Slovak government faces scrutiny over defense links and diplomatic shifts

Scrutiny surrounding the Slovak coalition government has intensified following reports detailing financial ties between Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák and Czech defense firm CSG. Investigations revealed Kaliňák received consulting fees to promote CSG subsidiaries abroad prior to his ministry awarding contracts to the contractor.

Simultaneously, opposition figures questioned the un-tendered appointment of a police investigator’s spouse to a state energy board after the officer repeatedly dismissed criminal complaints against Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok. Internal coalition strife also resulted in the dismissal of Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba after Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko backed an opposition vote. Additionally, Slovakia became the first EU member state since 2022 to restore military attaché links with Moscow. Slovak authorities have denied all allegations of misconduct.

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