Czech moderator Vašek Matějovský, who operates in the Czech Fajn Radio, attracted the attention of the Slovaks when he rose to the celebration of the arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius at Devin Castle. What did he say then? You can read that.
In a live broadcast, Matějovský now mentioned the consolidation approved by the Slovak government. “The Slovak government plans to cancel four more holidays. Simply to save. But it is true that the largest item in the state budget is usually a holiday, right? They have already proposed specific holidays to cancel, “he explained to the listeners.
He was Peih, what it is. “Labor Day, Victory Day over fascism, then also the day of fighting for freedom and democracy and then, When the Slovaks raised and fought against the Nazis, the Slovak National Uprising, but so they also want to cancel it“he said.
Finally, he did not forgive a biting comment. “Well, I propose to cancel Slovakia. They had a chance, they can’t, so don’t force the boys, make it Hungary and it will be peace,” declared. You can watch the video at the end of the article.
The Consolidation Measures package for 2026 will contain 22 measures in the total amount of EUR 2.7 billion. Almost half, 1.3 billion euros, should be obtained by saving on state spending. The Minister of Finance Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SD) informed about it. The result should be a reduction in public finance deficit and gradual stabilization of public debt.
The state should save EUR 1.14 billion, for example, by reducing spending on goods and services, canceling and merging some offices, but also a fundamental reduction in wage expenses. These should not be valorised with exceptions next year, the total wage envelope in the ministries and other offices should be reduced. The municipality should also save on which the share of personal income tax will be reduced by a total of EUR 130 million. The state will also save if it is possible to finance assistance with energy prices from Eurofunds.
The most additional income is to be raised by an employee’s health levy by 1 %of EUR 358 million. Progressiveness of natural persons should be increased. The two previous rates of 19 % and 25 % will be added with an increase in their income 30 % and 35 %. Constitutional officials will have these rates raised by another 10 %. In total, the state wants to receive more than 200 million euros on this measure.
The new tax license band for companies with a turnover of over € 5 million is to bring EUR 10 million and Increasing a special levy for a collective investment area of EUR 5 million.
More money should also bring higher taxation of negative externalities. Value Added Tax (VAT) to selected foods with increased sugar and salt content will increase from 19 to 23 %, which is to bring a budget of over EUR 90 million. Kamenický wants to raise EUR 54 million to increase the taxation of gambling and to introduce reimbursement of primary materials such as gravel, sand or stone another € 24 million.
There should also be a change in the days of working rest. Permanent employment is to be canceled on holiday on 17 November, temporarily 6 January and 8 May. The ban on sales during holidays should also be abolished. According to the Minister of Finance, the state has a total of EUR 230 million. The insurance tax should also be increased from the previous 8 % to 10 %, which is to bring EUR 36 million.
Kamenický also promises additional income from the fight against tax evasion. The Pardon General for fines for additionally paid taxes is to bring EUR 81 million. The state wants to raise EUR 86 million to restrict VAT deduction to company cars, which are also used for private purposes, Shortening the levy of tradesmen from 12 to 6 months is to bring EUR 119 million. The introduction of new payments through QR codes has the expected benefit of EUR 14 million, Referencing of income during incapacity for work (PN) or parent 24 million euros and targeting control activities at PN another 13 million euros.
The extension of the paying period of wage compensation to employers during the PN of its employee from 10 to 14 days is to save the state 25 million euros, gradually reducing unemployment benefit from 4 to 6 months of receipt of 10 % again 24 million euros. Another € 34 million is to save the budget to freeze the amount of 13 pensions at 2025 until 2028. Increasing the minimum social contributions of tradesmen by 20 % is expected to bring EUR 102 million.
Kamenický announced that Other measures are also considering in the future, but they require longer preparation. For example, this should be a higher proportion of consolidation banks, which should, for example, bonify mortgage loans instead of the state. Also, higher taxation of large retail chains or the introduction of a new tax on digital services.
