MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Monday, 15 June 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Sunday, 14 June): BRATISLAVA - The process of reopening aluminium production in the town of Ziar nad Hronom (Banska Bystrica region) is nearing completion, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on Sunday in a video posted on social media, in which he addressed foreign and domestic policy as well as coalition relations. "The final decisions are being completed; I believe that we have only a few weeks of work ahead of us and we'll be able to announce great news to Slovakia, but also to all of Europe," he said in connection with the resumption of aluminium production in Ziar nad Hronom. The prime minister confirmed that he's scheduled to meet Hungarian Premier Peter Magyar in Brussels on Thursday or Friday (18 or 19 June). "I'll be glad to meet him and shake his hand, but a brief meeting isn't suitable for addressing the bilateral agenda, so I'll once again invite the Hungarian prime minister to visit Slovakia," said Fico. He also spoke about the meeting with his Hungarian counterpart in the context of Slovak-Hungarian relations following Magyar's controversial statements. "It's good that we've spoken out, but I'd advise everyone not to be so quick to react," noted the head of the Slovak government. Fico also touched on coalition relations in the context of budget preparations and discussions on pro-growth measures. He emphasised that Smer-SD won't exploit either area against its partners, and he called on the rest of the coalition to do the same. "Unfortunately, we've recently witnessed some rather unfortunate statements and a ridiculous political privatisation of issues," noted Fico, specifically pointing to the Voice-SD party. BRATISLAVA - Speaking on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday, President Peter Pellegrini stated that he'll deliver the State of the Republic address in Parliament in September, adding that in his report he also intends to address the upcoming state budget for next year, as well as the development of a strategic document called 'Vision Slovakia 2040'. The head of state admitted that he's curious to see whether the government will succeed in fulfilling its ambition to approve the draft budget as early as September. He noted that the financial plan will pertain to an election year. "From this perspective, it could be tense, because I can imagine that there may be many demands on the budget, and at the same time, it will be necessary to harmonise this with essential pro-growth measures," he noted. According to him, the process of adopting the budget may also be influenced by the state of relations within the coalition. "Whether its parties will be able to seek consensus, or whether, a year before the election, they will mainly be fighting for themselves," he noted, adding that he therefore doesn't believe that the September deadline for approving the financial plan is certain. At the same time, however, he pointed out that the executive branch is led by an experienced leader "who has proven he can handle many political problems". Pellegrini acknowledged that Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) "will find a way to motivate coalition partners" to ensure the budget is approved in September. BRATISLAVA - The appointment of new Slovak ambassadors, including Peter Kmec and Miroslav Radacovsky, is expected to take place next week, President Peter Pellegrini stated on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday, attributing the delay in the appointments to the absence of Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD), who is on a working trip to Africa. "There's nothing more to it," said the head of state, dismissing media speculation. He noted that not only Radacovsky, who is set to become Slovakia's ambassador to Cyprus, and Kmec, who is headed to the embassy in Rome, are awaiting appointment, but also other nominated candidates for ambassador. "It must be said that all nominees have received 'agrement', that is, the consent of the other party," he stated. The president added that, in terms of formal requirements, he has no reservations about the nominees, but admitted that he didn't approve of MP Radacovsky's performance during his hearing before the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. He wants to speak with him about it. "If someone becomes an ambassador, their speech, language, and expressions must be befitting of a diplomat," emphasised the head of state. BRATISLAVA - We're currently working on a motion to remove Martin Dubeci (Progressive Slovakia/PS) from the post of Parliamentary vice-chairman, House Vice-chair Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD) said on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday. The grounds for Dubeci's dismissal are being prepared, said Gaspar, adding that he plans to present them to the other coalition parties. According to him, even when they proposed the dismissal of PS chairman Michal Simecka from the post of House vice-chair, Voice-SD and Slovak National Party (SNS) initially had reservations but eventually joined in. "If the Smer party wants to remove me, then let them remove me," pointed out the PS House vice-chair, adding that, unlike Gaspar, he isn't facing charges and isn't on trial. He urged people to look at his CV, compare it with Gaspar's, and form their own opinion. According to Gaspar, Dubeci had "profited" from state funds in the past, pointing to his involvement with the Tabacka project in Kosice. Dubeci denied this and invited Gaspar to Kosice to see how the project operates. ko