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Domestic Politics

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Domestic Politics

Opposition warns drone downing in Slovakia 'matter of time' as government criticized for inaction

Opposition MP Juraj Šeliga warned that it is only a matter of time before a drone crashes on Slovak territory, criticizing the government for deliberately taking no action to address the threat. Šeliga, a member of the liberal Progressive Slovakia party which sits in opposition to the ruling coalition led by Robert Fico's Smer-SD, stated that Slovakia possesses the necessary technology to deploy defensive measures. The warning comes amid ongoing concerns about airspace violations as the war in Ukraine continues to generate security risks for neighboring countries, with drones and missiles occasionally straying into NATO member states' territory.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Regional Election Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Public Officials Using Positions for Political Gain

Slovak regional election candidates are increasingly facing accusations of using their current public positions to gain visibility ahead of upcoming elections. Following earlier concerns raised about candidate Šimko, similar allegations are now being directed at Porvažník. The practice of leveraging public office for campaign purposes has become a growing issue as Slovakia approaches its regional elections, with critics pointing to multiple instances where incumbents may be crossing ethical boundaries by using their official roles to enhance their electoral prospects.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Public Officials Accused of Using Positions to Promote Regional Election Candidates

Slovak opposition politicians are raising concerns about the misuse of public offices to boost visibility for candidates in upcoming regional elections. Critics have pointed to multiple officials, including those surnamed Šimko and Porvažník, as examples of this alleged practice. The accusations suggest that public positions are being leveraged to give certain candidates unfair advantages in the campaign period leading up to the regional elections, where voters will select governors and council members for Slovakia's eight self-governing regions.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Withdraws from TV Debate as Opposition Leader Calls for His Resignation

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has withdrawn from participating in an upcoming television discussion program. Progressive Slovakia chairman Michal Šimečka responded to the withdrawal by stating that if Fico wants peace from politics, he should pack up and leave office. Progressive Slovakia is the main opposition party in Slovakia's parliament, positioned as a liberal pro-European force against Fico's ruling Smer-SD party, which has taken increasingly authoritarian and pro-Russian stances since returning to power.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Political Commentary Highlights Prime Minister's Russia Stance

A weekly political commentary in Slovak media criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico's approach toward Russia, with commentators suggesting his stance appeared excessive even by Russian standards. The analysis was part of a regular feature selecting notable political events, missteps, and underappreciated moments from the week by political observers Štrasser, Šáteková, Hudák and Čikovský. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD party, has maintained a more Russia-friendly position compared to other European Union leaders since returning to power, often drawing criticism from opposition parties and international partners for his softer stance on the war in Ukraine.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Slovakia's Ruling Smer Party Boycotts TV Debates Ahead of Assassination Attempt Anniversary

Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party has canceled its participation in television debates, with Prime Minister Robert Fico, Defense Minister Robert Gašpar, and Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová-Takáčová all withdrawing from scheduled appearances. The party has described the boycott as a "gift" for Fico ahead of the anniversary of the assassination attempt against him. The decision represents another instance of Smer avoiding televised political discussions, a pattern that has emerged in recent months. The assassination attempt on Fico occurred in May 2024 when he was shot multiple times after a government meeting in the town of Handlová, leading to his hospitalization and temporary withdrawal from public life before returning to his duties as head of the social-democratic party that leads Slovakia's coalition government.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak PM Fico Marks Two Years Since Assassination Attempt, Calls It His 'Second Birthday'

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico marked the second anniversary of an assassination attempt against him by returning to the scene in Handlová, where he held a press conference and met with students under tight security. Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, referred to May 15th as his "second birthday," commemorating the day he survived the attack two years ago. Opposition representatives and Slovakia's intelligence service SIS also issued statements regarding the anniversary. The opposition called for reducing tensions in Slovak society, highlighting ongoing political polarization since the incident. Fico was shot and seriously wounded on May 15, 2022, in what became one of the most serious attacks on a European political leader in recent years, sending shockwaves through Slovakia's political landscape.

Košice Dnes
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Domestic Politics

Police Inspection Defends Against Opposition Criticism Over Vietnamese Kidnapping Investigation

Slovakia's Police Inspection has rejected accusations from the opposition Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS) that it is failing to act in the investigation of a Vietnamese national's kidnapping. The inspection emphasized that only the investigator and supervising prosecutor have access to the case file. SaS, a liberal opposition party, had criticized the police inspection for alleged inaction in the case. The Police Inspection, which handles investigations into police misconduct and serious crimes involving law enforcement, maintains that the investigation is ongoing despite the opposition's claims.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Minister Showcased Israeli Rocket Systems That Are Only Partially Owned by Slovakia

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák publicly presented the first battery of the Israeli Barak MX missile defense system received by Slovakia's armed forces, though the equipment is not fully owned by the country. Opposition politician Jaroslav Naď accused Kaliňák of concealing this arrangement from the public, while Kaliňák dismissed the criticism as stating the obvious. The controversy highlights questions about the terms of Slovakia's acquisition of the advanced air defense system and transparency in military procurement. The Barak MX system represents a significant upgrade to Slovakia's air defense capabilities, but the partial ownership arrangement suggests the country may be leasing or financing portions of the equipment rather than making an outright purchase.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Fico Demands Apology from Food Inspectors Over Lángos Fine, Confirms German Chancellor Merz Won't Visit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demanded an apology from food inspectors who issued fines related to lángos, a traditional fried bread, during a press conference in Handlová marking the second anniversary of the assassination attempt against him. Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic party Smer-SD, also confirmed that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not be visiting Slovakia as previously planned. The prime minister held the press conference with his closest Smer party members in the same town where he was shot in May 2022 while greeting supporters after a government meeting. The assassination attempt, which left Fico seriously wounded, became a defining moment in Slovak politics and has been regularly commemorated by the prime minister and his party since his recovery and return to office.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Leader Rejects PM Fico's Challenge, Calls Him a Coward

Opposition leader Michal Šimečka rejected Prime Minister Robert Fico's challenge for a political debate, calling Fico a coward in response. Government politicians, who typically hold press conferences even on weekends, claimed they wanted to give Slovakia "at least one weekend without politics." The dispute arose as a commercial television station had already planned not to air one of its regular political programs due to hockey world championships coverage.

Aktuality
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Domestic Politics

MP Ľubomíra Benešová announces mayoral candidacy for Revúca

Member of Parliament Ľubomíra Benešová has announced she will run for mayor of Revúca, a town in central Slovakia. Benešová outlined her campaign goals as improving city management, securing more funding for the municipality, and making life more affordable for Revúca's residents. The announcement comes ahead of Slovakia's upcoming municipal elections, where voters will choose mayors and local council members across the country's cities and towns.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Parties Condemn Assassination Attempt on Slovak Prime Minister as Attack on Democracy

Opposition parties Progresívne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia) and Sloboda a Solidarita (Freedom and Solidarity) condemned the recent assassination attempt on Slovakia's prime minister as a serious attack on democracy. Parliament member Zuzana Števulová from Progressive Slovakia expressed hope that such an incident would never happen again, describing the attempt as a grave threat to the country's democratic institutions. Progressive Slovakia and Freedom and Solidarity are both liberal opposition parties in the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, that have been critical of the current government. The assassination attempt represents an unprecedented escalation of political tensions in the country, prompting condemnation across the political spectrum regarding violence against elected officials.

TASR/Teraz
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Opposition Party Calls for Prosecutor General to Investigate Vietnamese Kidnapping Case

The opposition Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS) has called on Slovakia's Prosecutor General to take action regarding a kidnapping case involving a Vietnamese national. The party highlighted the international dimensions of the case, suggesting it requires high-level prosecutorial attention due to its cross-border implications. SaS, a liberal opposition party that advocates for rule of law and anti-corruption measures, made the appeal as part of its efforts to ensure proper investigation of cases with potential international ramifications.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Political Extremism Problem Intensified After Prime Minister Attack, Intelligence Chief Warns

The head of Slovakia's Intelligence Service (SIS) warned that the problem of politically motivated extremism has become more pronounced following the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico in May. The intelligence chief described the attack on Fico as the most serious security incident in Slovakia's recent history. The warning highlights growing concerns about political polarization and radicalization in the Central European nation, where tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition have intensified since Fico's populist Smer-SD party returned to power last year.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Another Candidate Announces Bid for Prešov Regional Governor Position

A new candidate has announced their intention to run for the position of regional governor in Prešov, Slovakia's northeastern region. The candidate, who withdrew early from the previous election, has criticized both current governor Milan Majerský and former governor Milan Mazurek. The Prešov region is one of Slovakia's eight self-governing regions, with the governor serving as the chief executive responsible for regional development, healthcare, education, and social services. Regional elections in Slovakia typically generate significant local interest as governors oversee substantial budgets and coordinate between national government policies and local needs.

Korzár
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Domestic Politics

Legal Weekly Review: Constitutional Amendment Proposal Called 'Eager'

A legal commentary by Rada Procházku described the proposed constitutional amendment as 'eager' in this week's legal review. The analysis highlighted three recurring themes in Slovak politics: Prime Minister Robert Fico making promises instead of parliament speaker Boris Kollár, the evolution of political figures over time, and the cyclical nature of political developments. The commentary appears to critique the repetitive patterns in Slovak political discourse and constitutional reform efforts.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Demands Withdrawal of SNS Tax Proposal, Warning of Higher Taxes for Businesses

The liberal opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a local tax proposal submitted by the Slovak National Party (SNS), a member of the ruling coalition. SaS warned that the SNS proposal would result in higher taxes and increased bureaucratic harassment for entrepreneurs and businesses. The Slovak National Party, led by Andrej Danko, is part of the governing coalition alongside the social-democratic Smer-SD party and the centrist Hlas party. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over tax policy between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, with SaS positioning itself as a defender of business interests against what it characterizes as anti-business measures.

SME
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Domestic Politics

Slovak Actors and Comedians Return to Political Activism After 25-Year Hiatus

Prominent Slovak actors and comedians, including the comedy duo Noga & Skrúcaný, have announced their return to political activism, admitting they mistakenly believed their civic duty was complete after helping end Vladimir Mečiar's rule in 1998. During the 1990s, these entertainers were banned from state television and radio under Mečiar's authoritarian government and responded by touring the country to expose government scandals and mobilize voters. Their campaign contributed to Mečiar's electoral defeat in the fall 1998 elections, which kept Slovakia from remaining isolated in Europe. The group, which also included respected actors Ladislav Chudík, Milan Lasica, Marián Labuda, and Jaro Filip, had stepped back from political involvement after 1998, believing their work was done. Now they acknowledge this was a mistake and are re-engaging in civic activism, though the article does not specify what current political developments have prompted their return.

Dennik N
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Domestic Politics

Opposition Party Challenges Citizenship Law at Constitutional Court Over LGBTI Rights

Progresívne Slovensko, an opposition liberal party, has filed a petition with the Constitutional Court challenging Slovakia's citizenship law, arguing it inadequately protects LGBTI citizens. The party claims that LGBTI individuals are being involuntarily stripped of their Slovak citizenship in certain cases under current legislation. The Constitutional Court, Slovakia's highest judicial authority on constitutional matters, will now review whether the citizenship law violates constitutional principles of equal treatment and protection of fundamental rights.

SME
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