Good evening. Here is the Friday, October 10 edition of Today in Slovakia – the main news of the day in just a few minutes.

Article continues after video advertisement

Article continues after video advertisement

Step into the heart of Europe’s 2026 Capital of Culture before everyone else. Our updated Trenčín Region guide is yours for under €10 with a limited-time discount.

Cabinet greenlights next year’s draft budget, to Fico’s delight

Prime Minister Robert Fico (source: TASR)

On Friday, October 10, the government approved the draft budget proposal for next year. It aims to reduce the deficit to 4.1 percent of GDP (around €6  billion), down from this year’s estimated 5 percent. However, the measures will only temporarily check the ballooning deficit: even by its own estimates, the coalition will have to approve yet another consolidation package next year in order to avoid returning to a 5-percent deficit in 2027.

Instead of cutting public expenditure, as had earlier been suggested, the Finance Ministry is now projecting that state spending will rise by €1  billion to €67.9  billion next year, while revenues are expected to increase from €60.1  billion to nearly €62  billion (43% of GDP) as a result of the consolidation package approved by parliament.

Earlier today, the draft was also discussed at a so-called tripartite meeting between the government, unions, and employers’ representatives, who criticised the proposal. MPs should debate the budget at this month’s parliamentary session, beginning next week.

PREMIER APPROVES: Prime Minister Robert Fico called the government’s unanimous approval of the 2026–2028 budget a positive step for the country, which he said would ensure the public finances remain “healthy and under control.” He noted that parliament will review the proposal next week. Fico claimed that his government had inherited public finances in 2023 that were in the worst state in the EU, with an expected deficit of 6.5 percent of GDP. “Most importantly, we didn’t leave it to the next government,” he said, describing the budget and prior consolidation measures as a “huge success”, despite growth in the economy having virtually stalled since they were introduced.

Despite the need to save, Fico said that more funds would go into education and health care, and promised that the 13th pension payment – an annual bonus paid to old-age pensioners, a key source of support for his Smer party – will be preserved. He praised his coalition partners for what he described as their political maturity: “Discussions were tough, but in the end, the government showed it can make timely decisions other administrations might have struggled with.” Unemployment remains historically low and wages are rising faster than inflation, he added.

Opposition reactions

PROGRESSIVE SLOVAKIA (PS): The largest opposition party argued that the draft budget increases debt rather than achieving responsible consolidation, projecting a 5.1-percent deficit in 2027. Former premier Ľudovít Ódor criticised the government for having no plan to reduce spending and for using record revenues irresponsibly, including dipping into the second pension pillar. “Until today, we haven’t even seen a faint plan for reducing spending. At school, I was taught that consolidation means cutting the deficit, not increasing it,” Ódor remarked. PS MP Štefan Kišš added that the budget received no support from experts, trade unions or employers. “In the past few days, I haven’t found anyone who would praise this budget. Employers, unions, local authorities, experts – all have completely rejected it,” Kišš said.

DEMOKRATI: Former prime minister and party vice-chair Eduard Heger described the budget as the worst in Slovakia’s history, lacking reforms or credible recovery measures. He warned it provides no clear signal to investors or citizens. “This budget is not a plan for the future, but a document of desperation,” says Heger.

CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (KDH): MP Jozef Hajko highlighted that the majority of consolidation measures will fall on businesses, entrepreneurs and municipalities, with the government absorbing only a quarter of the burden. “Prime Minister Robert Fico also says that he will leave public finances in good shape for his successor [i.e. the next government]. However, if we look at just last year, this year, and next year, public debt will increase by €22  billion,” Hajko said.

SLOVENSKO: MP Július Jakab called the government’s budget the “tragedy of the year”, accusing the cabinet of alienating the entire nation and failing to implement real consolidation. He dismissed claims that the budget is addressing the “devastated finances” it inherited in 2023 as “an absolute falsehood”, noting that over two years the current government has added €16  billion in new debt while stripping citizens of more than €7  billion. Jakab highlighted Slovakia’s economic challenges: the third fastest debt growth in Europe, the second highest price increases, the highest poverty rate in the region, and the most expensive fuel and food. “What has this government achieved besides scandals and deals?” he asked, warning that current policies are harming citizens while failing to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

The budget is due to be debated in parliament next week.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

• Good news: A fresh selection of feel-good news has arrived! This week, discover how a young Slovak girl cares for her horse, meet the bright young minds excelling in physics and maths, and read the story of a Slovak art historian from central Slovakia who went from being a ticket clerk to the curator of major art exhibitions in Vienna.

• Travel: From secret Schengen tips to driving rules, train hacks, and navigating Slovak cities – here’s your complete guide to travelling around Slovakia like a local.

• Slovak Matters: Explore Slovakia’s famously dark humour, grim jokes about “Ode to Joy,” and the curious way its people measure happiness – where being truly content can feel almost… deadly.

If you like what we’re doing and want to support good journalism, please buy our online subscription with no ads. We’ll mail a copy of The Slovak Spectator’s print edition to your home in Slovakia each month. Thank you!

FEATURE STORY

Slovakia is the ‘perfect’ setting for a horror movie – but in a good way?

Hollywood actress Madelaine Petsch, famous for her role in TV teen drama series Riverdale, shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show her experience filming the horror movie The Strangers: Chapter 1 in Slovakia. She highlighted shooting in abandoned hospitals, challenging outdoor scenes, and even the risk of encountering wild bears, all of which added realism to the film. Despite the tough nights and intense shoots, she praised Bratislava’s architecture and culture and, in something of a backhanded compliment, called Slovakia “the perfect atmospheric backdrop for a horror movie”.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The international military exercise Strong Together 2025 will test the readiness of Slovak, Spanish, Hungarian and Polish troops to defend Slovakia under NATO’s Article 5. The exercise will take place mainly in eastern Slovakia from 13 to 20 October, with units involved across the country. According to the Slovak Armed Forces, increased military movements are expected during this period. Deputy Chief of the General Staff Miroslav Lorinc described the drill as exceptional in scope and purpose, providing commanders and staff with a rare opportunity to test defence plans directly in the field. The exercise, led by Spain, is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation among NATO allies and ensure Slovakia’s territorial security. (TASR)

• Three years after the Tepláreň murders, the Human Rights Coalition says hatred against queer people persists in politics and public discourse. Activists have criticised a recent constitutional amendment and are calling for legal recognition of same-sex couples, parental rights, and trans-inclusive healthcare. The Justice Ministry insists the law already protects all citizens and that the amendment – which legally defines the existence of only two genders – does not change trans rights. (Sme)

• From 10 October, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads) and Google (YouTube) have suspended all political advertising on their platforms in response to an EU directive on transparency and targeting. Users will see fewer posts from politicians they do not follow, though their accounts will remain active. The ban, intended to avoid legal fines, may reduce oversight of campaign spending and targeting. Non-profits promoting democracy are also affected, losing a key channel to reach the public. Slovak parties have reacted differently: opposition party Slovensko has criticised the EU, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) is adjusting its campaigns to boost regional visits and press briefings, and PS will focus on outreach through newspapers and billboards. (Sme)

Slovak cyclist Viktória Chladoňová poses with the silver medals she won earlier this month at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, in the under-23 category. (TASR) (source: Dano Veselský, FOTO Dano Veselsky)

• Drivers, be ready for diversions: Bratislava’s Sitina tunnel will be closed overnight tonight (Friday to Saturday, October 11) and tomorrow night (Saturday to Sunday, October 12) for regular maintenance. Traffic will be diverted via city streets during the closures, which will run from 22:00 until the following morning. The National Highway Company (NDS) said the work is scheduled overnight to minimise disruption to busy highway traffic that normally bypasses the capital. (SME)

EVENT: Experience a ‘Breizh noz’ or Breton evening this Sunday! Discover France’s Celtic westernmost region, Brittany, through traditional music, dance, songs, and photos. Enjoy authentic Breton cider, crêpes and galettes while enjoying a performance by the band Roc’hann, joined by Slovak musicians from Café Edit.

WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Although it is expected to be cloudy, you should still be able to enjoy some warm weather this weekend, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 19 °C. However, on Sunday, occasional rain or showers may occur in the north of Slovakia. (SHMÚ)

PARTY TIME: This weekend, Valentina, Maximilián and Koloman are the lucky ones celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes to all the Valentinas (on Saturday, October 11), Maximiliáns (on Sunday, October 12) and, last but not least, all those Kolomans (on Monday, October 13) in your life.

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator).

Join our newsletter family and never miss a Slovak moment: Today in Slovakia | Last Week in Slovakia | Slovak Science| Spectacular Slovakia | Slovak Roots