MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Monday, 4 August 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Sunday, 3 August): BRATISLAVA – Energy prices in 2026 are expected to remain unchanged for about 90 percent of households, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) announced on social media on Sunday. Fico stated that he will submit such a proposal for gas and heating price compensations to the governing coalition. In his video statement, the Prime Minister also rejected opposition claims suggesting that VAT might be increased to 25 percent. The proposal emerged from consultations with Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice–SD), with whom Fico discussed alternatives for compensating gas and heating prices earlier this week. „Electricity for 2026 has already been addressed,” the Prime Minister noted, while commending the minister for proposing targeted compensation. BRATISLAVA – The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) criticised the heat and gas price compensation plan presented on Sunday by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), claiming it does not constitute targeted support. MP Jozef Hajko (KDH) raised concerns about both the scope of the compensation and the intention to fund it using EU funds. „KDH has long advocated for targeted assistance because blanket aid is ineffective, financially demanding, and helps even those who do not need it,” Hajko stated. He also disapproves of the government’s plan to allocate hundreds of millions of euros from EU resources for the scheme. „KDH repeatedly warns that EU funds should not be ‘eaten up’ or serve as an ATM for the government’s party campaigns,” Hajko added. Hajko also commented on reports of the European Commission’s approval of a proposed intergovernmental agreement between Slovakia and the United States on nuclear energy cooperation. This agreement is expected to serve as a basis for another deal focused on constructing a new nuclear block in Jaslovske Bohunice. BRATISLAVA – If a lack of transparency or intentional misconduct is proven in the ambulance service tender, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) will respond decisively, MP Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD) declared on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday. Gaspar rejected having the ongoing tender questioned based solely on opposition statements. „What the opposition is doing in this case is their standard presumption of guilt,” said Gaspar. According to him, it is premature to draw conclusions about the transparency of the procurement process while the tender is still ongoing. He noted that the Public Procurement Authority is the appropriate body to assess the process and its outcome. „If it turns out that the competition was purposefully manipulated, I can assure you the Prime Minister will respond clearly,” he stressed. Zuzana Mesterova, chair of the parliamentary caucus of Progressive Slovakia (PS), pointed out that leaked information surrounding the tender adds weight to suspicions of manipulation in the public procurement process. She believes doubts are further fuelled by Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice–SD). „Mr Sasko could have answered questions and clarified matters to MPs who convened the committee, even in a closed session, but he did not,” she argued. BRATISLAVA – House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice–SD) has told TASR that he does not want to merely serve as a caretaker or manager of Parliament, but has a clear vision which he's been working on since taking office. One of his key goals is to cultivate more civil discourse in Parliament and emphasise parliamentary diplomacy. „We all feel how deeply divided our society is, and I am convinced that change must start here, in Parliament. My absolute priority is to restore decency, factual dialogue, and mutual respect to the chamber. That means zero tolerance for personal hatred, insults, and any expression of extremism. Parliament must be a forum for discussion, not confrontation," he told TASR. Rasi welcomed the fact that the most recent parliamentary session, which he chaired, was held without significant issues. He also announced that he wants to focus on the quality of legislation. ko