Slovak defence ministry headquarters renovation draws criticism over cost

Slovakia's defence minister, Robert Kalinak, is facing criticism after unveiling a renovated 27-storey headquarters for his ministry in Bratislava.

The renovation of the former communist-era barracks cost 53 million euros, or $61 million. The tower is popularly known as the "corn" because of its shape.

Kalinak, a close ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico, opened the building to the public on Thursday. He praised its appearance, but critics questioned the cost. Social media users described it as an overpriced Dubai-style skyscraper, while opposition Slovensko party lawmaker Gabor Grendel called it the most expensive corn in the world.

The prosecutor's office is already investigating a criminal complaint related to the 958,000-euro renovation of a 700-metre wall around the tower. Workers were painting a brick-effect concrete facade instead of laying brick cladding. Kalinak has denied any wrongdoing.

During the public opening, price tags were displayed around the building showing market prices and what the ministry said it had paid. According to the ministry, a sofa listed at 4,500 euros cost taxpayers about 2,000 euros, while a coat rack was reduced from 620 euros to 330 euros. A small kitchenette on each floor cost nearly 8,000 euros, not including appliances.

The tower's 400,000-euro outdoor LED screen has been turned off for months after online memes compared it to the eye of Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings."

Opposition lawmaker Veronika Remisova said the spending on the minister's new office was inappropriate while the government is tightening public finances. She accused Kalinak of living a "sheikh's lifestyle."

Kalinak defended the spending, saying the furnishings were of mid-range standard, made from durable materials, and should last 30 to 50 years.

Slovakia joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and has spent two percent of GDP on defence since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in line with historic NATO guidelines. The central bank expects spending to fall below that target this year. The source says many blame austerity and disagreements within Fico's ruling coalition over defence spending and aid to Ukraine.