Archive of articles - January 2005, page 5

Europe prepares for "Decade of the Roma"

Slovaks think Slovakia is bad for business

Bankers charged with fraud

No parking for mafia

Inflation slower than expected

Reader feedback: Do not forget about the Jewish heritage

Autonomy's power weaker but still kicking

WHENEVER a Hungarian politician utters the expression "autonomy", the very sound ruptures the seal keeping Pandora's box of political speculation closed. The result is fiery discussions on both sides of the Slovak-Hungarian border.Earlier this month in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány opened the lid, allowing speculations about the motives of ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia to pour like oil and fan the flames of nationalism in Slovakia.

Jablonové

During the Middle Ages the Záhorie region in Western Slovakia was certainly not a peaceful one. Hungarian kings relied on its citizens to fight off the enemy's advance.After Záhorie had been the target of attack for a few hundred years, the village of Jablonové (Appleville) was founded. In an attempt to hinder the attacks the people planted thick apple orchards. Many dramatic battles took place here.

Hypermarket probed

THE CLEARANCE sale of the century may result in a hefty Sk2 million (€51,864) fine for the hypermarket retail chain Carrefour.The Slovak Trade Inspectorate, the main body in charge of market surveillance in the non-food area, claims that Carrefour duped its customers during its New Year's clearance sale when the retailer failed to supply products publicized in its circulars and charged consumers more for items than the advertised price.

Reader feedback: Fears unfounded

Smer tops January poll

Minister removes key cop

ONE of the key men at the interior department, Jozef Šátek, is no longer with the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Interior Minister Vladimír Palko unexpectedly recalled Šátek January 18.Šátek handled corruption cases in top political circles.According to Palko, Šátek failed in his responsibilities and created conflicts in the workplace.

Deputies to revisit fees

WHEN it comes to education reform, Minister Martin Fronc will not give up. For the fourth time since 2002, he will try pushing through controversial legislation introducing tuition fees for university students.If approved by parliament, students could pay up to Sk26,000 (€645) per school year starting in September 2005. Students, university rectors and several opposition parties oppose the proposed reform bill.Parliament will discuss Minister Fronc's legislation in March. At the same time, MPs will consider reshaping student loans and stipends so that students from low-income families would not be unfairly penalized.

Events Countrywide

BRATISLAVAWESTERN SLOVAKIACENTRAL SLOVAKIAEASTERN SLOVAKIA

The best in Slovak ballet

THE BEST Slovak ballet dancers will be awarded The Philip Morris Ballet Flower Awards, at the premiere of the ballet Le Corsaire January 28. For the first time the event is taking place under the auspices of the Slovak president, Ivan Gašparovič. The 2004 nominees are Roman Novitzky and Andrej Kremz, both soloists at the Slovak National Theatre (SND) Ballet.

Law firm welcomes partner

Thermal park to expand

Castle chosen for summit meeting

Reader feedback: Makes no sense