Slovakia debates territorial reform and municipal law changes

Slovakia is facing significant discussions regarding territorial and administrative reforms. The Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia (ZMOS) has expressed support for several proposed changes to the Law on Municipal Establishment, particularly regarding the management of non-functional municipalities. ZMOS chairman Jozef Božik noted that while the clearer procedures for handling non-functional municipalities are positive, the association seeks clarification on the financial implications for successor municipalities and the rules regarding a mayor's power to suspend council resolutions.

Parallel to these municipal changes, a debate is intensifying over the future of Slovakia's higher territorial units. Proposals include reducing the number of self-governing regions from eight to four, a model suggested by the Slovak National Party (SNS) to achieve estimated savings of over 500 million euros. Alternatively, Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak has proposed the complete abolition of self-governing regions, suggesting their competencies be transferred to cities, municipalities, and the state. Bratislava Region Governor Juraj Droba has cautioned that the success of such reforms depends on management quality rather than just cutting numbers, warning that poorly managed mergers could increase costs.