Sutaj Estok: Voice-SD Opposes Salary Hikes for Ministers and MPs in 2026

Bratislava, 13 September (TASR) – The junior coalition party Voice–Social Democracy insists that the incomes of MPs and ministers, which are derived from MP salaries, must not increase in 2026, party leader and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok announced on social media, calling the stance a gesture of solidarity with the people. Sutaj Estok stated that any salary increase is unacceptable and will not be permitted. „It is unacceptable, and I will not allow the salaries of top politicians and state managers to rise next year. We are social democrats, after all, and we refuse to watch as politicians’ standard of living improves while ordinary people are forced to tighten their belts. Politicians must lead by clear example," said Sutaj Estok. The Voice-SD chair added that he has reiterated this demand several times to coalition partners. According to him, salaries should also be affected by increased taxes, arguing that this measure would cost the state nothing and would bring symbolic savings. „But this is primarily not about money. It is about a clear signal from politicians that they will not use tricks to increase their income at a time when large groups of people must temporarily make sacrifices for the greater good of Slovakia," the Voice-SD leader said. He considers the stance to also be a message that all members of the governing coalition are aware of the country’s current situation. mf