Would you let a politician marry you? Slovakia says you soon can

A proposal that would have forced MPs, ministers and the president to give newlyweds €500 when officiating weddings was rejected by parliament.

Couples in Slovakia will soon be able to have their wedding ceremony conducted by a member of parliament, a government minister or even the president after lawmakers approved a change to the country's family law on Tuesday.

The measure, proposed by the junior coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), expands the list of officials who can officiate civil marriages. The new rules will take effect from September.

At present, civil weddings are typically conducted by mayors or authorised local councillors in the presence of a registrar. Under the new legislation, national politicians will also be able to take on the role if they agree to do so.

Couples wishing to marry before the president, a minister or an MP will have to obtain the official's written consent and submit it to the relevant registry office.