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Minister allegedly awarded aide 90,000 bonus after Vatican trip

Allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced against Minister Tomáš Taraba, who reportedly took an official to the Vatican and granted her significant bonuses, with the highest premiums allegedly issued after a scandal involving EU funds. Tomáš Taraba previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment until his dismissal on September 30, 2026, and now sits as an Independent MP. Prime Minister Robert Fico also commented on "scoundrel" behavior directed at his advisor, David Lindtner, while noting that investigators in the case were promoted under the current government.

In other news, police are investigating a prominent Slovak financier in connection with an alleged attempt to transport tons of cocaine via yachts. Meanwhile, firefighters have determined that a recent fire at the Žilina railway station, which had paralyzed the northern rail hub, was not an act of sabotage.

Separately, a historic V4 summit in Trenčín is set to include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, joining the presidents for the first time, and the Slovak and Ukrainian governments are scheduled to meet in Lviv to discuss war, gas supplies, and Ukraine's EU accession. Bratislava is also facing scrutiny over a massive data leak of 17,000 phone numbers from an application, which were accessible online for over a year.

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Minister Taraba Faces Allegations Over Bonuses and Vatican Trip

Minister Tomáš Taraba is facing scrutiny over allegations that he took an official to the Vatican and awarded her bonuses totaling 90,000 euros, with the highest payments reportedly occurring after a scandal involving EU funds. Tomáš Taraba previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment until his dismissal on September 30, 2026, and is now an Independent MP.

Prime Minister Fico Comments on Advisor's Treatment and Investigator Promotions

Prime Minister Robert Fico has spoken out against "scoundrel" behavior directed at his advisor, David Lindtner. Concurrently, investigators involved in the case have received promotions during the tenure of the current government. Robert Fico also offered his perspective on a lawsuit filed by a former prosecutor, providing justification for the damages awarded.

Political Corruption and Loyalty-Buying Debated by Slovak Politicians

Slovak politicians are actively debating allegations of political corruption, with Irena Bihariová, Vice-President of Progressive Slovakia and a Member of the National Council, describing it as 'buying loyalty,' and Ján Mažgút, a Member of the National Council for SMER-SD, discussing 'deals.'

Commentary Criticizes 'Politics of Revenge,' Survey Reveals Acceptance of…

Commentary criticizes the 'politics of revenge' attributed to Igor Matovič, a Member of the National Council and leader of the 'Slovakia Movement' party, and Prime Minister Robert Fico, suggesting it fosters support for autocracy. This comes as a new survey indicates that a portion of the Slovak population finds political violence acceptable.

Election Results Challenged in Sliač Amidst Accusations Against Ferenčák

The election outcome in Sliač, decided by a narrow margin of eight votes, has prompted the defeated mayor to file a lawsuit. Concurrently, Ján Ferenčák is challenging election results while facing suspicions himself, including a recent withdrawal of 7,000 euros from an account.

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