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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Opposition party moves to dismiss Slovak Defense Minister over hospital project failures

The opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has submitted a proposal to remove Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák from office, citing failures in the construction of a hospital in Prešov. KDH, which sits in opposition to Slovakia's ruling coalition, is launching the dismissal attempt over what it describes as significant problems with the hospital construction project. An extraordinary parliamentary session to debate the motion is expected to take place within a week. The proposal represents the latest challenge to Kaliňák, who has served as defense minister in the current government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party.

SMEAktuality
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Domestic Politics

Košice Regional Governor Seeks Third Term Despite Losing Key Support Over Tender Allegations

Rastislav Trnka, the current governor of Košice region, has announced his intention to run for a third term in the 2026 regional elections. However, Trnka is facing suspicions over alleged irregularities in a public tender process, which have cost him important political backing as he prepares for the upcoming campaign. Regional governors in Slovakia are directly elected officials who oversee administration and development in their respective regions, making them key figures in local governance and public investment decisions.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Prosecutor General Trnka Announces Candidacy for Regional Governor Without Party Support

Dobroslav Trnka, Slovakia's former Prosecutor General, announced his candidacy for regional governor despite lacking support from major political parties. The announcement drew backing from dozens of mayors and local officials, though many of Trnka's previous campaign promises have remained unfulfilled. Trnka served as Prosecutor General from 2011 to 2019 and was a controversial figure during his tenure, facing criticism over his handling of high-profile corruption cases and his relationship with the ruling Smer-SD party at the time.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Files Criminal Complaint Against Interior Minister Over Furniture Purchase

The liberal opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) has filed a criminal complaint with Slovakia's General Prosecutor's Office against Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok over a three-million-euro furniture purchase for the Kukurica government complex. The party alleges the minister violated procurement laws by failing to publish a detailed list of items included in the purchase. SaS claims the lack of transparency in the procurement process constitutes a serious breach of legal requirements governing public spending. The Kukurica complex serves as a government administrative building, and the furniture purchase has drawn scrutiny from opposition parties who question the procurement procedures and cost involved.

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Domestic Politics

New Regional Prosecutors Appointed in Bratislava and Košice

Slovakia has appointed new regional prosecutors in two of its largest cities. Remeta has been named as the new regional prosecutor for Bratislava, while Judita Gulbišová has been appointed to the same position in Košice. Regional prosecutors in Slovakia oversee criminal prosecutions and legal proceedings within their respective jurisdictions, serving as key figures in the country's judicial system. The appointments represent significant changes in the leadership of prosecution services in Slovakia's capital and its second-largest city in the eastern region.

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Domestic Politics

Smer Leads in Slovak Poll But Lacks Majority to Form Government

Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party Smer-SD would win the most votes if parliamentary elections were held now, according to a new poll conducted for TV Markíza. However, the party's projected support would be insufficient to form a government coalition. The poll results highlight the fragmented nature of Slovakia's current political landscape, where no single party appears capable of securing enough seats to govern independently. Smer-SD, led by former prime minister Robert Fico, has been the dominant force in Slovak politics for much of the past two decades but has faced increased competition from opposition parties in recent years. The findings suggest that forming a stable government coalition would require complex negotiations between multiple parties, potentially creating uncertainty about Slovakia's political direction and policy implementation.

Bratislavak
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Fails to Open Session on Minister's Dismissal Due to Lack of Quorum

The Slovak parliament failed to open a session aimed at dismissing a government minister after only 62 lawmakers showed up in the chamber, falling short of the required quorum. The session was intended to debate the removal of a minister surnamed Taraba from their position. Parliament Speaker Boris Danko criticized the absence of opposition lawmakers, stating they were "uselessly wasting time." The National Council, Slovakia's parliament, requires a minimum number of deputies present to conduct official business, and the insufficient attendance prevented the session from proceeding.

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Domestic Politics

Slovakia tightens requirements for referendum petition signatures

Slovakia will require citizens to include their date of birth when signing referendum petitions starting in June, under new legislation designed to reduce the risk of personal data misuse and signature fraud. The stricter requirements apply to petitions seeking to trigger nationwide referendums, which in Slovakia can be initiated through citizen petitions that meet specific signature thresholds. The measure aims to strengthen the integrity of the referendum process by making it harder to forge signatures or misuse personal information collected during petition drives.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Police surveillance requests peaked before Robert Fico's return to power

Slovak police submitted the highest number of surveillance requests in 2023, filing nearly 1,300 out of 1,902 total wiretapping applications that year. The surge in surveillance activity occurred during the period leading up to Robert Fico's return as Prime Minister following parliamentary elections in September 2023. Fico, leader of the social-democratic Smer-SD party, had previously served as Prime Minister from 2006-2010 and 2012-2018 before losing power after mass protests following the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak. The timing of the increased surveillance requests raises questions about law enforcement activities during the politically sensitive pre-election period.

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Domestic Politics

Dangerous suspect nicknamed 'The Etcher' escapes police operation amid claims of leaked information

A dangerous criminal suspect known as "The Etcher" escaped a police operation, according to sources who suggest the action may have been compromised by leaked information. The suspect had been planning to have women doused with corrosive acid or brutally beaten to cause permanent injuries. The failed police operation has raised concerns about information security within law enforcement agencies, as sources indicate the suspect may have been warned in advance of the planned arrest.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Psychiatrist Calls for Mandatory Psychological Testing for Political Leaders

The president of the Slovak Psychiatric Society, Michal Patarák, has called for psychological testing to become a mandatory requirement for holding high-level political office in Slovakia. Patarák argues that society should seriously consider implementing such tests as a fundamental prerequisite for senior political positions. However, the psychiatrist also warned that political leaders often reflect the voters who elect them, suggesting that mentally unstable leaders may be chosen by a traumatized society. Patarák raised broader questions about why society allows itself to be governed by mentally unbalanced leaders and whether Slovak society itself has become fundamentally traumatized.

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Security Leadership Under Scrutiny as Defense and Foreign Policy Come Under Question

Slovak officials and analysts are questioning whether the country's security can be adequately safeguarded under the current leadership of Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, with particular concerns about Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák's credibility. The debate centers on whether these officials can effectively manage Slovakia's security challenges and maintain public trust. Blanár serves as foreign minister in the coalition government led by Smer-SD, while Kaliňák, who previously resigned from government positions due to corruption allegations, returned to lead the defense ministry. The questioning of their competence reflects broader concerns about Slovakia's defense capabilities and foreign policy direction under the current administration.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Progressive Slovakia Begins Consolidation Year Before Elections as Liberal SaS May Suffer

Progressive Slovakia has started consolidating its position one year ahead of Slovakia's next parliamentary elections, a move that could negatively impact the liberal Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party. Progressive Slovakia, a pro-European opposition party, appears to be strengthening its organizational structure and political messaging as it prepares for the electoral campaign. The consolidation effort comes as the opposition faces pressure from Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, which has been working to fracture opposition unity since returning to power. SaS, a liberal party that has been part of Slovakia's opposition, may lose support as Progressive Slovakia seeks to become the dominant anti-government force. The political maneuvering reflects the broader struggle between Fico's ruling Smer-SD party and opposition forces ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

MEP Ondruš Seeks Leadership of Slovak Trade Union Confederation in Alliance with Labor Activist

European Parliament member Ondruš is attempting to take control of Slovakia's main trade union confederation with support from industrial unions, including the influential metalworkers' union OZ Kovo. He has formed a partnership with an activist from the Working Poverty movement to challenge the current leadership. The bid sets up a contest against incumbent president Monika Uhlerová, who retains backing from education sector unions and public administration workers' organizations. The leadership battle reflects broader divisions within Slovakia's organized labor movement between industrial workers and public sector employees.

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Domestic Politics

Major Regional Projects Remain Unfinished Due to Police Investigation and Changed Conditions

Key infrastructure projects planned by a Slovak regional government remain stalled and exist only on paper, according to local reports. The delays stem from police investigations that have affected the procurement process, as well as changes to project conditions that have further complicated implementation. Despite modifications to project requirements, the flagship initiatives continue to face significant setbacks and have missed their original timelines.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Former Police Officer Kučerka and His Wife Face Money Laundering Trial

Former police officer Kučerka is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, facing charges of money laundering. His wife has also been charged in connection with the case. The charges relate to the legalization of proceeds from criminal activity, though specific details about the alleged crimes have not been disclosed.

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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Must Choose Between EU and Hatred, Says Commentary

Slovakia faces a fundamental choice between remaining aligned with European Union values and embracing divisive rhetoric, according to political commentary published in Slovak media. The analysis suggests that maintaining two conflicting catalogs of basic human rights is unsustainable in the long term. The commentary appears to address growing tensions between Slovakia's EU membership obligations and domestic political discourse that may contradict European democratic principles and human rights standards.

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Domestic Politics

Public Defender's Office Warns Citizens Not to Dismiss Its Importance

Slovakia's public defender is warning citizens against dismissing the importance of the ombudsman's office, emphasizing that anyone can become a client whose rights are threatened. The office, which serves as an independent institution protecting citizens' rights against government misconduct, stressed that people should not look down on ombudsman services since any individual may eventually need assistance when their fundamental rights are at risk. The ombudsman's office in Slovakia investigates complaints against public administration bodies and helps citizens who believe their rights have been violated by state institutions.

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Domestic Politics

Public Defender's Office Emphasizes Universal Importance of Ombudsman Role

Slovakia's Public Defender of Rights, commonly known as the ombudsman, has highlighted that anyone can become a client requiring their services when rights are threatened. The institution emphasized that dismissing the work of the ombudsman is unwise, as all citizens may eventually need protection when their rights are at risk. The ombudsman serves as an independent institution that investigates complaints against public administration and helps protect citizens' rights when they face issues with government authorities or public services.

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Domestic Politics

Former Police Chief Testifies About Statements on Murdered Journalist Kuciak

Former Slovak police chief Milan Lučanský, known by his nickname Bombic, testified regarding statements he made about the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak. The testimony appears to be part of ongoing legal proceedings related to the 2018 killing that shocked Slovakia and led to massive protests. Kuciak was an investigative journalist who reported on corruption and organized crime before he and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were murdered at their home, a case that ultimately contributed to the fall of the government and significant political changes in the country.

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