Slovakia launches election campaign with €1.5 million party spending cap

A formal election campaign began on Wednesday ahead of Slovakia's combined municipal and regional elections scheduled for 24 October. The campaign period starts when the election decree is published in the law collector.

The new rules limit party spending to €1.5 million, while candidates for regional governors and mayors of Bratislava and Košice may spend up to €250,000. Candidates in smaller towns and municipalities have caps ranging from €2,000 to €100,000, based on population. Only political parties, party‑listed candidates and independents may run the campaign; paid third‑party advertising is prohibited. All campaign expenses must be paid from a designated transparent bank account and must include supplier details.

The election date was set by National Council chairman Richard Raši, and the limits apply to costs incurred from 26 December 2025, 180 days before the official election announcement.