Archive of articles - September 2002, page 5

Unhealthy GDP structure to change after elections

WHILE SLOVAK economic growth has recently outpaced that in the traditionally stronger countries of central Europe, experts are warning that the surge is not based on long-term health, and that a new government will have no choice but to choke off the rise.In the second quarter of 2002, Slovakia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4 per cent, reaching Sk518 billion for the first half of the year, a 3.9 per cent increase year-on-year. During the same period, the Hungarian economy, next strongest in the region, grew by 3.1 per cent. The European Union average was 0.7 per cent.Analysts said that Slovakia's growth was largely artificial, driven by increased state spending and delays in deregulating prices for gas and electricity, which have in turn fuelled an increase in household spending.

Hussein bodyguard escapes refugee centre

Reader feedback: Give the church a break on public statements

Roma attacked in Poprad

Reader feedback: Right wing parties deserve a crack at ruling

Three exhibitions under one roof

Countrywide Events

BRATISLAVAWESTERN SLOVAKIACENTRAL SLOVAKIAEASTERN SLOVAKIA

Little money left for industrial parks

Reader feedback: Music analogy perfect for Slovak politics

Slovak film relieves British ignorance

Quote of the Week

Foreign statesmen support SDKÚ

Winebibbers return to Burčiakovo

SLOVAKIA'S DARK, damp and cool cellars swallow winemakers every fall for several weeks as soon as the harvest is in. Bracketed by wooden barrels, the vintners move from one cask to another in time with a centuries-old wine production rhythm.While most produce wine largely for themselves and their relatives, many turn their labour of love into a business, sharing the results of their year-long efforts with wine enthusiasts at the annual Vinobranie (vine harvest) festivals held in almost all of the 15 wine regions across the country.One such festival will take place this weekend in the western Slovak town of Modra. The meeting celebrates the first produce of the wine crop, known as burčiak - an immature, sweet, light-brown wine with a potent impact. Burčiak is the most popular fare at Vinobranie events as it is available only during the fall, before fermentation turns the drink into wine proper.

School disrepair reaches critical

Lexa makes last visit to parliament

Reader feedback: Church should listen to front-line priests

Review: Computer game questions should never be asked

HAVE you ever been ensnared by a computer action game? Ever played Dungeons & Dragons and regretted you didn't have a record of the brave deeds you did to share with your friends afterwards?Don't sweat it - it's just been done. Rob Bowman's film Reign of Fire is exactly what we're talking about - a fantastic action game that incorporates elements of Highlander and Mad Max to boot. And that's both the long and the short of it.A brief orientation: Dragons have been awoken after millions of years in hibernation, and start eating every living thing while scorching the face of the planet.

Reader feedback: No pity for Slovaks on summer exchanges

Slovakia should cut taxes before EU entry