Stories from Bratislava · Slovakia

This admission follows a credit rating downgrade for the country.

The Slovakian state procurement agency, OPQP, has been dissolved following investigations into corruption and misuse of agricultural subsidies. A new task force has been convened to reorganize the agency in coordination with the European Union.

Slovakian Agriculture Minister Richard Takacz intends to implement animal welfare definitions via legislation. He noted that over 5,000 export certificates for animals, particularly pets, are issued annually, placing the EU at the forefront of the issue.

The defendant, Juraj Cintola, maintains he is not a terrorist and claims his shots were intended only as a warning rather than an attempt to kill Robert Fico. Cintola has questioned the severity of the Prime Minister's injuries and requested further evidence, but the Supreme Court of Slovakia has rejected these claims. A Slovak court has confirmed a 21-year prison sentence for a retired individual who attempted to shoot Slovak Prime Minister Fico nearly two years ago. The perpetrator, described as a government critic, has filed an appeal against the ruling. The defendant, Juraj Zintola, appealed the decision, claiming he did not intend to kill Robert Fizon and that his shots were merely a warning. Zintola argued that the severity of the injuries to the Prime Minister was overstated during the proceedings.

Prosecutors stated that a 21-year prison sentence is appropriate for the perpetrator. The attacker had previously criticized the government, specifically targeting public media, free culture, and the administration's pro-Russia foreign policy.

A court sentenced a man to 21 years in prison for a terrorist attack involving the shooting of Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024. The attacker did not personally attend the first-instance court proceedings. The Supreme Court of Slovakia has upheld a 21-year prison sentence for a 73-year-old man. The sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court in Bratislava during an appeals process. The attack, which occurred nearly two years ago, left the politician with life-threatening injuries. Zintola, a former security employee and hobbyist writer, claimed the shots were intended only as a warning and not to kill Robert Fico. He has challenged the severity of the Prime Minister's injuries and the verdict. The Slovakian Prosecutor General's office has classified the attack on Prime Minister Fico as terrorism and stated a 21-year prison sentence is appropriate.

Slovaks have initiated an uprising against the government of Tisa. The movement comes as military forces press the borders of Czechoslovakia. German forces are reportedly attempting to reclaim a city in the region. The conflict involves tank concentrations near strategic road junctions and mountain passes. Slovak citizens have begun an uprising against the government led by Tisa. A strong uprising has begun against the Tisa government in Slovakia. The report indicates German forces are moving from the west to seize key road junctions to assist a northern group. The situation remains developing according to the broadcast.

Francesco Calzona is no longer the head coach of the Slovakia national football team. The 57-year-old former Napoli and Karpaty Lviv coach rejected a two-year contract extension proposal from the football association. His contract expired on March 31. Calzona had held the position since August 2022. His final match was a 2-0 friendly victory against Romania.

The director of Slovak Radio and Television has been dismissed following a decision by the Ministry of Culture. This action is part of a restructuring that includes new leadership for the public broadcaster. The first strike was initiated by members of the strike committee, and other committee members are now losing their jobs.

The Slovak Republic has reported a reduction in fraudulent sick leave claims, leading to savings of 80 million euros in the first quarter compared to 2024. This decrease suggests improved oversight or a decline in illegitimate claims.