Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 01/07/2026 17:43 · 87 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Domestic Politics

View all2848 stories
Domestic Politics

Slovak Agriculture Minister Warns Against Government Salary Freeze Proposal

Slovakia's ruling coalition is debating whether to freeze salaries and allowances for government ministers as part of broader fiscal consolidation measures. While representatives from Hlas-SD, a centrist party in the governing coalition, are pushing for the salary freeze as a gesture of solidarity with the public during economic tightening, Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč from the dominant coalition partner Smer-SD has voiced opposition to the proposal. Takáč warned that reducing ministerial compensation could undermine the dignity and authority of ministerial positions. The debate reflects broader tensions within Slovakia's ruling coalition over how to demonstrate fiscal responsibility while maintaining the status of high government offices during a period of economic consolidation.

Košice Dnes
|
Domestic Politics

Eastern Slovakia Region Demands Government Speed Up Highway Construction to Avoid International Embarrassment

The Prešov regional government has called on Slovakia's central government to accelerate construction of the R4 expressway and bypass roads, warning of potential international embarrassment. Regional officials expressed concerns about creating a traffic bottleneck that could damage Slovakia's reputation. The Prešov region, located in eastern Slovakia near the Polish border, appears worried that delayed infrastructure projects could lead to significant transportation problems that would reflect poorly on the country internationally.

Korzár
|
Domestic Politics

Opposition Parties Hold 1.23 Million Voters But Lack Majority for Victory

Slovakia's opposition parties currently command support from approximately 1.23 million voters, according to the latest polling data released by NMS Market Research for April. While the opposition maintains a lead over the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, this level of support would still be insufficient to secure a parliamentary majority in a potential election. The polling results highlight the fragmented nature of Slovak politics, where opposition parties led by progressive and liberal groups hold an advantage over Fico's coalition, which includes the social-democratic Smer-SD, the nationalist Slovak National Party, and the centrist Hlas party. However, the opposition's current voter base falls short of the threshold needed to form a government, suggesting that Slovakia's political landscape remains divided with neither camp holding a decisive advantage.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Police Seize Illegal Weapons and Silencers in Operation Chalupa

Slovak police seized illegal firearms and prohibited weapon accessories during Operation Chalupa, conducted across the Prievidza and Nitra districts in western Slovakia. The operation resulted in the confiscation of unlicensed weapons and sound suppressors, which are strictly regulated under Slovak law. One man has been charged in connection with the illegal weapons cache and faces several years in prison if convicted. The operation highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat illegal weapons trafficking in Slovakia.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Specialized Criminal Court to Resume Corruption Case Involving Eastern Slovakia Judges

The Specialized Criminal Court will again hear the Syseľ corruption case, which involves allegations of influencing judicial decisions at courts in eastern Slovakia. The case centers on suspicions that bribes were paid to manipulate court rulings, with prosecutors alleging that part of the money was transferred to the account of the son of accused businessman Marián S. The Specialized Criminal Court handles major corruption and organized crime cases in Slovakia's judicial system.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Minister Expresses Concern Over Delayed Patria Armored Vehicle Deliveries

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák voiced frustration over delays in the delivery of Patria armored vehicles to Slovakia's military. The minister, who serves in Prime Minister Robert Fico's government coalition, highlighted concerns about the procurement timeline for the military equipment. Kaliňák also noted that the Defense Ministry is participating in the construction of a bypass road around the city of Zvolen in central Slovakia, indicating the ministry's involvement in infrastructure projects beyond its primary defense responsibilities.

TASR/Teraz
|
Domestic Politics

Over 11,000 People Apply to Join Slovakia's Defense Forces, Minister Says

More than 11,000 people have applied to join Slovakia's defense forces, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák announced. Of those applicants, over 2,000 have already completed training programs. The defense forces represent Slovakia's military reserve structure, designed to supplement the country's regular armed forces during times of need. The high level of interest comes as European nations strengthen their defense capabilities amid regional security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Progressive Slovakia Maintains Lead Above 20% as Smer Catches Up to Republic Party in Latest Poll

Progressive Slovakia continues to poll above 20 percent support while the ruling Smer-SD party is gaining ground on the opposition Republic party, according to the latest polling data. The survey indicates that eight political parties would currently secure seats in Slovakia's parliament if elections were held today. The polling results raise questions about potential political realignment in Slovakia, with some observers drawing comparisons to Hungary's political landscape where dominant parties have consolidated power over time.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Columnist Reports Unanswered Calls to Fico After Electoral Victory

Journalist Michal Havran wrote that he attempted to contact Robert Fico by phone following recent elections but received no response. The brief commentary, titled 'Day After Robert Fico', appeared in SME newspaper. Fico, who leads the social-democratic Smer-SD party, has been a dominant figure in Slovak politics for over two decades, serving as prime minister multiple times. The lack of response follows what appears to be an electoral success for Fico's political forces, though the specific context and timing of the elections referenced in Havran's piece remains unclear from the available information.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Minister Tomáš Pushes for Freeze on Ministerial Flat-Rate Allowances with SNS Support

Minister Tomáš announced his commitment to freezing flat-rate allowances for government ministers, stating that the proposal has received support from the Slovak National Party (SNS). The SNS, a nationalist party that is part of Slovakia's ruling coalition alongside the dominant Smer-SD social democrats, has backed the measure to maintain current compensation levels for ministerial expenses rather than allowing increases. The proposal addresses ongoing debates about government spending and ministerial benefits amid broader discussions about public sector compensation in Slovakia.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Government Maintains Diesel Sales Restrictions at Gas Stations, PM Says

The Slovak government will continue to maintain restrictions on diesel sales at gas stations, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced. The measure remains in place as Slovakia's state-controlled oil refiner Slovnaft continues its policy of not exporting any diesel fuel to Ukraine. The restrictions were previously implemented amid concerns about fuel supply and pricing, with the government seeking to ensure adequate domestic availability of diesel fuel for Slovak consumers and businesses.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Former Far-Right Candidate Claims Death Threats Against Opposition Were Misunderstood

Ján Púček, a former candidate for mayor of Žilina representing the far-right ĽSNS party, defended threatening statements against opposition figures circulating on social media, claiming his words were misinterpreted. Púček stated he never planned to shoot or harm anyone, explaining that what appeared as a single threatening post was actually two separate status updates that became merged together. The ĽSNS (People's Party Our Slovakia) is a far-right political party led by Marian Kotleba that has faced scrutiny for extremist rhetoric and activities.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Labor Ministry Prepares Option to Choose Pension Benefits from First or Second Pillar

Slovakia's Ministry of Labor is preparing legislation that would allow citizens to choose whether to receive their pension benefits from the first pillar public system or the second pillar private system. Labor Minister Tomáš Drucker described the proposal as a very practical measure. The reform would affect Slovakia's two-pillar pension system, where the first pillar consists of the state-run pay-as-you-go system funded by current contributions, while the second pillar involves private pension funds where individuals' contributions are invested in financial markets. Currently, workers who participate in both pillars receive benefits from each system upon retirement, but the proposed change would give retirees flexibility in choosing their primary source of pension income.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Slovakia's ruling Smer party opposes freezing flat-rate expense deductions as finance minister defends measure

Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party has rejected a proposal to freeze flat-rate expense deductions for taxpayers, despite the measure being defended by Finance Minister Ladislav Takáč who argues it addresses lower income levels. The proposal has gained support from Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party, a coalition partner, even though he previously dismissed similar measures as shallow public relations tactics just a month ago. The disagreement highlights internal tensions within Slovakia's governing coalition over tax policy, with Smer-SD, the dominant social-democratic party in the three-party government, opposing a measure that would affect how taxpayers can claim business expenses.

SME
|
Domestic Politics

Health Ministry Whistleblower Alleges Corruption in EU-Funded Hospital Renovation Program

A former state secretary at Slovakia's health ministry has filed corruption allegations against Martin Smatana, claiming he operated in a conflict of interest during a 212-million-euro European Union-funded hospital renovation program. The whistleblower, identified as Dunajová Družkovská, served as a state secretary and reported the alleged irregularities through official channels. She is also providing testimony against the management of a hospital in Trenčín regarding a pipe replacement project that allegedly existed only on paper rather than being actually carried out. The case highlights concerns about the proper oversight of EU funds allocated for healthcare infrastructure improvements in Slovakia, where corruption in public procurement has been a persistent issue.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Former Prosecutor Alleges Intelligence Chief Had Improper Access to Traffic Accident Investigation

A former prosecutor has accused Pavol Gašpar, director of Slovakia's intelligence service SIS, of obtaining details from a traffic accident investigation before he was legally entitled to access them. Matúš Harkabus, a lawyer who left the prosecutor's office in summer 2024, made the allegations while representing the driver involved in an August 2023 traffic accident in Nitra that remains unresolved. Harkabus claims he discovered information about Gašpar's son after reviewing the investigation file, suggesting the intelligence chief may have improperly accessed confidential case materials. The Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) is the country's main intelligence agency, and any allegation of its director misusing his position to gain unauthorized access to criminal investigations would raise serious questions about the separation of intelligence and law enforcement functions.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Parliament and Government to Meet as NGOs Prepare Justice Ministry Comments on Criminal Procedure Amendment

Slovakia's National Council, the country's parliament, and the government are scheduled to convene for sessions this week. Non-governmental organizations plan to submit their comments to the Justice Ministry regarding proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. The parliamentary and government meetings come as civil society groups prepare to formally respond to legislative changes that could affect the country's criminal justice system. The Criminal Procedure Code governs how criminal cases are investigated and prosecuted in Slovakia's courts.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Interior Ministry Cuts Police Salaries While Spending 15 Million More on Civil Servants

Slovakia's Interior Ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, reduced spending on police salaries while increasing expenditures on civil servants by 15 million euros, according to the ministry's financial results. The spending pattern raises questions about the government's consolidation priorities, as the state must now intervene to rescue the fund that pays retirement benefits for police officers and other security personnel. Šutaj Eštok heads the interior ministry as part of the ruling coalition led by Smer-SD, which has implemented austerity measures across various government sectors while claiming to pursue fiscal consolidation.

Aktuality
|
Domestic Politics

Former Labor Minister Criticizes Holiday Schedule Changes as Chaotic

Former Slovak Labor Minister Ján Mihál has criticized recent changes to holiday scheduling as creating chaos for workers and businesses. The criticism comes as part of ongoing debate over adjustments to Slovakia's public holiday system and their impact on the economy and workplace planning. Mihál, who served as labor minister in previous governments, argued that the modifications to holiday arrangements have created confusion and administrative burdens for employers and employees alike.

Dennik N
|
Domestic Politics

Slovak Defense Minister's Law Firm Earns Another Million in Revenue

Robert Kaliňák, Slovakia's defense minister and member of the ruling Smer-SD party, has generated another million euros in revenue through his law firm, making it nearly the most profitable legal practice in the country according to SME daily. The firm has faced recent criticism for receiving tens of thousands of euros from a company linked to Czech billionaire Strnad. Kaliňák's continued operation of his lucrative law practice while serving as defense minister raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as his firm's exceptional profitability appears tied to his political position and influence within the ruling social-democratic party.

Aktuality
|