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Smer fails to abolish postal voting as deputy speaker returns to court

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A proposal to cancel postal voting, backed by the ruling Smer party, failed in parliament today, prompting Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar to initiate efforts for its revival. This legislative setback comes as the 'Očistec' corruption case continues to unfold, with Mr. Gašpar returning to court and former National Criminal Agency chief Danko providing testimony.

Further political scrutiny centers on former Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, facing new allegations of providing an official with a significantly lower bonus (800 Euros) than the actual amount (6300 Euros), with accusations of ministry concealment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Fico unexpectedly postponed his scheduled departure to Dublin, with the Office of the Government offering no immediate explanation for the change.

Beyond political developments, Slovakia is bracing for intense rainfall, with the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute issuing second-degree warnings for several districts. In business news, a company owned by Strnad is experiencing a sharp decline, and major businessman Vladimír Soták has begun liquidating his assets. A prominent Slovak bank is also preparing for an extensive 33-hour outage.

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Postal Voting Cancellation Fails in Parliament

A legislative proposal to cancel postal voting failed in the National Council, with the ruling Smer party allowing it to lapse. Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar, a Member of the National Council, is now reportedly attempting to resurrect the initiative.

SME Smer Allowed Postal Voting Cancellation to Fail; Gašpar Tries to Revive It ↗

'Očistec' Case Sees New Testimonies and Gašpar's Return

The 'Očistec' (Purgatory) corruption case has progressed with new court proceedings. Deputy Speaker of the National Council Tibor Gašpar, who is a Member of the National Council, returned to court, and former National Criminal Agency (NAKA) chief Danko provided testimony, with other former investigators also testifying.

New Allegations Surface Against Former Minister Taraba Over Bonuses

New allegations claim that former Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba allegedly gave a close official only 800 Euros, while the ministry is accused of concealing the true bonus amount, which was reportedly 6300 Euros.

Aktuality.sk Taraba Gave Škrabáková only 800 Euros, They Claimed; Environment Ministry… ↗

Prime Minister Fico Postpones Dublin Departure

Prime Minister Robert Fico has postponed his scheduled departure for Dublin to the afternoon, with the Office of the Government not providing a reason for the change in his itinerary.

Pravda What's Happening? Prime Minister Fico Postpones Departure to Dublin to the… ↗

Warnings Issued for Heavy Rainfall Across Slovakia

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued second-degree warnings for several districts across Slovakia, anticipating intense rainfall that may cause damage.

TA3 Heavy Rain May Cause Damage; SHMU Issues Warnings for Several Districts, Fog… ↗

Economic Figures Face Challenges, Bank Prepares for Outage

A company owned by Strnad is experiencing a significant decline, described as a 'value trap' and a cautionary tale. Separately, major businessman Vladimír Soták has begun liquidating his assets. Additionally, a prominent Slovak bank is preparing for an extensive outage lasting up to 33 hours, which will affect various services.

SME Fall From Grace: Strnad's Company Becomes a Value Trap and a Warning ↗
Aktuality.sk Tycoon Vladimír Soták Begins Selling Off His Assets ↗
Aktuality.sk Slovak Bank Outage for Up to 33 Hours: What Will Not Work? ↗

Criticism and Political Challenges for Fico and Pellegrini

Commentators are describing the current week as 'catastrophic and shameful' for Prime Minister Robert Fico, while critics broadly condemn the policies of both Mr. Fico and President Peter Pellegrini, with some rejecting isolationist stances. A new political figure has reportedly emerged who could pose a significant challenge to Mr. Fico.

Social Issues and Legal Commentary in Slovakia

An anthropologist has criticized current social and political issues, highlighting that 900,000 people are on the brink of poverty and citing perceived government indifference. Separately, Daniel Lipšic stated that legal sentences must be increased after the elections, though not all of them.