Due to 'Viktor Orbán's territorial claims', minister of Fico government would introduce mandatory military training

Rudolf Huliak, the sports minister of the Fico government, would introduce a three-month long mandatory military training for men over 18 years of age in Slovakia, due to – as he said – Viktor Orbán's potential territorial claims. According to Napunk, this is all the more interesting because it is the first time that any of Robert Fico's ministers, who have maintained a good relationship with the Hungarian government, have mentioned Orbán's territorial claims.

“The Hungarian state is buying up historic buildings in many cities (in Slovakia – ed). I have read the messages of Orbán, who 's worn a scarf depicting Greater Hungary, which includes Slovakia. And I have also read messages about the re-examination of the borders established by the Treaty of Trianon. In my opinion, these are signals that we should pay attention to,”

Huliak said at a press conference on Thursday, adding that he is concerned about "the Hungarian issue".

The sports minister has envisioned that the three-month training would not take place in barracks, but rather near the soldiers' permanent residences. He acknowledged that this would be a costly operation, but he believes it to be inevitable. He said that he intends to discuss the matter with politicians, soldiers, and the public, but it is not yet known whether he has already consulted with his coalition partners.

We contacted the Slovak government's press office about the statement and also inquired with the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office as to how Viktor Orbán would comment on it. We will report back when we receive a response.