Slovak Interior Ministry plans 85 million euro headquarters project

The Slovak government has approved a plan by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok to renovate the ministry’s headquarters on Pribinova Street and construct a new administrative center in Bratislava. The project is estimated to cost over 85.3 million euros. The goal is to consolidate staff, currently spread across more than ten buildings, into four locations to reduce operational and transaction costs.

The ministry intends to fund the investment through the sale of surplus real estate in Bratislava, such as properties in the Ružinov and Nivy districts, with any remaining costs potentially covered by EU funds. Officials cited the poor technical condition of the current 1932 headquarters, noting issues with insulation, windows, and electrical wiring.

The proposal has faced sharp criticism from the Hnutie Slovensko opposition. Lawmakers Roman Mikulec and Gábor Grendel characterized the plan as a “gift for developers” and an inappropriate expenditure during a period of fiscal consolidation. They argued that funds should instead be prioritized for increasing the salaries and equipment of police, firefighters, and mountain rescue services.