Slovak government unveils 36 growth measures to ease bureaucracy and let 16‑year‑olds start businesses

The Slovak coalition government has presented 36 "prorastové" (growth) measures aimed at reducing administrative burdens and allowing individuals from the age of 16 to start businesses. MP Dušan Jarjabek (Smer‑SD) said the push was driven by a desire for a broader societal agreement, noting that talks also involved non‑parliamentary actors and some opposition members.

Jarjabek told SITA, "Či zafungujú, uvidíme – prvé echo budeme mať pri tvorbe rozpočtu v októbri," indicating that the impact will be assessed during the October budget process. He also warned that coalition tensions are likely to increase ahead of upcoming elections, remarking, "Koaličné rozdiely budú narastať" but expressed confidence that the coalition, anchored by Smer‑SD and Prime Minister Robert Fico, will continue to pass legislation.

The measures include lowering administrative loads and formally permitting 16‑year‑olds to engage in entrepreneurship. Jarjabek linked the current consolidation efforts to the fiscal legacy of previous governments and said no major obstacles to legislative approval are expected.