Archive of articles - October 2014, page 2
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One of four questions in referendum on family unconstitutional
One of the four questions in the proposed referendum on family runs against the Slovak Constitution, the country’s Constitutional Court ruled on October 28 at a closed plenary session. The unconstitutional item seeks one’s views as to whether or not one is in favour of not granting special protection, rights and obligations other than to a marriage of a husband and wife.
Regular flights between London and Poprad resume
Four regular flights per week will connect the eastern Slovak town of Poprad with London following a re-launch of the service on October 26. “The resumption of regular flights to London means new opportunities for our passengers not only as far as London goes, but it also creates more opportunities for connections to more destinations,” Poprad-Tatry airport chief Ivana Herkelová said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. She said that the new flights to London’s Luton airport hold extraordinary importance for local tourism, jobs and sports and cultural events. October 28 saw the second flight on the route following the resumption of the service two days earlier.
Kiska recalls Czechoslovakia’s founding
The Czechoslovak Republic established a tradition of democratic values which created a fundament to link to in the next decades when it was necessary to fight for these principles and values, President Andrej Kiska said October 28, the 96th anniversary of founding the Czechoslovak Republic. Kiska also said that October 28, 1918 is one of the most important dates in the modern history of Slovakia. He therefore considers remembering this date important in terms of our past as well as in terms of the democratic present and future which we must strive for also today. “It was the first state form in which Slovaks constituted themselves as a modern European nation and along with the Czech nation, they stood up for the principles of parliamentary democracy with a high level of civil rights,” Kiska said, as quoted by the SITA newswire. “These rights, later guaranteed in the Constitution of 1920, declared the equality of men and women, of both state-forming peoples and minorities living on the territory of Czechoslovakia, the freedom of religion, press, expression and assembly of citizens as well as the protection of private property.”
Peter Vavro out as editor of the Hospodárske noviny
Hospodárske noviny Editor-in-chief Peter Vavro is leaving his post, and the incumbent Deputy Chief Editor Marcela Šimková will temporarily lead the paper, the TASR newswire quoted the Stratégie.sk website. Vavro is leaving on his own accord. CEO Vladimír Mužík of the publishing house – owned by Czech Finance Minister and business tycoon of Slovak origin Andrej Babiš - thanked Vavro for his work and for their good, although brief, collaboration.
Most right-leaning parties to back Kňažko for Bratislava mayor
Milan Kňažko has become the joint mayoral candidate of the right wing in Bratislava after three members of the so-called Right Coalition decided to back him in order to increase the chances of deposing sitting mayor Milan Ftáčnik, Sieť (Network) leader Radoslav Procházka said at a press conference on October 28. Originally, Sieť nominated Tatiana Kratochvílová, who is abandoning the race following a meeting of the Right Coalition concerning the matter on Monday. However, while Sieť, Slovak Democratic and Chrisitan Union (SDKÚ) and Most-Híd have voiced support for Kňažko, another member, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), has refused to do so due to Kňažko’s ambiguous stance when it came to supporting Andrej Kiska ahead of the presidential election run-off against Smer chairman Robert Fico in March. Procházka, who presented Kratochvílová’s bid, thanked her at the press conference for the activities that she carried out related to her candidacy. He described Sieť as the main challenger to the governing Smer and said, as quoted by the TASR newswire, that his party as such feels responsibility in relation to the fact that “rightist voters deserve a victory”. According to the polls, Kňažko, a former actor and later government minister who is running as an Independent with the support of the Christian Democrats and NOVA, has the best chance of replacing Ftáčnik. Kňažko himself at the press conference stated that he was glad that the right-leaning parties have come to an agreement in order not to divide the votes of the right among too many candidates, which would help Ftáčnik. “I would also like to thank Mrs. Kratochvílová who has shown by her gesture that when she talks about a change in the capital city that’s no empty gesture,” said Kňažko, according to TASR. Kratochvílová herself was not present at the press conference. A poll last week suggested that former SDKÚ member Ivo Nesrovnal who is considered to be another serious candidate would have received far fewer votes (17.6 percent) than Kňažko (34.4 percent). Kratochvílová was even further behind in the poll, on less than 8 percent. Ftáčnik received 33-percent support.
Opposition will try to dismiss Richter on October 30
LABOUR Minister Ján Richter will face a no-confidence vote, initiated by the opposition, on October 30, Speaker of Parliament Pavol Paška said.
Bus association criticises free trains proposal
THE PLANNED free rail transport for students and pensioners and significant fare discounts for those who commute to work by train will entice 15 million passengers a year, or 8 percent, away from buses, bringing a decline in bus receipts totalling €15.8 million, the Bus Transport Association (ZAD) said on October 27.
Slovakia’s representatives congratulate Ukraine
SEVERAL representatives of Slovakia sent their congratulations to Ukraine for successful management of the October 26 parliamentary elections.
Fico responds to companies complaining about electricity prices
PRIME Minister Robert Fico wants to meet requirements of the companies complaining about high electricity prices via abolishing the fees they have to pay to the National Nuclear Fund. His statements revealed during the political talk show Sobotné Dialógy (Saturday Dialogues) broadcast by the public-service Slovak Radio (SRo), adding that the only entity that will need to pay the fee will be Slovenské Elektrárne (SE).
VW opens new tool shop in Stupava
BRATISLAVA-based carmaker Volkswagen (VW) Slovakia opened a new tool shop in Stupava (near the capital) worth €4 million. The hall at the area of about 6,000 square metres will produce tools and equipment for automotive production, the TASR newswire reported.
Head of a state company was renting car to himself
ECONOMY Minister Pavol Pavlis sacked the executive director of ministry-owned company MH Development Ladislav Košecký because he rented a vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser from his own firm Mertimex, the TASR newswire reported on October 27.
President awarded people protesting against Czechoslovakia occupation
PRESIDENT Andrej Kiska awarded participants of a protest which took place in Moscow 1968 against Warsaw Pact armies (led by the Soviet Army) invasion of Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968 during an event taking place on October 27.
J&T is getting close with CEFC China Energy
CZECH and Slovak investment group J&T has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese private company CEFC China Energy, J&T spokesperson Jana Jarošová stated on October 27, according to the TASR newswire.
Polis: Smer would won elections, Sieť is the second
IF A GENERAL election had taken place in mid October, the ruling Smer would have won with 37.3 percent of the votes. The second Sieť would have gathered 12.4 percent, the SITA newswire reported on October 27.
SUCCESSFUL OFFICE LETTING TO SCHOENHERR
Modesta Real Estate is pleased to announce that they have successfully let 400 sqm of office space in Apollo Business Center II to the international law firm Schoenherr. The Bratislava-based staff of Schoenherr, one of the leading full service law firms in Central and Eastern Europe, will be relocating to their new office on Prievozska street in November 2014.
Slovak banks successful in stress tests
SLOVAKIA’s three biggest banks – Slovenská sporiteľňa, VÚB and Tatra Banka have passed the European Central Bank’s (ECB) financial health tests and will not need to raise their capital. This applies also to their parent companies, the TASR newswire reported on October 26.
Sieť candidate withdraws from Bratislava
SIEŤ party of Radoslav Procházka will withdraw its candidate for the post of Bratislava mayor Tatiana Kratochvílová. The coalition of four right wing parties supporting Kratochvílová will announce their decision on October 27, the SITA newswire reported a day before.
Slovakia lost 39 percent of expected VAT revenues in 2012
SLOVAKIA has the second highest tax evasion rate of EU-member states due to non-compliance or non-collection in 2012. The country has lost 39 percent of expected VAT revenues; only Romania placed lower with 44 percent, the SITA newswire reported on October 23.
Volkswagen will produce bodywork for Bentley cars in Bratislava
BRATISLAVA-based carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has confirmed it will produce the bodywork for a luxury model SUV from Bentley. The carmaker will start to sell the new car in 2016, the TASR newswire reported on October 24.
Digging gold in Liptovský Ján
THE STORY of the founding of Liptovský Ján is probably also the story of founding many other villages, especially those which emerged in densely forested places.
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- News digest: Fico’s bloc wants to save money by restricting electoral access
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- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Convicted of multiple murders, Slovakia’s mafia boss seeks release from prison
- Slovakia plans to restrict access to new medicines amid funding shortfall
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- Digital Jarvis is real now. He is coming for your to-do list
- News digest: Fico’s bloc wants to save money by restricting electoral access
- The disinformation scene has become a tool of media capture
- Slovakia plans to restrict access to new medicines amid funding shortfall
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- News digest: Violent gang in Bratislava is under arrest
- The Kremlin’s security agency has a Russian contractor in Slovakia - no one has noticed
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Digital Jarvis is real now. He is coming for your to-do list
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- The disinformation scene has become a tool of media capture
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- A mayor resigns over €2.7 million fraud scandal at town hall
- Show me your moves! Slovak hockey stars share their best pick-up lines
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- He designed Gatwick. But this is his masterpiece
- Fico praises China and Vietnam as models, says liberal democracy has failed
- News digest: Violent gang in Bratislava is under arrest
- The compass points to Kúty, and people are starting to follow
- 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
- Slovakia plans to restrict access to new medicines amid funding shortfall
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners More articles ›
