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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Fico Defends Himself by Invoking Kaliňák and School-Era Story

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has responded to criticism by referencing Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák and recounting a story from his school days as part of his defense strategy. The developments come as Fico appears to be managing a crisis situation. Meanwhile, President Peter Pellegrini is reportedly delaying action on an unspecified matter, while another political figure, Migaľ, has been given some form of authorization or permission to proceed with an initiative.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Ends Session with Debate on Law Affecting Witness Protection

The Slovak Parliament concluded its session with a debate on amendments to legislation concerning cooperating witnesses, commonly known as "repentants" - individuals who provide testimony in exchange for reduced sentences. The parliamentary session focused on proposed changes to laws governing how these witnesses are handled in criminal proceedings. On Thursday morning, lawmakers are scheduled to make another attempt to open a session regarding a proposal to recall a government official named Takáč from office.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Politics Has Become a 'Disgusting Corruption Market,' Says Commentary on Parliamentary Vote Trading

A political commentary has described Slovak politics as having devolved into a "disgusting corruption market," using the case of Miroslav Radačovský as an example of systemic problems. The analysis argues that Robert Fico's fourth government does not rule based on a strong, cohesive political mandate, but instead maintains power by constantly trading votes with its own parliamentary members. This critique highlights concerns about the stability and legitimacy of the current governing coalition, which relies on internal bargaining rather than unified policy direction. The commentary suggests this vote-trading dynamic undermines democratic governance and points to deeper institutional problems within Slovakia's political system.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Agriculture Minister Claims Improved EU Fund Absorption Under Current Government

Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč defended his ministry's performance in utilizing European Union funds, claiming the current government has absorbed 900 million euros over two years compared to just 140 million euros spent by previous administrations over three and a half years. Takáč stated his ministry would continue efforts to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency in the administration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which provides EU subsidies to Slovak farmers. The minister's comments appear to respond to criticism of the government's handling of agricultural funding programs. The Common Agricultural Policy represents one of the largest sources of EU funding for Slovakia's agricultural sector, supporting farmers through direct payments and rural development programs.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Pellegrini delays expected appointments of Radačovský and Kmec

President Peter Pellegrini has not scheduled the expected Thursday appointments of Radačovský and Kmec, leaving uncertainty about when the officials will receive their credentials. The presidential office declined to specify whether or when the appointment ceremony will take place. The delay comes as observers had anticipated the formal naming of the officials to their positions this week.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Proposed Elimination of Postal Voting Faces Opposition from Huliak Faction Over SNS Demands

Slovakia's parliament began debating legislation on Wednesday that would eliminate postal voting, but the proposal has encountered resistance from lawmakers aligned with Rudolf Huliak. The opposition stems from specific demands made by the Slovak National Party (SNS), one of the three parties in the ruling coalition alongside the social-democratic Smer-SD and the populist Hlas party. The disagreement highlights tensions within Slovakia's governing coalition over electoral procedures, as postal voting has been a contentious issue in Slovak politics regarding voter access and election security.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Lawmaker Faces Defamation Lawsuit Over Police Investigator Comments

Slovak National Party (SNS) lawmaker Roman Michelko is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by police investigator Ján Čurilla's family over comments made two years ago. Michelko publicly called Čurilla incompetent, claiming he "messed up everything he could" in the Tupy murder investigation, and also labeled him a criminal. The case is being heard in court, where Čurilla's daughter Taťjana testified about the impact of the statements, saying her daughter asked how a politician could publicly lie about her grandfather. The court will decide whether Michelko must apologize and pay 70,000 euros in damages to the police officer. SNS is a nationalist party that has been part of Slovakia's ruling coalition, and the case highlights ongoing tensions between politicians and law enforcement officials involved in high-profile criminal investigations.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Police Investigator Sues SNS MP for Defamation Over Public Murder Case Comments

A Slovak police investigator is seeking 70,000 euros in damages and a public apology from a member of parliament who publicly called him incompetent and a criminal two years ago. Roman Michelko of the Slovak National Party (SNS) made the statements about investigator Ján Čurilla, claiming he "messed up everything he could" in a murder investigation and labeling him a criminal. The case is now before a court, with Čurilla's daughter reportedly asking how a politician could publicly lie about her father in such a manner. SNS is a nationalist party that has been part of various Slovak government coalitions and is known for its populist rhetoric. The lawsuit highlights tensions between politicians and law enforcement officials in Slovakia, where public criticism of ongoing investigations and police work by elected officials has become increasingly common.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Lawyers Discuss Alleged Justice System Control and Fico Lawsuit

Lawyers representing Petra Bárdy and Ringier Slovakia Media discussed allegations about total control over Slovakia's justice system and a lawsuit filed by Robert Fico. The discussion appears to center on concerns about judicial independence and legal proceedings involving the former prime minister. Robert Fico, who leads the social-democratic Smer-SD party and has served multiple terms as Slovakia's prime minister, has been a controversial figure in Slovak politics, particularly regarding his relationship with the country's judicial institutions.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Court Acquits Police Officers Who Cancelled Traffic Fines, Prosecutor to Appeal

A Slovak court has acquitted police officers who were charged with illegally cancelling traffic fines. The court ruled that the officers' actions did not constitute criminal offenses. The prosecutor handling the case announced plans to file an appeal against the verdict, arguing that police officers should be held to the highest standards of law compliance. The case involved allegations that the officers improperly dismissed penalties, though specific details about the number of officers involved or the scope of the cancelled fines were not disclosed.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Government dispute emerges over massive IT contracts amid portal security concerns

A dispute has erupted within Slovakia's government over massive IT contracts proposed by Investment Minister Samuel Migaľ, after the National Security Office (NBÚ) challenged claims about an impending collapse of the Slovensko.sk government portal. The government was scheduled to discuss a classified NBÚ assessment of the portal's condition on Wednesday but removed it from the agenda. Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for the creation of a working group to determine the portal's actual status, while Migaľ dismisses the NBÚ report as factually incorrect. The NBÚ stands by its conclusions. Migaľ wants to rapidly award enormous IT contracts without public tenders, arguing they are essential to prevent system failures. The controversy highlights tensions between different government agencies over the management of Slovakia's digital infrastructure and procurement processes.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's National Security Authority Defends Critical Assessment of Government Portal

Slovakia's National Security Authority (NBÚ) strongly rejected claims that its expert report on the critical state of the Slovensko.sk government portal was inaccurate or unprofessional. The authority was responding to criticism from Samuel Migaľ, who described the document as factually flawed. The report, which assessed security vulnerabilities in Slovakia's main government digital services portal, was prepared jointly by the NBÚ, the Slovak Information Service (SIS), and Military Intelligence. The NBÚ stated it respects the right of individual government ministries to comment on the report's content, but firmly stands behind its conclusions and methodology.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Central Bank Governor's Partner Held Party at National Bank Mountain Facility

The partner of Slovakia's central bank governor Peter Kažimír organized a private party at a National Bank of Slovakia facility in the Tatra Mountains. The National Bank of Slovakia, which serves as the country's central bank and monetary authority, confirmed that employee reservations at the facility were canceled to accommodate the event. Bank officials claim Kažimír personally paid for the party but have refused to disclose the amount. The incident raises questions about the use of public institutional facilities for private events by senior officials.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Fails to Open Session on Foreign Minister's Dismissal for Second Time

Slovakia's parliament failed to convene a session on the proposed dismissal of Foreign Minister Juraj Takáč for the second time, with another attempt scheduled for Thursday. Prime Minister Robert Fico of the ruling Smer-SD party has dismissed the opposition's motion to remove Takáč as a "bad joke," arguing that the foreign minister has support among Slovak farmers. The repeated inability to open the parliamentary session highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties over Takáč's performance in his role.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Fico Accused of Abandoning Political Rule Against Targeting Families

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been accused of abandoning a long-standing political principle that families should not be targeted in political disputes. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, is alleged to have broken this unwritten rule of Slovak politics. The development suggests an escalation in political rhetoric and tactics within Slovakia's political landscape, though specific details of what prompted this accusation or what actions Fico took regarding political opponents' families were not immediately clear.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Coalition Faces Deadlock Over Electoral Law Reform

Slovak Deputy Parliament Speaker Tibor Gašpar of the ruling Smer-SD party expressed optimism that coalition partners will reach agreement on proposed changes to electoral rules. However, the coalition faces internal resistance from the Strana vidieka (Village Party) over demands from the Slovak National Party (SNS) to raise the threshold for cross-preference voting, where voters can select individual candidates from party lists rather than voting for the entire list. The disagreement threatens to block the electoral law amendment, highlighting tensions within Slovakia's governing coalition. The SNS, a nationalist party that forms part of the ruling alliance alongside the social-democratic Smer-SD, is pushing for changes that would make it more difficult for voters to bypass party leadership's preferred candidate rankings through cross-preference voting. The dispute reflects broader coalition dynamics as parties negotiate over electoral reforms that could affect their future political prospects. Cross-preference voting allows voters to influence which specific candidates from a party list get elected, potentially undermining party leaders' control over candidate selection.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Coalition Expected to Reach Agreement on Electoral Law Changes

Slovakia's ruling coalition is expected to reach an agreement on proposed changes to the country's electoral law, according to statements from coalition representatives. The anticipated reforms are being framed as measures to increase transparency in the electoral process. Coalition officials believe that voters who support the governing parties expect such changes to be implemented to improve the integrity of Slovakia's election system.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Under Fire Over Son's Payments from Party-Linked Agency

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing scrutiny over payments made to his son by Agentúra Smer, a company linked to his political party. Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák has defended the payments, arguing that the money was no longer state funds but had been transformed into party funds before reaching Fico's son. The controversy centers on whether public money was improperly channeled to the prime minister's family through the party-affiliated agency. Smer-SD is Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, which has governed the country since winning parliamentary elections in 2023. The case raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the use of public resources within Slovakia's governing party structure.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Minister Adds New Term to Political Euphemism Collection

Robert Kaliňák, Slovakia's Interior Minister, has coined another euphemistic term for his political vocabulary. The minister, known for his creative use of language to describe political situations, has added what critics call yet another entry to his collection of carefully crafted phrases. Kaliňák serves as Interior Minister in the current government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, which returned to power following elections in 2023. The minister has previously drawn attention for his distinctive communication style and choice of terminology when addressing political developments.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Politicians Remember Antonín Pašek Following His Death

Slovak politicians are remembering Antonín Pašek following his death, describing him as a fighter against state harassment and oppression. Political figures across the spectrum have paid tribute to Pašek's legacy as someone who stood up to what they characterize as institutional bullying by state authorities. The tributes highlight his role as an advocate who challenged government overreach and defended citizens against abuse of power by state institutions.

Bratislavak
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