Slovak coalition faces scrutiny over defense deals, ethics and Russian ties

Slovakia’s government faces growing ethical and security scrutiny alongside internal political friction. Reporting reveals Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák received payments from Czech arms exporter CSG via Kallan Consulting for consultancy work promoting Tatra vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, raising conflict-of-interest concerns as his ministry subsequently awarded contracts to the firm.

Concurrently, parliament ousted Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba after coalition partner Andrej Danko supported an opposition motion, signaling deepening ruling alliance divisions. On foreign affairs, Bratislava restored military attaché ties with Moscow, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who warned of potential espionage risks.

Public ethics concerns also emerged after a police investigator’s wife was appointed to a state energy board without a tender shortly after her husband dismissed criminal complaints against Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok. Authorities denied any improper influence.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Denník N, Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy