's Physique

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sparked controversy during International Women's Day celebrations with comments about "ideal male proportions" and other remarks that critics characterized as inappropriate humor. The comments were part of what observers described as a typically unconventional Slovak approach to the international holiday, which also featured traditional gifts and presentations. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, has previously drawn attention for his unorthodox public statements and approach to official events.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Political Counterattack Emerges as Battle Over State Character Intensifies

A political counteroffensive has begun in Slovakia's ongoing struggle over the fundamental character of the state, according to political analysis. The outcome of legal proceedings against associates of former Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipšic, known as the "Čurillovci" group, is expected to reveal the true balance of power in this broader political conflict. The reference to "Čurillovci" stems from investigators and prosecutors who worked under Lipšic at the Special Prosecutor's Office, which handled major corruption and organized crime cases. Their fate in current proceedings is seen as indicative of which political forces hold the upper hand in determining Slovakia's institutional direction and rule of law framework.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Calls Emergency Committee Session Over Cultural Institution Funding Crisis

Progressive Slovakia (PS), an opposition liberal party, has requested an emergency session of Parliament's culture and media committee to address what it describes as a crisis situation affecting cultural institutions. PS representative Jaurová criticized government cuts to funding for cultural organizations, highlighting concerns about the impact on Slovakia's cultural sector. The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, operates through specialized committees that oversee different policy areas, with the culture and media committee responsible for cultural policy and arts funding decisions.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia to Question Slovak Representative to European Prosecutor's Office in Committee

Progressive Slovakia, the liberal opposition party, plans to question Slovakia's representative to the European Public Prosecutor's Office during an upcoming parliamentary committee session. The party's representative Juríková highlighted concerns about findings related to EU funds fraud and tax evasion cases. The European Public Prosecutor's Office, established in 2017, investigates crimes affecting the EU's financial interests, including fraud involving European Union funds and cross-border tax crimes. Slovakia appointed its representative to this body as part of the country's participation in the EU-wide anti-fraud initiative.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Fico Says He Is Running for His Life

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared he is "running for his life," marking a dramatic shift in his approach to political opponents. The prime minister, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, indicated that imprisoning his enemies can no longer be ruled out, reversing his previous stance of refusing to jail political adversaries. This represents a significant hardening of Fico's position toward the opposition, suggesting an escalation in Slovakia's increasingly polarized political climate. Fico has been a dominant figure in Slovak politics for over two decades, having served multiple terms as prime minister.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Intelligence Chief Faces Ongoing Legal Uncertainty After August Car Crash

The legal fate of Pavol Gašpar, director of Slovakia's intelligence service SIS, remains undecided six months after his involvement in a traffic accident in Nitra, according to his lawyer Harkabus. Police completed their investigation two months ago, finding that Gašpar exceeded the speed limit by four kilometers per hour. President Peter Pellegrini has already imposed disciplinary action against the intelligence chief, ordering a one-time 15 percent salary deduction. However, the criminal case appears to still be pending a final determination of guilt or innocence. The SIS is Slovakia's foreign intelligence service, and its director reports directly to the president under the country's institutional framework.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Prosecutor Seeks Three-Month Detention for Two Police Officers in Operation Penitent

A prosecutor in Trnava has requested three-month prison sentences for two police officers, Ján Čurilla and Pavel Ďurka, who were arrested as part of Operation Penitent. Prosecutor Michal Žeňuch argued that the officers should remain in custody because they could potentially influence witnesses or coordinate their testimonies if released. Operation Penitent is an ongoing criminal investigation, though the specific charges against the officers have not been disclosed. The case highlights continuing efforts by Slovak authorities to address misconduct within law enforcement agencies.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Calls for Special Parliamentary Committee on EU Funds and Prosecutor Selection

Progressive Slovakia (PS), an opposition liberal party, has demanded the establishment of a special parliamentary committee to investigate cases flagged by the European Public Prosecutor's Office regarding EU funds. The party is calling for a dedicated committee to examine what they describe as widespread fraud involving European funding. PS has also requested clear answers about the selection process for prosecutors handling these cases. The opposition has characterized Slovakia as a haven for EU funding fraud, highlighting concerns about the misuse of European funds within the country. The European Public Prosecutor's Office, established in 2017 to investigate crimes affecting the EU's financial interests including fraud involving EU funds, has apparently identified multiple problematic cases in Slovakia that warrant parliamentary scrutiny.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Court Sentences Gašpar Following Traffic Incident

A Slovak court has sentenced a high-profile individual named Gašpar following a traffic accident case. The proceedings involved what observers described as extensive effort and controversy before reaching a conclusion. Gašpar, characterized as a speeding official or prominent figure involved in the incident, received what appears to be an appropriate penalty for his actions. The case generated significant public attention and scrutiny throughout the legal process.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Former Deputy PM Remišová Accuses Investment Ministry of Wasteful Flight Spending

Former Deputy Prime Minister Veronika Remišová has accused the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization of wastefully spending money on flights. The ministry rejected the allegations, characterizing them as an attempt at revenge by the opposition lawmaker. Remišová, who previously served as deputy prime minister in the previous government, is now a member of parliament. The ministry dismissed her claims without providing specific details about the alleged spending or the nature of the flights in question.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Inspection Seeks Detention for Two Officials Over Alleged Witness Coordination

Slovakia's inspection authority has requested pre-trial detention for officials Čurilla and Ďurka, alleging they coordinated witness testimonies. The inspection's motion claims the two officials engaged in coordinating statements from witnesses, suggesting potential obstruction of justice or tampering with evidence. A court will begin hearing arguments on the detention request Friday morning. The case appears to be part of ongoing investigations into official misconduct, though the specific charges and context of the alleged coordination have not been detailed.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Warns Eastern Slovakia Could Lose Billions Due to Government Inaction

Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), a liberal opposition party, has warned that eastern Slovakia risks losing billions in funding due to government inaction. The party did not specify the exact source of the threatened funding or provide details about which government measures or deadlines are at stake. Eastern Slovakia, including major cities like Košice, has historically been one of the country's less developed regions and relies heavily on European Union structural funds and other development financing to support economic growth and infrastructure projects.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Intelligence Chief Receives Pay Cut for Traffic Accident

President Peter Pellegrini imposed a disciplinary penalty on Pavol Gašpar, director of Slovakia's Intelligence Service (SIS), following a traffic accident caused by speeding in a residential area. After reviewing the investigation file, Pellegrini ordered a 15 percent reduction in Gašpar's salary as punishment for the incident. The disciplinary proceedings have now been concluded. The Slovak Intelligence Service is the country's primary civilian intelligence agency, responsible for national security and counterintelligence operations.

AktualityKošice Dnes
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak President Fines Deputy Parliament Speaker for Traffic Accident

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini concluded disciplinary proceedings against Deputy Parliament Speaker Peter Gašpar by imposing a one-month salary reduction of 15 percent for a traffic accident that occurred last year. Gašpar, who serves as deputy speaker of the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, has accepted the president's decision in the disciplinary case. The penalty represents the formal conclusion of proceedings that began following the traffic incident, though specific details of the accident were not disclosed.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Court Decision on Detention for Čurilla and Ďurka Should Have Been Made in Bratislava

A court case involving the detention of individuals named Čurilla and Ďurka should have been decided by a court in Bratislava rather than elsewhere. The case appears to involve procedural questions about which court has jurisdiction over the matter. Separately, prosecutor Michal Šúrek continues to perform his duties as his prosecutorial functions have not been suspended. The brief report suggests ongoing legal proceedings but provides limited details about the nature of the charges or the specific circumstances surrounding the detention decisions.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Updates Official Corruption Guidelines, Critics Call Move Cynical

The Slovak government has updated its official guidelines governing corruption practices, prompting sharp criticism from opposition figures who denounced the move as cynical. Critics argue the updated rules contradict longstanding claims by government officials that Slovakia lacks clear regulatory frameworks. The development comes amid ongoing debates about transparency and accountability in Slovak public administration, with opposition voices characterizing the guidelines as legitimizing corrupt behavior rather than preventing it.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Deputy PM Denies Negotiations with Globaltel Over slovensko.sk Portal Modernization

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Migaľ has denied conducting negotiations with technology company Globaltel regarding the modernization of the slovensko.sk government portal. Migaľ clarified that discussions with the company focused on possibilities for settling existing court disputes rather than portal development. The slovensko.sk website serves as Slovakia's main digital government platform, providing citizens with access to various state services and administrative functions. Globaltel appears to be involved in ongoing legal proceedings with state authorities, though the specific nature of these court cases was not detailed.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Anti-corruption raids target tax fraud in Bratislava region

Slovak law enforcement conducted anti-corruption raids in the Bratislava region as part of an operation codenamed "JUSTÍN" targeting tax-related corruption. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic, the country's tax authority. The raids represent part of ongoing efforts by Slovak authorities to combat corruption in the tax system, though specific details about the targets or scope of the investigation have not been disclosed.

Aktuality
|