Slovak MP Martin Šmilňák Resigns After Driving under the Influence
Table of Contents
Slovak National Council member Martin Šmilňák, representing the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), will relinquish his parliamentary seat following a December traffic accident where he was found too have alcohol in his system. Šmilňák announced his decision via a video posted on social media, taking duty for his actions.
Šmilňák’s declaration came after attempts to reach him earlier this week proved unsuccessful. According to reports, he initially cited family matters as a reason for unavailability before issuing his formal statement regarding his resignation. “We live in a country where peopel have become accustomed to the fact that politicians are untouchable and do not bear responsibility for their mistakes. And that is not good. We want to do it differently in KDH. I made a mistake and I will pay for it,” Šmilňák declared.Despite stepping down from his parliamentary role, he indicated his intention to remain involved in public life, continuing to offer solutions and critique.
The KDH has publicly supported Šmilňák’s decision, framing it as a step towards establishing a new political culture in Slovakia.A statement from the party emphasized that its representatives “are the bearers of values in every situation and do not run away from responsibility,” and expressed gratitude for Šmilňák’s past contributions.
Succession in Parliament
Monika Kolejáková is expected to succeed Šmilňák in the National Council. She secured 5.09 percent of preferential votes during the election, surpassing other candidates in line for the position. All KDH members elected to the National Council received over 5 percent of preferential votes.
Šmilňák himself benefited from preferential votes, receiving support from four fellow MPs – František Mikloško, Ján Horecký, Branislav Škripek, and František Majerský. kolejáková garnered 10,310 preferential votes, placing her first among those eligible for a substitute position. A doctor from Nové Zámky, Kolejáková also serves on the KDH board.
Gabriel Paľa, a county deputy from Prešov, was next in line but received only 4.83 percent of preferential votes, making his position on the candidate list the determining factor. Following Paľa is Marek Michalčík, who received roughly 2.5 percent of preferential votes, and Lucia Gurbáľová, the vice-mayor of Košice, with over 4 percent.
Details of the Incident
The traffic accident occurred on December 28, 2025, between the villages of Gaboltov and Sveržov. Šmilňák collided with a deer, resulting in the animal’s death. Police measured a blood alcohol content of 0.48 per million. Šmilňák’s driver’s license was immediately suspended, and the case is being investigated by the district traffic inspectorate in Bardejov. Šmilňák preemptively stated he woudl accept “personal political responsibility” for his actions.
A Former Rising Star
Šmilňák was once considered a promising figure in Bardejov’s municipal politics. In 2010, he was a leading contender to replace Boris Hanuščak as mayor of Bardejov, a position Hanuščak had held sence 1998, initiall
