By Matúš Beňo

Copyright sme

Good evening. Here is the Monday, September 22 edition of Today in Slovakia – the main news of the day in a few minutes.

Fico attacks opposition leader’s mother amid growing backlash to consolidation

Details of how the government plans to save money on itself as part of the next round of consolidation remain unclear. Speaking on the V Politike political show, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický only said that tens of millions of euros would be cut at ministries and that flat-rate allowances would be frozen. Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) chair Michal Šimečka countered that the government should cut its own salaries instead.

Last week, austerity measures brought thousands to the streets as opposition parties staged joint protests across the country, with about 16,000 filling Bratislava’s Námestie Slobody square. More protests are planned in Slovak towns on Tuesday, September 23, starting at 18:00. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Trade Unions (KOZ) announced that it will hold a rally in front of the parliament on September 30, arguing that it is workers who repeatedly bear the greatest burden of government decisions. The unions also criticised that the government and parliament proceeded without any dialogue or discussion despite repeated calls.

On Saturday, PM Robert Fico sought to divert attention by linking consolidation to Šimečka’s mother. He claimed that Marta Šimečková misused public subsidies between 2020 and 2023. Focusing on the 2021 edition of the Central European Forum organised by the civic association Project Forum, of which Šimečková is a statutory representative, Fico said the group applied for funding for the same project from three different entities – the Slovak Arts Council, the Culture Ministry, and the Justice Ministry – securing a total of €130,000.

“The whole project is absolute nonsense, look at its content,” the prime minister said, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Fico alleged that Šimečková provided misleading information in affidavits about receiving public funds and in reporting expenditures, resulting in double and even triple reimbursement of invoices. He added that he would not file a criminal complaint himself, arguing his press conference was “in a way” such a submission.

General Prosecutor chimes in: On social media, GP Maroš Žilinka reminded that state authorities are required by law to notify law enforcement of suspected crimes immediately, adding that press conferences are not a legally valid substitute.

Another attack on Šimečka: This is not the first time the PM has targeted the PS chair’s family. In 2024, Šimečka was removed as deputy speaker of parliament over fabricated accusations citing that his mother and his partner, Soňa Ferienčíková, had received state grants. In February this year, the Government Office demanded Šimečka disclose the income of organisations in which his family members and associates held positions between 2010–2025, along with how funds were used.

What Šimečka says: The PS chair described Fico’s latest claims as a vile attack on his family. “This is a man who has lived off our money and our taxes his entire life. This is a man who has ruined Slovakia, yet he dares to call my family parasites and fraudsters,” Šimečka said, as quoted by TASR, adding that Fico fears public backlash over consolidation. He also criticised the government for ignoring Russia’s violation of Estonian airspace while focusing on personal attacks.

In this opinion piece, Marta Šimečková explains the circumstances of the grant over which Robert Fico attacks her.

Putting pressure on Fico: The opposition SaS party reiterated its call for a general strike on November 17. According to SaS chair Branislav Gröhling, citizens and employers are already contacting the party about the idea, and he has been meeting with employers, unions, and entrepreneurs. SaS plans to report next week on its progress. KDH chair Milan Majerský cautioned that a general strike should not be declared by political parties, arguing that such a move belongs to employers and unions since it would cause huge economic damage.

PS announced it will convene round-table talks on Friday, inviting political partners, NGOs, companies, and unions to exchange views and explore a common approach, stressing that the idea of a general strike is a serious one.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

LAST WEEK: So far, the government has mainly focused on consolidation measures aimed at pulling money out of the pockets of citizens rather than cutting its own expenditure. The public will be watching how much the government will save on itself.PUBLIC HEALTH: Pharmacies in Slovakia have reported a sharp increase in demand for rapid Covid-19 tests, face masks and hand sanitisers in recent weeks, as infections begin to rise again.A FLIGHT TOO EXPENSIVE: Slovakia’s culture minister is under fire after her ministry spent almost €16,000 on flights for her and a senior aide to the US, which the ministry refuses to explain.A FAIR TOO EXPENSIVE: The Slovak government has been accused of spending extravagantly on public spectacles even as it raises taxes and social contributions.WOOING VOTERS: A Slovak social media influencer that built a large following with political interviews has drawn criticism after travelling to Brussels aboard a government aircraft at the invitation of the country’s environment minister.SPORT: The curtain came down on the 69th edition of the Tour of Slovakia with a finale worthy of the occasion. After four straight stage wins by French star Paul Magnier, the decisive mountain finish turned the race on its head.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY

A herbal empire

Founded on the legacy of medicinal plants in Malacky, a married couple has built a tea business with a hundred-product portfolio and ambitions beyond herbal infusions. The portfolio is so wide that CEO Martin Valigurský half-jokingly says they ran out of colours during the most recent redesign of their packaging.

EVENT FOR THE WEEK

Bratislava Design Week

Now in its 16th year, Bratislava Design Week is the largest international event dedicated to contemporary design in Slovakia. Running from September 24–28, more than 80 designers will present their work, mainly at the Svoradov dormitory in Bratislava’s Staré Mesto borough, as well as other venues. The theme of this year’s edition is Change, highlighting that in the face of difficult societal shifts, creativity remains alive and free, and joy from the creative process can move us forward. Find out more here.

IN OTHER NEWS

Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár expressed full support for Estonia following the incursion of Russian aircraft into its airspace on Friday. Blanár called the breach of sovereignty and international law unacceptable and backed Estonia’s request for consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Pro-Russian SNS chair Andrej Danko, citing media reports, said he did not believe the incursion was intentional. (TASR)Political figures in Slovakia exploited the death of US right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk for political gain, according to the Adapt Institute’s latest disinformation trends report. Far-right Republika MEP Milan Uhrík had the most-shared post, claiming Kirk was “oppressed” for holding views different from the mainstream, blaming “progressives, liberals, and the media,” and warning that “progressives want to see us all dying.” PM Robert Fico (Smer) followed, saying that “if you don’t hold the one obligatory opinion demanded by progressives or liberals, you must be shot.” (Adapt Institute)Last Thursday, a Bratislava police officer was detained by the police inspection service and charged with extremism. He allegedly gave Nazi salutes at meetings and verbally attacked Jews and Roma. He will be prosecuted at large. (SME)

The Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok sentenced gang boss Juraj “Piťo” Ondrejčák to a combined prison term of 21 years and 4 months under medium security, and imposed protective supervision for three years. The verdict is final. Ondrejčák’s lawyer said it remains unclear how much time his client will actually serve. (TASR)The town of Pezinok, near Bratislava, has added Albania’s Mirditë municipality and Spain’s Mos municipality to its list of foreign partners. The aim is to strengthen cooperation in self-governance, education, culture, sports, business, and tourism. “Partnerships like these are based on the similarities of our towns – from mining and winemaking traditions to vibrant culture and tourism,” said Pezinok Mayor Roman Mács. Pezinok already partners with Most, Kyjov, and Mladá Boleslav in Czechia; Mosonmagyaróvár in Hungary; Izola in Slovenia; and Neusiedl am See in Austria. (TASR)As part of his working trip to the US, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met compatriots in East Brunswick, New Jersey, at the 47th annual Slovak Heritage Festival. One of the oldest and most important Slovak community events in the US, the festival takes place every autumn and draws thousands of attendees. Pellegrini praised the strength, hard work, and vitality of Slovaks abroad. (TASR)

WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: Cloudy to overcast skies are expected, with occasional showers, rain, and storms. Daily highs will range from 19°C to 25°C, and from 13°C to 19°C in northern areas. (SHMÚ)

SEPTEMBER 23 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Tuesday is Zdenka’s name day — congrats to everyone celebrating.

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator).

Join our newsletter family and never miss a Slovak moment: Today in Slovakia | Last Week in Slovakia | Slovak Science| Spectacular Slovakia | Slovak Roots