The Slovak Bishops Conference (KBS) would welcome an open dialogue regarding the government's plan to suspend January 6th, Epiphany, as a public holiday, citing Slovakia’s agreement with the Holy See. The government is reviewing several public holidays as part of its 2026 fiscal consolidation plan.
As KBS stated, public holidays are tied to the experience of faith and traditions within families and broader communities, and that deserves more extensive discussion.
Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer) announced on Tuesday (September 9) that the coalition intends to permanently cancel the November 17th holiday and temporarily suspend the holidays on January 6th and May 8th (Victory in Europe Day). A ban on retail sales during public holidays is also set to be lifted. The government expects to raise €230 million through these changes.
Source: TASR
