Slovakia plans 8.4% wage increase for public sector employees

The Slovak government plans to increase salaries for public sector employees and interest workers by 8.4 percent starting July 1. This measure, estimated by Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický to cost approximately 330 million euros, aims to provide a compromise after years of wage stagnation. Affected groups include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and teachers. Additionally, Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has promised a monthly risk allowance of 150 euros for police officers beginning in January.

Despite previous discussions regarding fiscal consolidation and savings within state operations, the budget proposal for 2027 anticipates an increase in the number of public administration employees to 452,672. Total personnel expenditures are expected to reach approximately 15.57 billion euros, representing an increase of about 732 million euros compared to previous expectations. This growth in state spending has drawn criticism from business groups such as Klub 500, which argued that the state should not consolidate its budget solely by targeting the finances of companies and citizens while increasing its own personnel costs.