A deadly contagion has arrived in Slovakia: 30 years of stories from Slovakia

“Coronavirus confirmed in Slovakia.” This story, from 2020, was one of the most significant in modern Slovak history and is among the tens of thousands that we have covered for our readers. In the 30-year history of The Slovak Spectator, it was among our most-read articles.

Whenever something significant happens in our country, the interest in independent news about Slovakia in English rapidly increases. In recent years, this has included not only the coronavirus but also elections, the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovakia's stance on the war in Ukraine, floods, a deadly gas explosion in Prešov, the murder of a journalist and his partner, and the killing of two young people in a gay bar.

Among the most popular stories was an article about a former bodybuilding world champion who ended up on the streets, the debunking of a hoax suggesting that the inventor of a “water-powered car” had been poisoned, and uncovering mysteries about the Slovak Bermuda Triangle. There was also Tom Nicholson's perspective on Slovakia's story, an article about a fight between football hooligans in Bratislava, as well as rankings of the largest companies in Slovakia.

Part of the team today. (source: Jozef Jakubčo)

These 30 years of stories about Slovakia would not exist without the people who have led The Slovak Spectator. In the early years, these included Eric Koomen, Richard Lewis, Daniel J. Stoll, Rick Zednik and Tom Nicholson. In addition to them, the publishing house was led by Nataša Ďuričová (2002-2004), and as editors-in-chief, we had Rachel Salaman (2002-2003), Beata Balogová (2003-2014) and Michaela Terenzani (2015-2023). To this, we must add over 350 contributors.

I have been leading the publishing house since April 2007, and the current editor-in-chief, Peter Dlhopolec, took on his role in 2023. Along with more than 30 colleagues, we are here for our readers and for those interested in what is happening in Slovakia. Without you, it wouldn't make sense. The 30th anniversary of The Slovak Spectator is thus our shared celebration.

Ján Pallo