Production in the construction sector grew only 0.25% in May year-on-year, down from double figures only two months before, ending hopes of a continued recovery for the sector after its 1999 crash.
The sector had seen a boom under the previous government of Vladimír Mečiar, who introduced a massive programme of highway construction. However, the current government cancelled the programme when it came to power in late 1998. The industry has since struggled.