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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Additional Witnesses Testify in Corruption Trial of Lawyers from Police Operation Corrumpere 2

Additional witnesses testified in the ongoing trial of two lawyers arrested during Operation Corrumpere 2, a police anti-corruption investigation that resulted in the detention of the attorneys in 2023. The trial continues as prosecutors build their case against the legal professionals who were taken into custody as part of the broader law enforcement operation targeting corruption in Slovakia's legal system.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Opposition MP Warns Slovakia Following Greek Economic Path Under Fico Government

Opposition lawmaker Marián Viskupič from the liberal Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS) warned that Slovakia is following the same economic trajectory that led to Greece's debt crisis, criticizing Prime Minister Robert Fico's government for losing touch with reality. Viskupič compared the government's pro-growth measures to "treating cancer with aspirin," arguing they are inadequate to address Slovakia's economic challenges. The opposition MP called for drastic cuts to government spending, including reforms to the pension and social systems as well as reductions in public administration, warning that without such painful measures, Slovakia cannot reverse its current economic course. Freedom and Solidarity is part of Slovakia's parliamentary opposition, while Fico leads a coalition government dominated by his Smer-SD party.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Files Motion to Remove Prosecutor General Kamenický

Slovakia's opposition parties have submitted a motion calling for the removal of Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka from office. Parliament is scheduled to debate the motion on Monday. The move represents the latest challenge to Žilinka, who has faced criticism from opposition politicians over his handling of high-profile cases and prosecutorial independence. As prosecutor general, Žilinka leads Slovakia's prosecution service and oversees major criminal investigations. Opposition parties, which include liberal and center-right groups outside the current ruling coalition led by Smer-SD, have previously accused the prosecutor general of political bias in his decisions.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Calls Parliamentary Hearings Over Prešov Military Hospital Construction Concerns

Opposition parties Progressive Slovakia (PS) and Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) have called three parliamentary committee meetings to examine alleged irregularities in the construction of a military hospital in Prešov. The opposition parties claim the project is experiencing significant cost overruns and lacks proper oversight. The parliamentary hearings will scrutinize the management and financing of the hospital construction project in Slovakia's third-largest city. Progressive Slovakia is a liberal opposition party, while the Christian Democratic Movement is a center-right opposition party that has been part of various governing coalitions in the past.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak President Cancels Ambassador Appointments for Two Controversial Nominees

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has cancelled the planned ambassadorial appointments of Miroslav Radačovský and Peter Kmec, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace. Radačovský, a member of parliament for the ruling Slovak National Party (SNS), was set to become ambassador to Cyprus, while Kmec was nominated for another diplomatic post. The cancellation represents a setback for the controversial nominations that had drawn scrutiny due to Radačovský's polarizing political statements and positions. The Presidential Palace confirmed the decision in response to media inquiries, though specific reasons for the cancellation were not immediately detailed.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Fico Dismisses Parliamentary Question About Son's State Funding as 'Stupid'

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico dismissed a parliamentary question about his son receiving 100,000 euros in state funds, calling it "the stupidest question I've ever seen." The question came from an opposition MP from Progressive Slovakia, who asked whether Fico would resign over the controversy involving his son. The prime minister refused to provide a substantive answer to the inquiry. Progressive Slovakia is a liberal opposition party that has been critical of Fico's government, which is led by the ruling Smer-SD party. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the government and opposition over potential conflicts of interest and the use of public resources.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Suffers Political Defeat Over Business Dealings Controversy

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has suffered a significant political setback amid controversy over business relationships between his political party and private companies. The scandal involves Agentúra Smer, a company that is not considered an ordinary business entity, and is managed by Michal Fico, who is not regarded as a typical company executive. Critics argue that explanations attempting to frame the matter as routine business dealings between a private company and a political party will not protect the prime minister from political damage. The controversy highlights questions about potential conflicts of interest and the blending of political and business activities within Fico's sphere of influence. Fico leads Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, which has been in power as part of a coalition government. The political defeat represents a significant challenge to Fico's leadership and could have broader implications for government stability.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Faces Coalition Disputes and Opposition Attacks on Personal Life

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is experiencing a difficult period as his government faces multiple challenges. The ruling coalition is struggling to find consensus on key issues, including the cancellation of postal voting from abroad and the reluctance of coalition partners to dismiss Progressive Slovakia deputy chairman Martin Dubéci. Meanwhile, the opposition Progressive Slovakia party has launched a new communication strategy targeting Fico personally, highlighting his romantic relationships and his partners' employment situations. The attacks appear designed to undermine Fico's public image as a defender of traditional values, a stance he frequently promotes in his political messaging.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Šimečka Publishes Post About Fico's Associates After Family Attacks

Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, published a social media post about associates of Prime Minister Robert Fico following what he described as attacks on his family. The move appears to be a response to recent political targeting, though specific details of the family attacks or the content of Šimečka's post about Fico's inner circle were not disclosed. Šimečka leads Progressive Slovakia, a liberal pro-European party that sits in opposition to Fico's ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, which has governed Slovakia since 2023.

Bratislavak
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Domestic Politics

Television Interview with Slovak Justice Minister Cancelled After Three Hours of Recording

Slovak Justice Minister Mária Marcinková claims that a television interview she recorded was blocked from being broadcast after three and a half hours of filming. Marcinková described the interview session, suggesting that despite the lengthy recording time, the content was prevented from reaching viewers. The minister did not specify which television station was involved or provide details about the nature of the critical questions that may have led to the interview being shelved. Slovakia's media landscape has faced scrutiny over editorial independence, particularly regarding coverage of government officials and sensitive political topics.

Bratislavak
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Domestic Politics

Hlas Official Submitted Fictitious Project Experience to Secure Hundreds of Thousands in EU Funds

A senior official from Hlas-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, submitted false documentation claiming experience with non-existent projects to secure hundreds of thousands of euros in European Union funding. The official, who successfully obtained grants through programs overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba, presented fabricated project histories as part of the application process. When confronted about the fraudulent submissions, both the official and the projects in question have since disappeared from public view, with those involved attempting to distance themselves from the scandal.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Political Leaders Divided on Referendum Participation as Democrats Shift Focus to Fico's Pension

Several prominent Slovak political figures have announced divergent plans regarding an upcoming referendum, highlighting political divisions ahead of the vote. Igor Matovič, leader of the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OĽaNO) party, will not participate in the referendum, while Andrej Majerský has announced plans to go on a pilgrimage instead. Milan Uhrík, leader of the far-right Republic party, remains undecided about his participation. The Democrats party, a liberal opposition group, has shifted the referendum debate by focusing attention on Prime Minister Robert Fico's pension arrangements, attempting to reframe the political discourse around the ruling Smer-SD leader's personal benefits. The varied responses from political leaders reflect the fragmented nature of Slovakia's opposition and differing strategies for engaging with the referendum process.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia leads polls but loses loyal voters as Christian Democrats fall outside parliament

Progressive Slovakia maintains its position as the country's most popular political party according to new polling data, but the party is experiencing a decline in voter loyalty. The survey reveals that Smer-SD, the main opposition social-democratic party, retains more committed supporters despite trailing in overall popularity. Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), a conservative party that has been part of Slovakia's political landscape since the post-communist transition, has fallen below the five percent threshold needed to enter parliament. The polling also shows that two other parties are expanding their voter base: the far-right Republic party and the liberal Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), suggesting a potential reshuffling of Slovakia's political landscape ahead of future elections.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Opposition submits motion to dismiss Interior Minister Migaľ

Progressive Slovakia, an opposition liberal party, has initiated a parliamentary motion to remove Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok from office. The motion represents the latest challenge to the current government's leadership from the opposition benches. Progressive Slovakia is one of the main opposition parties in the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, and frequently criticizes the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party. Such no-confidence motions are a standard parliamentary tool used by opposition parties to challenge government ministers, though they require majority support to succeed.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Civic Activist Lukáš Kunca to Run for Mayor of Krásna

Lukáš Kunca, a civic activist and member of the presidium of Občianska konzervatívna strana (OKS), will seek the position of mayor in the eastern Slovak municipality of Krásna. The announcement comes as the small conservative party, which advocates for civic engagement and conservative values, prepares for upcoming local elections. OKS has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream political parties, focusing on grassroots activism and local governance issues.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Former Skalica Mayor Anna Mierna Announces 2026 Election Comeback

Anna Mierna, the former mayor of Skalica, announced her candidacy for the 2026 municipal elections, seeking to return to city hall. Mierna will run with a team called "Poďme za Skalicu" (Let's Go for Skalica) and has outlined a platform focused on increasing transparency in local government and promoting greater citizen participation in municipal decision-making. The announcement marks Mierna's bid to reclaim the mayoral position in the western Slovak city near the Czech border.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico to Visit Tatravagónka, Interior Minister to Announce Driver Changes

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will visit the Tatravagónka railway car manufacturing company, while Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok is set to announce changes affecting drivers. Thursday's agenda includes multiple press conferences by government officials, opposition parties, and expert committees. Fico leads Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, while Šutaj Eštok heads the Interior Ministry, which oversees law enforcement and transportation regulations. The political events will be accompanied by cultural activities including festivals, markets, and a gala evening.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

New Details Emerge in Michal Fico Case: Two Individuals Received 390,000 Euros After Leadership Change

New developments have emerged in the investigation involving Michal Fico, revealing that two individuals received 390,000 euros in payments. The case shows a notable shift in payment practices, with Smer-SD initially maintaining conservative spending policies under Robert Fico's leadership before a significant change occurred. The ruling social-democratic party began paying tens of thousands of euros in bonuses to company executives only after Robert Kaliňák assumed his position. Kaliňák, a longtime Fico ally who has served in various ministerial roles including defense and interior minister, appears to have implemented a different approach to financial compensation within party-connected entities. The timing of these substantial payments suggests a deliberate policy shift within Smer-SD's financial operations, raising questions about the party's management of funds and potential conflicts of interest involving family members of senior political figures.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Party Smer Received Substantial State Funding Amid Public Austerity Measures

Slovakia's main opposition party Smer-SD has received significant financial support from state coffers while citizens face calls for belt-tightening measures. The funding arrangement has drawn criticism over how political leaders Robert Fico and Igor Matovič have managed public resources, with critics arguing that politicians have treated taxpayer money as their personal cash machine while ordinary citizens are asked to accept austerity. Smer-SD, led by former Prime Minister Robert Fico, remains Slovakia's largest opposition party after losing power in 2020 to a coalition that included Igor Matovič's OĽaNO movement.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Diplomat Criticizes Diplomatic Appointments as Political Rewards for Failed Politicians

Slovakia's diplomatic service has fallen into decline due to political appointments that reward failed politicians with diplomatic posts, according to Miroslav Wlachovský, the country's former foreign minister. He argued that diplomatic positions should not serve as compensation for political failures, criticizing the practice of treating ambassadorships as political spoils rather than positions requiring qualified professionals. Wlachovský, who previously led Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warned that the current approach ignores the country's long-term interests and damages Slovakia's reputation with international partners. He described the appointments as solutions to coalition problems rather than strategic diplomatic decisions, suggesting that the practice undermines the professionalism and effectiveness of Slovakia's foreign representation.

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