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Archived edition · August 04, 2026 Today's news →

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Scrutiny

Historic Heatwave Grips Nation Amidst New Political Controversies

Slovakia is experiencing a severe heatwave, marked by its warmest night on record and forecasts of temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius across the country. This extreme weather event has prompted nationwide warnings, highlighting the immediate environmental challenges facing the nation.

Concurrently, the political landscape is stirred by new allegations and unusual spending. Richard Takáč, the Minister of Agriculture, is reportedly allocating a substantial sum for a science fiction exhibition, raising questions about the use of public funds. The Slovak Information Service (SIS) and its Director General, Pavol Gašpar, are under fire after a French magazine claimed it is Europe's worst secret service and alleged Gašpar is a spy. Separately, the Prosecutor General is investigating a mayor for numerous traffic violations, including driving under the influence, while the Minister of Interior, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, faces a 'pleasant problem' of an underutilized new client center…

Economically, the country is seeing a significant state deficit nearing three billion euros, and tens of thousands of Slovaks have ceased business activities, sparking concerns about a potential economic crisis. Volkswagen's cost-cutting measures are also impacting Bratislava's tourism sector, leading to a notable decline in hotel guests. Amidst these challenges, a new demographic study offers a positive insight: highly educated individuals in Slovakia have the lowest divorce rates.

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Controversy Surrounds Minister's Sci-Fi Exhibition Funding

Richard Takáč, the Minister of Agriculture of Slovakia, is reportedly allocating nearly a million euros for a science fiction exhibition, which includes themes of time travel and simulated outbreaks. This significant expenditure by an agriculture minister for a cultural event has drawn attention.

Slovak Intelligence Service Under Fire for Alleged Incompetence

The Slovak Information Service (SIS) has been labeled the 'worst secret service in Europe' by a French magazine, which also alleges that its Director General, Pavol Gašpar, is a spy. French sources reportedly cited nepotism, incompetence, and ties to Russia as reasons for this harsh assessment.

Mayor Faces Scrutiny Over Multiple Traffic Violations

A mayor from Malatiná, affiliated with the Hlas party, is under investigation by Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka for accumulating 11 traffic violations, including two instances of driving under the influence and having her license suspended. An official claims she should not have been dismissed, arguing police ignored her violations.

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