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Last refreshed: 28/06/2026 05:37 · 18 articles added
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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Storm in Judiciary Subsides as Additional Judge Charges Dropped

Prosecutors have dropped additional charges against a judge, citing insufficient evidence from Marian Kočner's Threema messages and testimony from a cooperating witness. The decision marks another development in Slovakia's ongoing judicial corruption investigations that have involved encrypted communications seized from Kočner, a controversial businessman who has been at the center of multiple high-profile cases. Kočner's Threema messages, discovered during investigations, have been used as evidence in various corruption cases involving judges and other public officials, but prosecutors determined the available evidence was not strong enough to sustain the latest charges.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Plans Different Energy Path Than Other European Nations

Slovakia's current government is attempting to convince citizens that it knows better than countries like Denmark or Austria regarding energy policy. The administration, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is preparing a different approach for Slovaks compared to what the article describes as moves by comparable nations to break ties with "fossil fuel barons." The government's stance suggests Slovakia will pursue an alternative energy strategy rather than following the path of other European Union member states that have been reducing their dependence on fossil fuel interests.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Ruling Parties Propose Stricter Penalties for Defaming State Symbols

Slovakia's ruling coalition parties Smer-SD and the Slovak National Party (SNS) plan to introduce legislation toughening penalties for defaming state symbols. The proposed amendment to the Criminal Code is scheduled to be presented during the September parliamentary session. The move comes as the parties seek stricter enforcement against acts they view as insulting to Slovak national symbols, including the double cross that appears on the country's coat of arms and flag. Smer-SD, the dominant social-democratic party in the ruling coalition, and SNS, a nationalist party, are responding to what they consider inappropriate treatment of state symbols in public discourse and artistic expression.

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Domestic Politics

Democrats Party Rules Out Merger with Progressive Slovakia, Criticizes Coalition Partner

Jaroslav Naď, leader of the Democrats party, definitively ruled out any merger with Progressive Slovakia and accused Branislav Gröhling of lying about potential collaboration. The Democrats, speaking at an event in Košice, clarified their position on future electoral cooperation, stating they are prepared to negotiate a pre-election coalition with Progressive Slovakia but categorically reject dissolving their party or running on a Progressive Slovakia ticket. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about opposition unity ahead of future elections, with the Democrats seeking to maintain their separate political identity while remaining open to coalition arrangements with other opposition parties.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Political Conspiracy Claims About Major Police Operation Finally Debunked

Long-standing allegations that Operation Purgatory was a politically motivated investigation have been definitively refuted. The operation, which has been one of Slovakia's most significant anti-corruption efforts targeting high-level political and business figures, had faced persistent claims from some quarters that it was orchestrated for political purposes rather than legitimate law enforcement reasons. The Special Prosecutor's Office, which handles major corruption and organized crime cases, has been conducting this investigation into alleged corruption networks involving public officials and private sector actors. The debunking of these conspiracy theories reinforces the credibility of Slovakia's anti-corruption institutions and their independence from political interference.

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Domestic Politics

Political Interference Claims in Major Anti-Corruption Operation Definitively Rejected

Claims that Operation Očistec was a politically motivated investigation have been definitively rejected, marking the end of longstanding allegations that the major anti-corruption operation was commissioned for political purposes. Operation Očistec was a significant law enforcement initiative targeting high-level corruption and organized crime in Slovakia. The dismissal of these political interference claims represents a vindication of the operation's legitimacy and the independence of Slovak law enforcement agencies in pursuing major corruption cases. The development comes amid ongoing debates about the integrity of anti-corruption efforts and the politicization of criminal investigations in the country.

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Domestic Politics

New MP Takes Parliamentary Oath to Replace Former Lawmaker in Kežmarok

Iveta Pavlíková has taken the parliamentary oath and assumed her seat in Slovakia's National Council, replacing Tomáš Šimoňák whose mandate has expired. The transition occurred during a session in Kežmarok, a town in northeastern Slovakia. The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, operates under rules that allow replacement members to fill vacant seats when sitting MPs lose their mandates through resignation, disqualification, or other circumstances that terminate their legislative tenure.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Police and firefighters receive new specialized equipment including border patrol vehicles

Slovak police and firefighters have received new specialized equipment as part of a modernization effort. The delivery included 20 new all-terrain vehicles for police units specifically designated for protecting Slovakia's border with Ukraine. The equipment handover also included the final three Scania 4x4 firefighting vehicles, completing an earlier procurement program. The new border patrol vehicles will enhance Slovakia's capacity to monitor its eastern frontier, which has become increasingly important since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to increased cross-border activity and security concerns.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Former Slovak Police Chief Gašpar and Security Chief Bödör Appear in Court for Očistec Corruption Case

Former Slovak police chief Tibor Gašpar appeared detached during a court hearing for the Očistec corruption case, while former intelligence chief Norbert Bödör declared only "Not guilty" when asked to enter a plea. Their defense attorney Marek Para, who represents both defendants, argued that the charges are too vague and announced his clients would not testify at this time. Para disputed the prosecution's case and claimed his clients were charged based on a "political order," an argument echoed by the defense team for former special prosecutor Dušan Kováčik, who is also implicated in the case. The Očistec operation is a major corruption investigation targeting high-level officials in Slovakia's security apparatus, alleging abuse of power and corrupt practices within the country's law enforcement and intelligence services.

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Domestic Politics

Former Police Chief and Intelligence Official Plead Not Guilty in Major Corruption Trial

Former police chief Tibor Gašpar and ex-intelligence official Norbert Bödör appeared in court for their corruption trial, with Bödör declaring only "not guilty" while Gašpar remained largely silent. Defense attorney Marek Para, representing both men, argued the charges are too vague and announced his clients would not testify at this stage. Para dismissed the prosecution as politically motivated, echoing claims made by the defense team of former Special Prosecutor Dušan Kováčik. The case involves the Očistec (Purgatory) investigation, a major anti-corruption operation targeting high-level officials in Slovakia's law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The trial represents a significant test of Slovakia's efforts to prosecute corruption within its security apparatus, with the defendants' legal teams challenging both the substance of the charges and the political motivations behind the prosecution.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak President Silent on Controversial Ambassador Appointment as Parliament Prepares for Unusual Deputy

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has remained silent about the imminent appointment of Miroslav Radačovský as ambassador to Cyprus, despite growing controversy surrounding the nomination. Radačovský, a current member of parliament, reportedly received information from a foreign ministry employee that his credentials would be presented on June 11 at 10 AM, a detail overheard by journalists during a European committee hearing on Thursday. The presidential palace has not confirmed this timeline and has declined to comment on the appointment. Meanwhile, parliament is preparing to welcome Peter Čambal, who is set to replace Radačovský as a deputy. The appointment has drawn scrutiny as Radačovský would transition directly from his parliamentary role to a diplomatic position, raising questions about the selection process and qualifications for the ambassadorial post to the EU member state.

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Domestic Politics

Hungarian Alliance Faces Voter Questions Over Progressive Slovakia Partnership

Politicians from the Hungarian Alliance are encountering resistance from regional voters who struggle to understand their party's collaboration with Progressive Slovakia. Many ethnic Hungarian voters view the partnership with the liberal party through the lens of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's anti-liberal propaganda, forcing Alliance politicians to actively explain and defend Progressive Slovakia's program to their constituents. The strategic alliance between the Hungarian minority party and the liberal opposition movement is meeting with skepticism among traditional Hungarian voters who have been influenced by messaging from Hungary's ruling party.

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Domestic Politics

Former Slovak Lawyer Accepts Suspended Sentence in 200,000 Euro Fraud Case

A former Slovak lawyer has accepted a suspended sentence after years of legal proceedings over alleged fraud involving more than 200,000 euros. The woman, who has been living in Spain for years after leaving Slovakia, did not admit guilt but agreed to the conditional sentence terms. The case represents one of several high-profile legal proceedings involving Slovak legal professionals who have relocated abroad while facing criminal charges in their home country.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Parliament Approves Labor Law Changes on Gender Pay Equality and Job Interviews

Slovakia's parliament has approved amendments to labor legislation that will change both job interview procedures and equal pay requirements for men and women. According to lawyer Debrecéniová, the state has created exemptions from equal pay rules specifically for positions where politicians typically place their appointees. The new law represents a significant shift in how Slovakia addresses workplace gender equality, though critics point to potential loopholes that may benefit political patronage appointments.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Accuses Investment Ministry of Suspicious EU Fund Contracts

Opposition politician Veronika Remišová has sharply criticized the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization for allegedly awarding suspicious contracts through a 58-million euro digital innovation tender funded by EU recovery money. Remišová claims the ministry entered into highly questionable agreements with shell companies that lack revenues or employees. The accusations target the distribution of European Union funds under Slovakia's recovery plan, raising concerns about transparency in the allocation of substantial EU financial assistance. The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization oversees the implementation of digital transformation projects and manages significant portions of EU recovery funding. Remišová, a former deputy prime minister who previously led the same ministry, represents Za ľudí (For the People), a liberal party currently in opposition. Her allegations highlight ongoing political tensions over the management of EU funds, a sensitive issue in Slovak politics given the country's dependence on European financing and past controversies over fund misuse.

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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Calls for Justice Minister's Dismissal Over Suspicious Contracts

Opposition politician Veronika Remišová has accused Justice Minister Boris Susko of involvement in suspicious contracts and announced plans to file a complaint with the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Remišová, leader of the centrist For the People party, declared that the minister is "absolutely ripe for dismissal" based on her concerns about irregularities in government contracting. The European Public Prosecutor's Office handles cases involving EU budget fraud and corruption affecting European Union financial interests. Remišová's allegations add to growing political pressure on Susko, who has faced previous criticism from opposition parties since taking office as part of Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Former Prosecutor General Calls Police Raid Inadequate, Remains at Football Club

Dušan Trnka, Slovakia's former Prosecutor General, has spoken publicly about a recent police raid, describing the operation as inadequate. Despite the police action, Trnka confirmed he will not step down from his leadership position at his football club. Trnka served as Slovakia's Prosecutor General from 2011 to 2019 and was a controversial figure during his tenure, facing criticism over his handling of high-profile corruption cases. The nature and target of the recent police raid that prompted his comments remains unclear.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

High-Profile Očistec Corruption Case Proceeds to Trial After Years of Delays

A major corruption case known as Očistec has finally moved to full trial proceedings after years of delays, with eleven defendants now facing charges in court. The case involves prominent figures whose identities suggest significant political or business connections, though the specific charges and defendants were not detailed in available reports. The Očistec case represents one of Slovakia's ongoing efforts to prosecute high-level corruption, with such cases often involving complex investigations that can take years to reach trial. The proceeding marks a significant milestone in Slovakia's judicial system's handling of major corruption allegations.

Bratislavak
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Domestic Politics

Former Finance Minister Criticizes Fourth Fico Government's Approach

Former Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš published a commentary criticizing what he described as the dilettantism of Robert Fico's fourth government. Mikloš, who served as finance minister under previous center-right administrations, expressed concerns about the current government's competence in handling state affairs. Robert Fico returned to power as Prime Minister in October 2023, leading a coalition government with his social-democratic Smer-SD party alongside the nationalist Slovak National Party and the populist Hlas party. This marks Fico's fourth term as Prime Minister, having previously served from 2006-2010 and 2012-2018, with his third term ending after mass protests following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak.

SME
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Domestic Politics

25-Year-Old Announces Candidacy for Prešov Regional Governor in 2026 Elections

A 25-year-old candidate has entered the race for governor of Prešov Region in Slovakia's 2026 regional elections. The young candidate plans to focus on addressing transportation and healthcare issues while tackling the emigration of young people from the region. The candidate aims to promote balanced development across all areas of the region. Prešov Region, located in northeastern Slovakia, is one of the country's eight self-governing regions, with the regional governor serving as the chief executive responsible for regional development, healthcare facilities, and transportation infrastructure.

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