Slovak Post has officially refuted claims that it plans to close hundreds of post office branches across the country. In response to criticism from opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS), the company confirmed that only 26 regional branches will cease operations, alongside 29 district branches, which will be replaced by upgraded facilities offering extended services and improved accessibility. “The Slovak Post will not close hundreds of branches,” said spokeswoman Eva Peterová. “We’ve been transparent for weeks about the closure of 26 regional and 29 district branches. These will be replaced by branches with longer opening hours, more service windows, improved access via public transport, and better parking options. The new locations will be within 850 meters to 3.5 kilometers of the original branches.” Peterová added that rural branches will not be closed but instead gradually converted into franchises, with discussions underway in cooperation with local municipalities. The company highlighted that many traditional post office functions, such as paying pensions, bills, or sending parcels, are now handled by postal delivery personnel. Additional services, including online shipment processing, parcel redirection, and delivery rescheduling, are available through the Slovak Post’s website and mobile app. Slovak Post pointed out that its services remain accessible in nearly 2,000 municipalities that have never had a physical post office. The company noted a shift in public behavior, with fewer people visiting branches in person as more customers turn to delivery services, couriers, and digital tools. The opposition PS had warned that beyond the closures in regional and district centers, further branch shutdowns in rural areas would force residents to travel long distances to access basic postal services. The party criticized the plan, arguing it would reduce service accessibility in smaller communities. Slovak Post maintains that the reorganization is aimed at modernizing services and improving efficiency without reducing access for customers. Source: TERAZ.SK