Archive of articles - July 2013, page 12
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Ministry to use certification to support quality of tourism services
The Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development wants to evaluate the quality of Slovak hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities using a national quality assurance system. Depending on the quality of provided services, operators in the tourism sector could be awarded a gold, silver or bronze certificate. State Secretary of the Transport Ministry František Palko delivered this information within the introduction of the so-called Tourism Development Strategy until 2020 on Monday, July 8. This measure should be introduced in 2016.
Government to make only minor changes to parental allowance payments
The so-called parental benefits (paid by the state to parents or guardians until a child reaches the age of three) will remain in place regardless of whether the parents had or had not worked prior to the moment that they were declared eligible to receive assistance, Prime Minister Robert Fico told journalists at a briefing on Monday, July 8.
One of the 'Piťovci' gang wants to strike deal with prosecutor
One of the 19 accused individuals that allegedly belong to the Bratislava-based organised crime group known as 'Piťovci' (so called in reference to their boss Juraj "Piťo" Ondrejčák), wants to make a plea bargain with the Prosecutor's Office.
Nurses lose right to decide on working night shifts
Nurses aged over 50 will now have to work night shifts without first being asked whether they agree to do so. According to the latest ruling of the Constitutional Court, a measure which required the agreement of a nurse or midwife to work night shifts is at odds with the constitution, since it favours only two groups of medical employees, the SITA newswire reported on July 4.
Parliament might hold no-confidence vote against Glváč
Defence Minister Martin Glváč could face a motion of no confidence in parliament over the case of alleged tunnelling in the Military Intelligence Service (VSS) during the first government of Robert Fico (2006-10). Independent MP Daniel Lipšic said he and his colleague, Jana Žitňanská, will support Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) MP Ľubomír Galko’s initiative for a no-confidence vote against Glváč, the SITA newswire reported on July 5.
Eight members of organised crime group detained
The judge for the pre-trial proceeding at the Specialised Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica accepted the proposal to take eight members of an organised crime group, including one of the leading representatives of the police corps in Piešťany, into custody. The group is charged with several crimes, including blackmail, robbery, insurance fraud, possession of illegal firearms and violating the domicile. The police officer is also accused of violating the powers of a public official the SITA newswire reported on July 5.
State allegedly plans to tax solar industry
Finance Minister Peter Kažimír allegedly prepared the first consolidation measures this year. Part of the package should include a special tax for the producers of solar energy, the Hospodárske Noviny daily reported on July 8.
Slovakia marks arrival of Ss Cyril and Methodius
Top state officials and thousands of pilgrims marked the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Ss Cyril and Methodius to the territory of today’s Slovakia on July 5 during the national celebrations held in Nitra. The main celebrant of the ceremonial mass on Svätopluk Square in the centre of Nitra was the special legate of Pope Francis and Slovenian cardinal, Franc Rodé. He also brought a letter from the pope in which he pointed to the significance of the mission of the ‘Apostles to the Slavs’ in Great Moravia in 863.
State scraps Rázsochy hospital project
PLANS to complete the Rázsochy hospital building, which was originally conceived as a state-of-the-art medical facility for Bratislava, should be scrapped in favour of constructing a brand new teaching hospital. The Health Ministry delivered this message at the cabinet session on July 3, and the ministers agreed. The cabinet requested that the ministry conduct a feasibility study of construction of the new facility lasting through the end of January. Thus, the fate of Rázsochy, whose construction was launched in the 1980s and is still far from complete, remains unclear.
Another tax revenue shortfall
DUE to lower income taxes paid by corporations and individuals as well as lower domestic consumption and, thus, lower collection of VAT, the Finance Ministry has reduced the tax revenue forecast for 2013. The change in the expected tax and levy revenues comes on the heels of a downward revision of the estimated economic growth for this year. The Finance Ministry forecasts that tax revenues will be almost €350 million lower in 2013 than originally expected.
Chamber ensemble promotes Egypt in Slovakia
WHEN many hear the phrase “Egyptian culture”, images of ancient pyramids, pharaohs’ tombs and traditional Oriental dance immediately spring to mind. But in Egypt classical music has become a celebrated genre with a well-established tradition and its own domestic composers. Classical music’s grounding in Egypt is solid enough to make it an effective vehicle for promoting Egyptian culture around the world.
Electricity prices for businesses may decrease
THE EUROPEAN Union has joined Slovak companies in their criticism of Slovakia’s high electricity prices. In response, the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (ÚRSO) wants to use its powers, strengthened by the so-called third energy package, to reduce tariffs related to the distribution of electricity, which will have an impact on the final price of electricity. Prime Minister Robert Fico welcomes this step, saying that it will make Slovak companies more competitive. ÚRSO head Jozef Holjenčík announced his plan on July 1.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA
Quote of the week
“We have a big anniversary. I will not guess because I have never been strong with dates. But I managed to push through [the proposal] to have both a double-cross and a halo on the commemorative coin.”
Slovak paragliders accused of espionage
SLOVAKIA is confronted with the arrest of its citizens in Iran for alleged espionage for the second time in less than six months. At the beginning of the year news emerged of the arrest of Slovak national Matej Valuch, who appeared to confess to cooperating with the US intelligence agency in a video posted by Iranian authorities on YouTube. Now reports have surfaced about a group of Slovak tourists arrested for what Iranian authorities called “illegal activities, including taking photos of prohibited places” in the area of the Isfahan province, where many nuclear facilities are located, including a plant used to enrich uranium, the SITA newswire reported.
More than 20 Slovak cities participated in “Hug Day”
THE IDEA to offer “free hugs” to strangers in the streets first arrived in Slovakia a year ago. In 2013 more than 20 cities and towns participated in the initiative, which took place on June 26. Last year, volunteers exchanged 8,249 hugs, and this year the goal was to exceed this number, preferably to 14,000 hugs.
Bratislava Organ festival brings Cross-Over Organ and “4 Hands and 4 Legs” performance
THE FESTIVAL of organ music at the Bratislava Castle returned last year after the castle’s reconstruction was completed and the organ from 1975 was re-installed in the Music Hall. (It was previously organised under the name Days of Organ Music at Bratislava Castle and was put on hiatus while the castle was being reconstructed.) The second year of the Bratislava Organ Festival (BOF) offers a host of performers from Slovakia and abroad, and some new additions as well.
Police deny claims of inappropriate police action at Roma settlement
THE SLOVAK police have dismissed claims of inappropriate police action in association with a police raid in a Roma community in the eastern-Slovak town of Moldava nad Bodvou on June 19, which left dozens of people injured. Police President Tibor Gašpar told the parliamentary committee for human rights on July 3 that information circulating about the police raid has been misleading and untrue, the SITA newswire reported.
19-th century copper coins discovered at Vinné Castle
A UNIQUE treasure of copper coins was accidentally discovered during archaeological research at the medieval castle in the municipality of Vinné. The coins had been buried under three metres of debris since about middle of the 19th century.
Robert Brun’s recent paintings prove that “painting is not dead”
ALTHOUGH the works of Slovak artist Robert Brun return to the Bratislava City Gallery (GMB) after 26 years, they represent the most recent phases of his career, and also a return to painting by an artist who once preferred graphic art and book illustrations, and who later withdrew from media attention and social life.
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- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- The Kremlin’s security agency has a Russian contractor in Slovakia - no one has noticed
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- Liberal MP's boxing challenge backfires as far-right MEP seizes the moment
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- The Kremlin’s security agency has a Russian contractor in Slovakia - no one has noticed
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- From eight to thousands of runners. How Košice marathon rose to prominence Photo
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Iconic Slovak barn still draws crowds. Without donors, it might have been lost Photo
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- The Kremlin’s security agency has a Russian contractor in Slovakia - no one has noticed
- Fico praises China and Vietnam as models, says liberal democracy has failed
- News digest: Violent gang in Bratislava is under arrest
- A mayor resigns over €2.7 million fraud scandal at town hall
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- Legendary captain Zdeno Chára inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame Video
- Liberal MP's boxing challenge backfires as far-right MEP seizes the moment
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- News digest: Prosecutor seeks jail for NBS Governor Kažimír as his political support wanes
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- News digest: Fico’s bloc wants to save money by restricting electoral access More articles ›
