Turnout will determine the validity of a controversial referendum on the prime minister’s lifetime pension, while voters also decide on restoring anti corruption bodies.
On July 4, 2026, a nationwide referendum was held in Slovakia, where citizens determine the fate of the prime minister’s lifetime pension. The question allows for only one answer – “yes” or “no.” The initiative comes from President Peter Pellegrini; amending the constitution by referendum is impossible, so this is the only mechanism to influence the prime minister’s pension.
The initiative is supported by the Slovak Democratic Party. The vote also considers questions regarding the resumption of the work of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the National Anti-Corruption Agency, which were suspended in 2024. Under current law, turnout must exceed 50% of the total number of voters, and the measure takes effect only with a majority of “yes” votes.
Polling stations will close at 10:00 PM local time, and the final results will be tallied after polls close.
Context of Politics and Foreign Relations
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Slovakia has provided military aid to Ukraine: 13 packages of weapons were delivered, totaling about €671 million, as well as about ten MiG-29 aircraft. However, in 2023, after the government was led by Robert Fico, Slovakia stopped providing military aid to Ukraine. At the same time, the prime minister noted that the government would not block the delivery of weapons and ammunition from private manufacturers.
Fico maintains cordial relations with the Kremlin; since the war began, he has met Russian President Vladimir Putin on several occasions. Such meetings and talks have drawn sharp criticism from European Union representatives.
Currently, policy on future military aid and anti-corruption efforts remains at the forefront for citizens and European partners, as Slovakia seeks to preserve its coalition ties with the EU while also pursuing its own political priorities.