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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Slovak President Pellegrini Faces Criticism Over Recent Statement

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has made a statement that critics suggest could backfire against him politically. The controversy comes as Pellegrini approaches the two-year mark of his presidency in June, with observers noting that his political balancing act may have gone too far this time. Pellegrini, who won the presidential election in 2024, has attempted to maintain a careful political equilibrium since taking office, but the latest remarks have drawn scrutiny from across the political spectrum.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Government Coalition Influencer Receives Payments from Multiple State Institutions Simultaneously

Mimi Šramová, a social media influencer who promotes Slovakia's ruling coalition, has been receiving payments from multiple state institutions at the same time. She holds contracts with the Government Office as well as under Minister Takáč's department. The influencer has also received thousands of euros from political parties for her promotional activities. The arrangement raises questions about the coordination and oversight of public funds being used for social media promotion of government policies across different state bodies.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Influencer Receives Multiple State Contracts Worth Thousands

Mimi Šramová, a social media influencer who promotes the Slovak government coalition, has been receiving payments from multiple state institutions simultaneously. Šramová has contracts with the Government Office as well as with agencies under Minister Takáč. The influencer has also received thousands of euros from political parties for her promotional work. The arrangement highlights questions about the use of public funds for social media promotion by Slovakia's ruling coalition, led by Smer-SD and its partners.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Judicial Council Condemns Verbal Attacks on Judges, Criticizes Prime Minister Fico

Slovakia's Judicial Council adopted a resolution condemning verbal attacks on judges, specifically criticizing Prime Minister Robert Fico for what it called political marketing and suggesting Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok should not even be trusted to guard corn. The Judicial Council, which oversees the administration and independence of Slovakia's court system, took the unusual step of publicly responding to what it characterized as inappropriate political rhetoric targeting the judiciary. The resolution reflects growing tensions between Slovakia's government and judicial institutions, as Fico's ruling Smer-SD party has frequently clashed with courts over various legal proceedings. Such public disputes between the executive and judicial branches raise concerns about judicial independence, a key principle in democratic governance and an area closely monitored by European Union institutions.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Visits Vienna to Study Social Housing Model

Slovak Prime Minister visited Vienna to examine the Austrian capital's extensive social housing system. The government office noted that more than 75 percent of Vienna's residents live in municipal or subsidized apartments, a stark contrast to Slovakia where rental housing comprises only 1-2 percent of the total housing stock. The visit focused on exploring Vienna's approach to affordable housing as Slovakia grapples with limited rental options for its citizens. Vienna's social housing model is considered one of the most successful in Europe, providing affordable accommodation to a broad cross-section of the population regardless of income level.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Police Conduct House Search of Former Tatra National Park Chief in Anti-Corruption Operation

Slovak police conducted a house search at the residence of a former director of Tatra National Park as part of Operation Venátor, an ongoing anti-corruption investigation. The operation involves suspected corruption charges, though police have not disclosed specific details about the allegations. Tatra National Park is Slovakia's oldest national park, established in 1949, covering the Slovak portion of the High Tatras mountain range and serving as one of the country's most important protected natural areas. The search represents part of a broader police crackdown on corruption cases across various sectors of Slovak public administration.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Daily Editorial Cartoon: Kaliňák's Strength Test

Slovak newspaper SME published an editorial cartoon by illustrator Mikuláš Sliacky titled "Kaliňák's Strength Test." The cartoon appears to be commentary on Robert Kaliňák, Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, who is a prominent figure in the ruling Smer-SD party led by Prime Minister Robert Fico. Editorial cartoons in Slovak media typically offer satirical commentary on current political developments and public figures.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia Proposes New Law on Staying After Temporary Asylum Expires

The Slovak government is advancing legislation that would allow some individuals to remain in the country after their temporary asylum status expires. The proposed law represents a positive step forward in addressing the status of temporary asylum seekers, according to observers. However, the legislation sets conditions that many current beneficiaries may find difficult to meet. The measure comes as Slovakia, like other European Union countries, grapples with managing the legal status of people who received temporary protection but whose circumstances have changed since their initial asylum grants. The proposed requirements for permanent residency or extended stay have not been detailed, but early assessments suggest they will present significant hurdles for many applicants seeking to formalize their long-term presence in Slovakia.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Hlas Party Proposes State Asset Sell-Off as Political Coalition Shows Internal Tensions

Slovakia's ruling Hlas party is proposing the state sell significant assets in 2026, a move critics compare to the controversial privatizations carried out by the Smer party in 2013 that allegedly stripped value from public resources. The proposal comes as the governing coalition faces internal divisions, with the Slovak National Party (SNS) publicly opposing Interior Minister Matus Sutaj-Estok of Hlas, known by his nickname Taraba. Meanwhile, Slovakia's Judicial Council is experiencing internal conflicts, with members reportedly arguing among themselves over institutional matters. The developments highlight growing tensions within Slovakia's ruling coalition, which consists of Smer-SD (the social-democratic party led by Prime Minister Robert Fico), Hlas (a center-left party that split from Smer), and SNS (a nationalist party). The reference to 2013 relates to a period when Smer implemented privatization policies that opposition parties and critics argued benefited private interests at the expense of public wealth.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Questions Raised Over Hospital Construction Contract Selection in Prešov

Questions have emerged over whether Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák may have selected construction companies for the structural work on a new hospital in Prešov without conducting a proper tender process. The construction of the Prešov hospital is expected to cost at least 358 million euros. An expert has described the selection process as purposeful, suggesting potential irregularities in the procurement procedure. The hospital project represents one of Slovakia's major healthcare infrastructure investments, with concerns now arising about transparency in the contractor selection process.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Criticizes Coalition for 'Relativizing National Memory' of Totalitarian Regimes

The opposition Progressive Slovakia party has criticized the ruling coalition for undermining the country's historical memory and downplaying the damage caused by totalitarian regimes. The criticism comes in response to a proposed amendment to municipal legislation prepared by the Interior Ministry. Progressive Slovakia, a liberal opposition party, argues that the coalition's legislative proposal threatens to weaken Slovakia's institutional commitment to remembering the crimes of past authoritarian systems. The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions over how Slovakia should commemorate its history under communist rule and Nazi occupation during World War II.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Opposition Slams Government Bill on Street Naming Rules for Communist-Era Figures

Slovakia's opposition Progressive Slovakia party has strongly rejected a proposed amendment to municipal laws from the Interior Ministry that would change rules for naming streets after figures from the 1939-1945 regime and the communist totalitarian period. The bill, authored by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, seeks to modify how local authorities evaluate whether streets can be named after personalities from these historical periods. Progressive Slovakia accused the ruling coalition of relativizing totalitarianism through the proposed legislation. The current law likely restricts or prohibits naming streets after individuals associated with these regimes, though the specific changes proposed in the amendment were not detailed in available reports.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Municipality Loses EU Recovery Funds After Auditors Question Procurement Process

A Slovak municipality has lost funding from the European Union's recovery plan after auditors challenged its procurement procedures for a construction project. The development occurred when a private developer financed the building construction independently, ultimately retaining ownership of the completed structure. The audit findings resulted in the municipality being stripped of its allocated recovery funds, highlighting potential irregularities in how public procurement rules were followed during the project's implementation.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Court to Rule on Controversial Memorial in Dunajská Streda After Hungarian Elections

A Slovak court will deliver its verdict Thursday on a controversial memorial case in Dunajská Streda, a town in southern Slovakia with a large ethnic Hungarian population. The timing comes shortly after Hungarian parliamentary elections. During closing arguments, both sides focused on whether the construction of the memorial itself could constitute extremism. The case has drawn attention as it involves questions of historical memory and ethnic sensitivities in an area where Hungarian-Slovak relations remain politically significant.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Former Slovak Prime Minister Radičová Discusses Political Leadership and Conscience at Book Presentation

Former Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radičová emphasized the role of conscience in political leadership during a discussion accompanying the presentation of a book about her career. Radičová, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2012, argued that conscience serves as the primary indicator of a life well-lived and stressed that citizens bear responsibility for whom they entrust with political power. She advocated for decision-making guided by both reason and heart, particularly during moments of uncertainty, stating that this approach gives life meaning. The event featured a live discussion between Radičová and another participant identified as Bárdy, focusing on themes of when politicians fail and why power should represent service rather than dominance.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Trial of Republic Party Deputy Chairman Continues with Witness Testimonies

The criminal trial of Milan Suja, deputy chairman of the Republic party, proceeded with witness testimonies in court. Suja faces charges for breach of duty in managing another party's property, with prosecutors alleging this constitutes a continuing criminal offense. The Republic party is a far-right political movement in Slovakia that has been part of opposition politics, known for its nationalist and anti-immigration positions.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Interior Minister Maintains Optimism Despite Policy Setbacks

Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák has maintained his positive demeanor despite recent policy failures that have damaged his reputation as an effective administrator. The minister, who has previously been credited with significant achievements in his role, now faces criticism as several of his initiatives have encountered substantial difficulties. Despite these setbacks, Kaliňák continues to project confidence in his approach to governance. The developments represent a notable shift in perception of the minister, who had built a reputation as someone capable of delivering on policy promises.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Minister Vows to Block Police Officers Despite Court Defeat

Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok announced he will continue blocking certain police officers from returning to work despite losing a court case. The minister's stance targets officers associated with a previous administration, whom he refuses to allow back into service during his tenure. A lawyer representing the dismissed officers criticized Šutaj Eštok's position, comparing the minister to a gambling machine in his unpredictable decision-making. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Slovakia's police force as the current government seeks to reshape law enforcement personnel inherited from previous administrations.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Opposition Blames Government for Rule of Law Problems

The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), a Slovak opposition party, has blamed Prime Minister Robert Fico's government for the country's rule of law problems, arguing that citizens should not be held responsible for these issues. KDH politician Miriam Lexmann accused the government of weakening the fight against corruption and dismantling oversight mechanisms. The criticism comes as Slovakia faces ongoing concerns about democratic institutions under Fico's administration, which returned to power in 2023. KDH, a center-right Christian democratic party that sits in opposition to Fico's ruling coalition, has been vocal in its criticism of what it views as authoritarian tendencies in the current government's approach to judicial and anti-corruption reforms.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Anti-corruption police raid multiple locations across Slovakia in national park investigation

Slovakia's anti-corruption police unit conducted raids at multiple locations across the country as part of an investigation into suspected corruption involving the management of one of the country's national parks. The operation, code-named Venátor, includes the former director of the Tatra National Park (TANAP) as a target of the investigation. The Tatra National Park is Slovakia's oldest and most prominent national park, covering portions of the High Tatras mountain range along the border with Poland. The Special Prosecutor's Office, which handles major corruption cases, is overseeing the investigation into alleged corrupt practices in the park's administration.

SMEAktuality
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