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Last refreshed: 29/06/2026 05:39 · 34 articles added
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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Slovak Finance Minister Proposes 105 Million Euro Anti-Fraud System While Keeping Study Secret

Slovak Finance Minister Samuel Migaľ wants to spend 105 million euros on an anti-fraud system inspired by a Hungarian model that cost only 28 million euros. The minister is keeping the feasibility study that allegedly demonstrates the investment's advantages classified from public scrutiny. The proposed system would be designed to prevent fraud, following Hungary's example, but the Slovak version would cost nearly four times more than its Hungarian counterpart. The secrecy surrounding the study raises questions about transparency in government spending decisions, particularly given the significant cost difference between the two systems.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Scientist Criticizes Politicians for Avoiding Critical Long-term Issues

Political scientist Radoslav Štefančík has criticized Slovak politicians for failing to address urgent long-term challenges that will affect future generations, including pension system stability, demographic crisis, and environmental protection. In a video podcast interview, Štefančík argued that while the country's economy is declining and facing a potential Greek-style crisis, politicians instead focus on creating fear, inventing enemies, and pursuing substitute topics rather than substantial policy issues. He stated that Slovakia lacks politicians capable of professionally handling these critical matters, with some forced to defend past mistakes while others exploit these weaknesses indefinitely. Štefančík called for politicians who only generate fear and discord without being able to govern effectively to leave public office, suggesting the current political discourse prioritizes manufactured conflicts over addressing the country's real problems.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Coalition Crisis Emerges as Danko Challenges Fico's Authority

Slovakia's ruling coalition is experiencing internal tensions as parliamentary speaker Andrej Danko appears to be challenging Prime Minister Robert Fico's leadership authority. The developing crisis highlights growing friction within the government alliance, raising questions about the stability of the current administration. Danko, who leads the Slovak National Party (SNS), one of the junior partners in Fico's coalition government, has been pushing boundaries in what observers see as a test of how much political maneuvering the prime minister will tolerate from his coalition partners.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Former Police Chief Gašpar and Ex-Prosecutor Kováčik Implicated in Organized Crime Trial

Zoltán Andruskó, a key witness in Slovakia's most prominent organized crime trial, has provided testimony implicating former National Police Chief Tibor Gašpar and former Special Prosecutor Dušan Kováčik in criminal activities. The testimony comes as part of ongoing proceedings related to major corruption and organized crime cases that have dominated Slovak politics in recent years. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Taraba has been given additional time to address territorial zoning issues. The developments highlight continuing fallout from high-level corruption scandals that have reshaped Slovakia's political landscape since the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, which exposed extensive ties between organized crime figures and senior officials.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak MP's Viral Video Uses Edited Footage to Create False Confrontation with EU Lawmaker

Milan Mazurek, a member of Slovakia's parliament, manipulated video footage to create a viral social media post that falsely depicted him confronting European Parliament member Lucia Ďuriš Ostrihoňová. The edited video made it appear that Mazurek was directly addressing and criticizing the liberal politician about migration issues, when in fact Ostrihoňová had spoken after Mazurek's remarks, not before or during them. The manipulated footage became one of Mazurek's most successful social media posts this year, demonstrating how edited content can be used to manufacture political confrontations for online engagement.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Police Raid Targets EU Funds Fraud Involving Brother of Government Secretary

Slovak police conducted a raid investigating suspected fraud involving European Union funds, with the operation reportedly connected to the brother of a government secretary named Šalitroš. The suspected fraud involved purchasing machinery but failing to establish the promised production operations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of EU development funds, which are designed to support economic development and infrastructure projects across Slovakia. EU funds fraud investigations have become increasingly common as authorities tighten oversight of how these resources are allocated and used by businesses and organizations.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Fico Postpones Taraba Issue as New Problem Emerges with Gašpar

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has postponed dealing with issues surrounding Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba while a new problem has emerged involving another government official, Gašpar. The developments come amid ongoing political tensions within Slovakia's ruling coalition. The situation involves multiple government figures including parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini and involves what appears to be crisis management efforts by Fico's administration. These latest political complications add to the challenges facing Slovakia's coalition government, which has been dealing with various internal disputes and public controversies since taking office.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia to Increase Monitoring of Homeschooled Children as Minister Targets Parental Abuse of Education System

Slovakia plans to implement stricter oversight of approximately 9,000 homeschooled children amid concerns that some parents are exploiting the education system for financial gain. Education Minister Erik Tomáš announced new control measures and potential cuts to educational allowances, arguing that certain parents have turned child-rearing into a business model rather than focusing on proper education. The Ministry of Education is revising regulations governing home education to address these abuses. Slovakia's homeschooling system allows parents to educate their children at home while receiving state support, but critics argue the current framework lacks sufficient oversight to ensure children receive adequate education. The new measures represent the government's effort to maintain educational standards while preventing misuse of public funds allocated for alternative education arrangements.

SME
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Domestic Politics

No Agreement Reached Yet on Constitutional Court Judge Nomination

Slovakia's parliament has not yet reached an agreement on nominating a judge to the Constitutional Court, according to Parliamentary Speaker Peter Pellegrini. The position is currently held by Ivetta Macejková, whose term is set to expire, though she has expressed interest in continuing in the role. The Constitutional Court, Slovakia's highest authority on constitutional matters, requires parliamentary approval for judicial appointments. The lack of consensus suggests ongoing political negotiations between the ruling coalition and opposition parties over the nomination process.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Populist Parties Claim Mainstream Politicians Are Adopting Their Policies

Populist political movements in Slovakia are accusing mainstream parties of appropriating their policy platforms. According to populist leaders, established political parties are increasingly adopting positions and rhetoric that were previously associated with populist movements, particularly those with nationalist or anti-establishment themes. The populists argue that mainstream politicians are borrowing their ideas while maintaining their opposition to populist parties themselves. This development reflects broader tensions in European politics where traditional parties face pressure to respond to populist messaging on issues like immigration and national sovereignty.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Deputy PM Taraba Threatens to Resign if Coalition Trust Not Restored by September

Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba announced he would resign from his government positions if political trust between himself and his nominating party SNS is not restored by the end of September 2026. Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that if confidence is not renewed between the ruling coalition party Slovak National Party (SNS) and their nominee Taraba, there will be personnel changes at both the ministerial and deputy prime ministerial levels. The ultimatum highlights ongoing tensions within Slovakia's ruling coalition, which includes Fico's Smer-SD party as the dominant partner alongside the nationalist SNS and the populist Hlas party. Taraba currently serves as Minister of Environment and Deputy Prime Minister, having been nominated by SNS despite apparent friction between him and his party leadership.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament Advances Bill to Modify Overseas Voting Rules

Slovakia's National Council, the country's parliament, moved forward this week with legislation that would change how citizens vote from abroad. The bill amending the conditions for exercising voting rights advanced to second reading, bringing potential reforms to overseas voting procedures closer to implementation. The development comes as Slovak political parties continue to debate electoral reforms, with some officials noting that any referendum on early elections would face timing constraints under current laws.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Launch Major Anti-Corruption Operation Over EU Funds Fraud Worth Nearly €863,000

Slovak police conducted a major anti-corruption operation codenamed Aurelia, targeting a company suspected of defrauding European Union development funds worth nearly €863,000. The investigation centers on allegations that the company falsely claimed to have implemented production process innovations that were never actually introduced into their manufacturing operations. The case represents another instance of EU funds abuse in Slovakia, where companies have been known to apply for development grants by claiming to introduce new technologies or processes, only to pocket the money without making the promised improvements.

SMEAktuality
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Domestic Politics

Fico Gives Instructions to Danko

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has provided guidance to National Council Speaker Peter Danko regarding scheduling matters. The directive comes as part of ongoing coordination between the government and parliament leadership on procedural issues.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Key witness breaks silence in third Kuciak murder trial, implicates Kočner and other officials

Zoltán Andruskó, a cooperating witness in the investigation of journalist Ján Kuciak's murder, testified for the first time in the third trial related to the case. Andruskó, who had previously remained silent during court proceedings, repeated his claims that businessman Marian Kočner ordered the killing of the investigative journalist and also targeted prosecutors. His testimony also mentioned other high-profile figures including Gašpar, Bödör, and Kováčik. The murder of Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in February 2018 sparked massive protests in Slovakia and led to the resignation of the government. Kuciak had been investigating alleged corruption involving Italian mafia connections to Slovak politicians and businessmen, including Kočner, who was later convicted of ordering the murders.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Crown Witness Testifies Former Police Chief and Prosecutor Covered Up Murders

Zoltán Andruskó, the crown witness in the murder case of journalist Ján Kuciak, testified in court that former police chief Tibor Gašpar threatened him through an intermediary not to testify about the murder of ex-mayor L. Basternák of Hurbanovo, warning he would "end up like him." Andruskó also alleged that former Special Prosecutor Dušan Kováčik was supposed to ensure impunity for a planned assassination of prosecutor Maroš Žilinka. The testimony comes as part of ongoing court proceedings in Slovakia's most prominent murder case, which exposed deep corruption links between organized crime and law enforcement. Kuciak, an investigative journalist, and his fiancée were murdered in 2018 while he was investigating ties between Italian mafia and Slovak politicians, a case that led to massive protests and the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Bratislava Mayor Claims Political Targeting After Corruption Charges Dropped

Rudolf Kusý, who served as mayor of Bratislava's Nové Mesto district for 12 years until 2022, has spoken out about police investigations that targeted him during his final term in office. Police charged Kusý in 2020 over alleged irregularities in four major construction projects, leading to a three-day detention. However, Slovakia's Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka later ruled that police had acted unlawfully and dismissed the charges. Kusý maintains his innocence, denying taking bribes and claiming he was politically targeted. Nové Mesto is one of Bratislava's five administrative districts, and Kusý's case highlights ongoing tensions between local officials and law enforcement in Slovakia's capital. The dismissal of charges by the prosecutor general suggests potential procedural violations in the initial investigation, though details of a second police case mentioned have not been resolved.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's ruling coalition expects smooth passage of government bills in parliament

Slovakia's ruling coalition anticipates no major obstacles in passing government legislation through parliament, despite acknowledging that some proposed laws may generate heated debates. Prime Minister Robert Fico admitted that certain legislative proposals could spark "stormy" discussions among lawmakers. The coalition's confidence suggests it believes it has sufficient parliamentary support to advance its agenda, even if individual bills face strong opposition criticism during the legislative process.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Filip Kuffa Emerges as Potential Minister After Split from Coalition Partner

Filip Kuffa, a controversial political figure known for his confrontational style and past clashes with protesters, is being discussed as a potential new minister following a political realignment. Kuffa's supporters have distanced themselves from Rudolf Taraba, who previously led their shared political party. The development suggests internal tensions within Slovakia's governing coalition, as different factions appear to be repositioning themselves ahead of potential cabinet changes. Kuffa has previously drawn criticism for his aggressive behavior toward critics and his inability to handle challenging questions from the media.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Maintains Poll Lead Despite Banking Scandal as Smer Closes Gap

Progressive Slovakia (PS) has retained its position as the most popular political party with 19.7 percent voter support, according to a new Ipsos poll released Friday, despite recent revelations about fraudulent bank transfers within its affiliated Project Forum association. The ruling Smer-SD party finished a close second in the survey. The Focus polling agency conducted its May preference survey between May 7-11, a period following the publication of reports about suspicious banking transactions within the Project Forum organization. Many observers, including PS politicians themselves, had been closely watching whether the banking scandal would damage the opposition party's standing with voters. The poll results suggest that despite the controversy, PS has managed to maintain its lead in voter preferences, while Smer has narrowed the gap between the two parties.

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