Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák Faces Scrutiny Over Cost Surge of Prešov Military Hospital

The construction of a new military hospital in Prešov, Slovakia, has been halted after faulty concrete columns compromised the building’s structural integrity. A criminal investigation for general endangerment was launched, and the original consortium was replaced in June by a team of firms including In Vest, Metrostav, Skanska, Strabag and Hornex, receiving a direct €260 million contract without a tender.

The project’s budget, initially €451 million, was raised by the defence minister to €540 million, while opposition parties claim the final cost could approach €1 billion. Critics accuse Minister Robert Kaliňák of misrepresenting the hospital’s size and price per square metre, alleging that the announced figures include non‑hospital areas and omit underground costs. Additional expenses for site clean‑up are estimated at €0.7 million.

The controversy highlights concerns over procurement practices and transparency in Slovak defence spending, with potential political repercussions for the minister and the ruling coalition.