Archive of articles - January 2005, page 13

Political players look to the future

POLITICAL analysts agree that no dramatic changes are expected in Slovak politics in 2005, as parties will be busy getting ready for the regional elections in December of this year.These should provide some clues about how the political parties will interact in 2006 heading towards the next parliamentary elections.The Slovak Spectator provided a forum for the parliamentary parties to share their vision for the upcoming year and evaluate 2004. (The Slovak Communist Party did not respond to the questions.)

Archbishop conducts New Year's mass

Top officials to discuss Bush-Putin visit

Ski Window

WINTER has certainly arrived with significant snowfall and strong winds. The mountains of northern Slovakia are covered with 20 to 100 centimetres of new, wet snow, which makes for decent skiing. All marked ski trails in Slovakia are protected against avalanches but those wishing to ski off trail should consult with Ski Patrol about possible off-piste avalanche hazards in the High and Low Tatras. Skiing off trail in National Parks in Slovakia is also illegal.

New tax system enters second year

Studenopotocké spa

TOURISTS "discovered" the High Tatras in the second half of the 19th century. Nature lovers began to pour into the then unknown and hardly accessible mountain range.The agreeable climate and mineral springs attracted people suffering from respiratory and other problems.

Bright prospects for arts' pupils

As if to prove the point that architectural masterpieces do not have to be huge, the designers of the Art School in Smižany, Eastern Slovakia, have been awarded the country's top architectural award, the annual Dušan Jurkovič Prize.The jury from the Slovak Architecture Society (SAS) selected the winner in October and the award was made in a ceremony in December of last year.

Music over silence

Un Ballo in Maschera (Gustave III)Composed by: Giuseppe VerdiLibretto: Antonio Somma, based on Eugene Scribe's libretto Gustave ou Le Bal masquéWritten for Daniel François Esprit AuberConducted by: Rastislav ŠtúrWhere:Slovak National Theatre (SND), Hviezdoslavovo námestie, Bratislava Next performance: January 17Performed: 1Rating:8 of 10

Slovakia loses forests

Audit condemns Slovnaft

SLOVNAFT'S high spirits from record profits in 2004 did not last long for the major oil refiner. Late December, the country's Finance Ministry decided to fine Slovnaft for what they call "unjustified profit and abuse" of the refinery's industry monopoly.Slovnaft claims that the Ministry's decision lacks legal merit and disregards market trade principles.Slovnaft will have to pay Sk1.3 billion (€33.9 million) into state pockets based on an inspection initiated by the Labour and Finance Ministries and the country's antitrust authority, the Slovak Antitrust Office.

Banks cut interest rates

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EU offers jobs to new EU members

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US Embassy officials visit Tatras

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Foreign policy in focus

HAVING achieved its integration priorities in terms of joining the EU and NATO, Slovakia has firmly anchored itself in the system of international relations. The accomplishment both crowns its independence as a state and marks the end of its post-communist transformation.The issue of Slovak foreign policy is now at the forefront.

Slovaks would rather spend than save

Big bill slams Slovakia

NEWS that Slovakia would have to pay millions of euros to a Czech bank reached the country shortly before Christmas, evoking fears that the expense would crush the state budget deficit and endanger euro adoption plans.The Washington DC-based international arbitration tribunal, The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), wrapped up an eight-year trial with a verdict that requires Slovakia to pay Czech bank ČSOB Sk24.7 billion (€639 million).