Archive of articles - September 2005, page 6

Illustrations for children spring eternal

ILLUSTRATORS of children's books from around the world gather in Bratislava every second year. They participate in the world's most important happening of its kind, the Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava (BIB). They showcase their latest achievements and discuss the future of the child's illustrated world. The event has a history dating back 40 years."The children's book is eternal, " Dušan Roll, General Commissioner of BIB said at the opening ceremony in the Slovak National Theatre on September 9.

A generous spirit of sympathy

Vera DrakeStarring: Imelda Staunton, Philip Davis, Peter Wight, Adrian Scarborough, Heather CraneyDirected by: Mike LeighRunning time: 126 minRating: 8 out of 10FEW directors, if any, love their characters - and their actors - as much as England's Mike Leigh. His films unfold quietly and economically, as brief lines of dialogue and subtle facial expressions communicate as much information and emotion as most other movies take their entirety to suggest.

Opposition says stop privatization

THE SLOVAK government recently announced plans to speed up the sale of power utility Slovenské elektrárne to Italian investor Enel. Meanwhile, opposition parties want to bring all government privatizations to a halt. Experts warn that stopping such deals would put Slovakia at financial risk.The opposition is using the departure of the New Citizens' Alliance (ANO) from the ruling coalition to argue that cabinet members lack the appropriate mandate to make important financial decisions regarding the country's future."The government is in such a desolate condition that it does not have the political legitimacy to continue [deciding on] privatization matters," Smer leader Robert Fico said.

Crown dips against euro, but barely

THE GOVERNMENT needs to find a prompt solution to the current political crisis before it takes a toll on Slovakia's credit.The Slovak crown has already eased against its referential currency, the euro, due to the ruling coalition's inability to get a quorum in parliament and the rising probability of an early election.The crown opened September 13 at 38.25/38.17 SKK/EUR and closed at 38.44/38.48 SKK/EUR. Against the US dollar, the crown eased as well.

Deadline for KIA road will not be met

Minister consults on school reform

Hooking up to the bank

THE NUMBER of clients who turn to their PC to do their banking in Slovakia is growing fast.It is a win-win situation. Clients are able to save the time, and bank workers are able to focus more on consultancy services instead of simple cash transactions.Banks are promoting electronic banking through a range of products, as well as lower fees for clients if they carry out certain transactions online.

Parliament deadlocked

WITH the minority government unable to muster enough votes to start the parliamentary session after the summer recess, Slovakia is heading towards early elections.The opposition has stubbornly blocked the opening of parliament since September 12. Some ruling parties say that early elections are the only way out.

ST, Orange want universal service

Fathers role on

I'VE recently become a father for the second time. More years of wet nappies, sleepless nights, and tears. Hard work, though the attention given to children has great rewards: the sheer joy I feel from having a new baby is well worth all the chores.In Britain, where I come from, men are nowadays expected to play a full role in caring for babies, according to the concept of the "New Man".

Events Countrywide

BRATISLAVAWESTERN SLOVAKIACENTRAL SLOVAKIAEASTERN SLOVAKIAPrepared by Jana Liptáková

Reader feedback: Smug majority

The more things change...The story of a weak ruling coalition and disjointed opposition

EXPLAINING the political situation in Slovakia to the foreign community has always been challenging. Where to start the story of a weak ruling coalition, disjointed opposition and numerous groups of independent deputies lurking in the wings for the best political bargain? In a story that changes with each new statement, however, the pattern remains the same: the country lacks a single, strong, pro-reform and pro-democratic party that does not have to rely on coalition partners of different stripes to push through its agenda.

New Guinea fascinates in photos

CZECH traveller and photographer Rudolf Švaříček has taken part in many expeditions and explored many different regions. He has travelled across Asia, taken a dog-team to the polar ice caps and across Asia, and driven a Tatra car through Africa. He is fascinated by the isolated ethnicities of Indonesia, particularly those on the western part of the island of New Guinea.

The piggy bank of the 21st century

ONCE upon a time in Slovakia banks offered savings accounts as the only way to save. Slovaks considered stocks and bonds risky business - certainly not a sane way to increase the value of one's money.Things have changed. It all started at the end of the 1990s when banks offered mutual fund products as a response to decreasing interest rates.

Julio Medem breaks onto Slovak screens

WITHIN its Artbreaker project, aimed at bringing more quality and diversity to the rather limited range of films screened in Bratislava, the Tatra cinema profiles Spanish director Julio Medem. On September 20, two of his early films will be screened with English subtitles.

Interview: Truth lies at the theatre

APPROACH the Truth is the motto that frames the main programme of the 14th International Theatre Festival Divadelná Nitra. It offers "socially involved art", performances with a large dose of authenticity.Their inspiration comes from information gathered in the media, interviews, and genuine documents, reflecting the issues that resonate in society as a whole, as well as in people's personal lives. Darina Kárová, the festival's director, reveals more.

Quote of the Week:

Banking with a personal touch

THE BANKING market in Slovakia may seem crowded with dozens of establishments to choose from. Nevertheless, more are on the way.After Slovakia entered the European Union, all banks holding a licence from EU member countries could open up shop in Slovakia. Banks new to the Slovak scene started focussing on investment and private banking services, which were far less developed than Slovakia's retail banking market.The result is a series of international institutions that offer high net worth clients a bank-client relationship with a personal touch.