Archive of articles - April 2002, page 8

Memorial attracts more vandals

Bratislava marathon called off

FOR the last decade, Bratislava has been the only capital in the world hosting a sporting event crossing national borders. Organised for the first time in 1991, the Danube Marathon symbolised the optimistic spirit of the country after it reunited with western Europe following the fall of communism.But this year, due to a shortage of sponsors, the marathon has been scrapped, threatening the continuance of the young tradition."A bib number in the Danube Marathon used to be equal to a passport," said Jaroslav Oršula from Bratislava's Iames Marathon Club, which organises the marathon (competitors used to be vetted by Slovak and Austrian police before the event to avoid having to present passports at the border).

Cabinet told to change SPP money plan

Hospitals agree to funding caps

HOSPITALS have backed away from confrontation with Slovakia's largest health insurer, Všeobecná Zdravotná Poisťovňa (VšZP), and after a fortnight of protest have signed tough new contracts they say do not leave them with enough money to cover operating costs.The contracts, which VšZP introduced on April 1, capped payments for insured health services and drugs at Slovak hospitals at Sk14 billion for 2002, the same amount as in 2001. The country's 128 hospitals had asked the new contracts at least raise funding to keep pace with inflation in 2001.VšZP also suggested that hospitals reduce the number of beds by 14 per cent.

New FinMin growth projections

Slovak Robin Hood on screen

Multiplexes may revive Slovak cinema attendance

THE CINEMA business in Slovakia, once a cultural mainstay but now mired in crisis, may get a lifeline from large multiplex theatres, industry watchers say.According the Slovak Union of Film Distributors, cinema attendance figures fell from over 4 million people in 1998 to 2.6 million in 2000, the worst year on record, and are only now slightly rebounding."Last year admissions grew by 200,000. This year we expect growth of 300,000 to 350,000," said Ivan Sollár, general manager of the Tatrafilm film distribution company and head of the Slovak Union of Film Distributors. "We hope we will see a return to 1998 figures over time."

Roma journalist charged with assault

ROMA journalist Denisa Havrľová, who was asked for a hygiene certificate by a police officer who refused to shake her hand, has been charged with assault on a public official. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail or a fine.Havrľová was charged with attacking Peter S. from Jarovnice on April 16. She works for the Prešov-based Romano Lil Nevo newspaper, which focuses on Roma issues.

Wiersma says EU Elovakia report will be positive

Nato to expand by seven countries – ČTK

Only 1 in 10 Slovaks has higher education

Slovak Rail in promissory notes scandal

German investors confirmed for two energy distributors

Government to miss EU-law deadline

Schuster reveals post-election plans

Cabinet scraps Govnet project

STV debt continues to rise

Hung out to dry

Tender mess continues