Ruling Party MP's Company Buys Luxury Apartment Worth Over Half a Million Euros Using Smer Funds

A company linked to Slovak ruling party Smer-SD lawmaker Ján Mažgút has purchased a luxury apartment, raising questions about the flow of public and party funds to private benefit. The company, whose sole client is Smer-SD, paid more than half a million euros for the apartment and garage space, which Mažgút and his wife have since moved into. Smer-SD, the dominant party in Slovakia's ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has channelled millions of euros into the firm, making it entirely dependent on the party for its revenue. The purchase of the high-end property — financed through a company that exists almost exclusively on Smer contracts — has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and the use of party money for personal enrichment. The case highlights ongoing concerns in Slovakia about the relationship between political party financing and private business dealings. Slovakia has faced persistent criticism from transparency watchdogs and EU institutions over corruption and the blurring of lines between political power and private gain. Smer-SD, a left-nationalist party, returned to government in 2023 under Fico, who himself has been a controversial figure, having previously faced serious corruption allegations.