Slovakia to Pay 10 Million Euros in Holiday Premiums After Canceling Public Holidays

Slovakia will pay approximately 10 million euros in additional premiums to state employees who worked on May 8 and September 15, two public holidays that were recently canceled by the government. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický announced the payment, explaining that state workers are entitled to premium compensation when required to work on former public holidays. The minister defended the decision, promising that the policy will lead to higher employee incomes and support economic growth. The cancellation of these holidays - Victory in Europe Day on May 8 and the Day of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows on September 15 - was part of broader government reforms, but the state must still compensate public sector workers who performed duties on these days according to labor regulations.