Slovak Minister Accused of Channeling State Funds to Folklore Events Linked to Political Ally

Slovakia's Environment Minister Rudolf Huliak is facing accusations from opposition lawmakers that he is directing state money toward folklore festivals in ways that benefit Roman Malatinec, a political associate. An opposition parliamentarian challenged Huliak over the continued flow of public funds to folklore events in the Banská Bystrica region, suggesting the spending amounts to state-funded campaigning on behalf of Malatinec. Huliak defended the allocations by arguing that the Banská Bystrica region traditionally hosts a higher concentration of folklore events than other parts of the country, and therefore naturally receives more funding of this kind. The controversy is notable because Huliak himself had previously signaled an intention to cut such support, making the continued — and apparently increased — spending difficult to justify on policy grounds alone. Huliak leads the Slovak National Coalition (SNS-NKP), a nationalist grouping that is part of Prime Minister Robert Fico's ruling coalition. Critics argue the pattern of funding raises serious questions about the misuse of ministerial discretion to support political allies ahead of future elections.