By Iryna Uias
Copyright sme
Good evening. Here is the Thursday, September 25 edition of Today in Slovakia – the main news of the day in just a few minutes.
Step into the heart of Europe’s 2026 Capital of Culture before everyone else. Our updated Trenčín Region guide is yours for under €10 with a limited-time discount.
Fico denounces Kažimír judgement, calls for ‘fair trial’ despite political rift
The conviction of Peter Kažimír, governor of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), the country’s central bank, on charges of bribery in May this year, followed by the recent release of Judge Milan Cisarik’s ruling in the case has sparked a strong reaction from the ruling Smer party, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the hiring by Kažimír’s defence team of Smer’s top lawyer. Kažimír was a member of Smer and Fico’s finance minister at the time the crime was committed. He is appealing the conviction.
PM IS NOT HAPPY: Kažimír’s conviction seems to have hit the ruling party, and Fico in particular, hard. As recently as last November, Fico asked journalists, “What, for heaven’s sake, do I have to do with Mr Kažimír?” – the pair fell out in 2020, after Kažimír backed Peter Pellegrini’s move to break away from Smer and form the Hlas party. But now, after the full verdict was released, Fico has been expressing his anger at it, stressing that even what he called “a traitor to Smer” deserves justice.
Directly questioning the judge’s independence, Fico wrote on Facebook: “[his] decision raises the question of whether it was intended to serve the political aims of the opposition and damage the ruling parties.” He asserted that “even a law student” could see the ruling was “full of glaring inconsistencies”. Fico is himself a lawyer.
Now David Lindtner, a lawyer who is closely associated with Fico and Smer, has joined Kažimír’s defence team, which is appealing the verdict before the Supreme Court. Fico did not comment directly on Lindtner’s involvement but criticised the supposed political dimension of the case.
According to the Sme daily, Lindtner did not want to discuss whether his involvement would have an impact on Kažimír’s legal strategy or what approach he would take before the court. Lindtner himself faces charges in a separate case.
He confirmed that he had already participated in writing the appeal against the first-instance court decision, which is now up to the Supreme Court to decide on. However, he denied that the development means that Smer has taken over the defence of its former long-time finance minister.
Kažimír’s case concerned a bribe paid in 2016 to expedite tax audits. Judge Milan Cisarik ruled that the offence was proven “through a series of direct and indirect pieces of evidence.”
In addition to Kažimír, Lindtner is also representing Fico in the ongoing trial of Juraj Cintuľa, who is accused of attempting to assassinate the premier in May last year.
WHAT HAPPENED: Kažimír was convicted of bribery over a €48,000 payment to the head of the tax authority in 2016, aimed at speeding up tax proceedings for companies linked to a business associate. The Specialised Criminal Court fined the central bank governor €200,000; he will face a one-year prison sentence if the fine is not paid.
Despite his conviction for a serious financial crime, Kažimír refused to resign as head of the central bank. His term as governor expired in June, but the ruling coalition has failed to agree on a successor, so he remains in office.
WHY KAŽIMÍR WAS CONVICTED: The court found that Kažimír’s defence focused on irrelevant details and failed to discredit the main prosecution witness, former Financial Administration head František Imrecze, whose testimony was deemed credible and is backed by extensive evidence, including cash payments, anomalous VAT refunds, and handwritten tax records. Additional signs of wrongdoing included unusually fast payouts to beneficiary companies, suspiciously low-valued property transactions involving associates, and a personal motive to protect business and political interests. Judge Milan Cisarik concluded that the combination of direct and circumstantial evidence formed a “logical and uninterrupted system” proving Kažimír’s guilt beyond doubt.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
3 free things: Besides the wine harvest festival in Karlova Ves, Bratislava offers other free events definitely worth checking out, like Science Night and the (re-enacted) Battle of Bratislava.The US trip: A trip by the culture minister that cost €16,000 is fuelling a political flame war between Andrej Danko, the leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), which nominated the minister, and President Peter Pellegrini. Danko is defending her, while the president is questioning what she was doing in the US. Travel guide: Trenčín is ready to dazzle as a European Capital of Culture, but its magic is already everywhere – in its historic streets, cosy cafés and hidden corners. Discover it all with our updated Trenčín Region travel guide, now available for less than €10 for a limited time only.Business: Slovakia faces one of its toughest economic periods in years, with growth depressed, inflation rising, and job losses looming as the government grapples with the need to consolidate the public finances.Automotive industry: Slovakia’s automotive sector is bracing for job cuts as supplier Hella, which currently employs more than 3,000 people in western Slovakia, scales back amid weak sales by Tesla, a key customer.Border crossing: From 12 October, Slovakia will join the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, replacing passport stamps with electronic records and biometric checks to modernise border control and boost security.
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FEATURE STORY
New genetic studies shed light on the mysterious origins of the Slavs
We know surprisingly little about the origins of the Slavs, a people who went on to shape much of Europe’s culture and language. New genetic research is now challenging old assumptions, suggesting their homeland stretched from Belarus to Ukraine and that their migration was far more complex than once thought. Instead of a single united group, the Slavs emerged as diverse communities – egalitarian, adaptable and, at times, far from peaceful.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
More fun, more festivals: Karlova Ves awaits!
The weekend is just around the corner, so get ready for a rich programme of cultural, sports and social activities. Craft stalls, tasty food and drinks, live concerts, dance performances, and plenty of attractions will keep both children and adults entertained. Why? Because the wine harvest festivals are in full swing. After Bratislava’s Rača, and the towns of Modra and Pezinok, now it’s the turn of Bratislava’s Karlova Ves. Also, the boroughs of Dúbravka and Ružinov will have their own events.
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovak sculptor, performer and educator Juraj Bartusz has died at 91, the Slovak National Gallery confirmed. Known for his experimental sculptures and public works, including the monument to the 1921 Uprising in Krompachy and the Andy Warhol Fountain in Medzilaborce, Bartusz was a pioneering figure in Slovak art. Born in 1933, he studied in Prague before establishing his career in Košice. He also taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava and helped found the Department of Visual Arts at the Technical University of Košice. His creativity and influence have left a lasting mark on Slovak culture. (Korzár)Slovak authorities have denied asylum to several Belarusians who fled after protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko, opposition MP Juraj Krúpa (SaS) said on Thursday. He noted that under EU practice, such individuals are generally entitled to protection, and Slovakia has previously supported Belarusians with scholarship programmes. Krúpa warned that rejected applicants, some with documented evidence of police violence, now face deportation. The decisions were made by the Migration Office under the Interior Ministry. Krúpa also criticised Slovakia’s diplomatic ties with Belarus, comparing proposals to host Lukashenko in Slovakia as the equivalent of inviting North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. (SME)Slovak cyclists Viktória Chladoňová and Sofia Ungerová claimed top positions in the U23 women’s race at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali. Chladoňová fought for gold right up to the final sprint but ultimately took silver, finishing behind France’s Célia Geryová. Ungerová crossed the line in 28th place. The course stretched 119.3 km with challenging climbs that tested all the riders’ stamina. The Slovak duo delivered an impressive performance in Africa, demonstrating their strength on the international stage. (Sportnet)
Part of Jaguar Land Rover’s digital infrastructure is back in operation following a crippling cyber attack that began in August. “The foundation of our renewal programme is securely up and running,” said JLR Slovakia communications manager Katarína Chlebová. The company made the announcement to colleagues, suppliers and retail partners on Thursday as part of a controlled, phased restart of its systems. The restart of full production has been postponed to at least October 1. (TASR)Government fiscal cuts are hitting Slovak citizens hard, boosting opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) while weakening Smer, according to a recent AKO survey. PS gained a full percentage point since August, Smer fell 0.8 points, and the gap between the two now stands at 5.7 points. Hlas, Slovensko, Republika, SaS and the KDH also remain on course to win seats in parliament. Projections suggest PS would win 42 seats and Smer 31; the current opposition could form a majority if all parties, including Slovensko, were to cooperate. The survey highlights growing public discontent with the government’s consolidation measures, analysts say. (Noviny.sk)
WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: It will be cloudy to overcast, with skies clearing in the northeast during the afternoon. Rain or showers are expected to continue, especially in the western half of the country. Temperatures will remain unseasonably cold, with daytime highs ranging from 13 °C to 18°C.
SEPTEMBER 26 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Everyone christened Edita should receive warm greetings (and maybe chocolate!) when they celebrate their name day tomorrow, Friday.
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