Parliament approves 100-percent bonuses for Soldiers

All members of Slovakia's Armed Forces will be eligible for bonuses amounting up to 100 percent of their salary, following a measure to this effect included in a bill that Parliament passed on Friday. Initially, only members of Military Intelligence were to become entitled to such bonuses but an amending proposal eventually modified the planned arrangement. "Nowadays, in light of the security situation in the world, this kind of instrument may be needed in the future so that those active in environments in which they risk their lives could receive appropriate remuneration", said Defence Minister Martin Glváč. Police officers or Slovak Intelligence Service members are already entitled to such bonuses, provided that, among other conditions, their lives are in danger. A full, 100-percent bonus will be disbursed as of next January to professional soldiers who fulfil duties involving a high degree of risk, danger to health, or extraordinary mental strain. The specific amount of the bonus will be determined by internal rules depending on the wherewithal available at the Defence Ministry.