Slovak President Peter Pellegrini announced plans to invite local government representatives to the Presidential Palace early next year for discussions on the future of municipal funding. After a meeting with Žilina Region Chair Erika Jurinová and Žilina Mayor Peter Fiabáne, Pellegrini emphasized the need for a more sustainable tax system, allowing cities and municipalities to diversify beyond income tax revenue from individuals. He noted that current tax policies could put local governments in financial difficulty whenever the national government reduces personal income taxes.
Jurinová expressed concerns over budget constraints and the lack of efficiency measures in state services, stressing the need for solutions that allow balanced budgets for local governments. The meeting also addressed transportation challenges, particularly the unfinished Bratislava-Košice highway, and healthcare issues, with Pellegrini praising the financial performance of regional hospitals in Žilina.
Pellegrini ended his visit by touring Kia Slovakia’s plant in Teplička nad Váhom, where he discussed employee welfare, the assembly process, and the company’s plans for producing fully electric vehicles by 2025.
Source: TASR
