Good evening. Here is the Friday, August 18 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
The police are doing their job, president assures Slovaks after Fico claims that laying charges against spy chiefs amounts to a 'coup'
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, during a press conference following a meeting of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava on August 18, 2023. (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
No police coup is taking place in the state, and the functioning of state institutions whose members have been charged based on investigations by the police National Crime Agency (NAKA), is "ensured and operational", President Zuzana Čaputová stated after today's meeting of the Security Council.
She also emphasised that the opportunity for political intervention and accountability towards the police would arise only if the prosecutor's office and the courts deemed the criminal charges unjustified.
Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor stated after the Security Council meeting that both the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the country's main intelligence agency, and the National Security Authority (NBÚ), which is tasked with securing state institutions and confidential information, will continue to operate even though their respective directors were charged with criminal offences by police yesterday (Thursday, August 17). The prime minister did not comment on whether he would initiate the pair's replacement.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Opinion: How did Slovak society reach the stage where Fico could discuss a coup while embodying a threat to democracy, using basic conspiracies for power, and prompt questions about education and societal choices?
History: The iconic 1968 photograph capturing a man confronting a tank amidst the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia remains a potent symbol of historic upheaval.
Culture: Discover a weekend where Ukrainian and Slovak humour converges through events like plant swapping, vibrant parades, vintage swaps, art activities, and cultural festivals.
Housing: Slovakia has the highest relative housing costs in Europe, requiring its citizens to work longer than other Europeans to afford a new flat, according to a study by Deloitte.
Politics:The neo-fascist Republika political party has been fined €15,000 and ordered to apologise for spreading hateful messages on social media that targeted a doctor during the pandemic.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
10 activities for a vibrant summer: Music, cinema, and cultural Delights await!
As part of the Lovestream Festival Bratislava 2023, US pop group Imagine Dragons are set to take the stage in Bratislava during the three-day event. (source: Chris Pizzello)
Experience a vibrant summer in Bratislava with a variety of exciting events. Enjoy "Summer under the Palm" at Nová Cvernovka, featuring cinema, concerts and parties until the end of August. Immerse yourself in world music at the Bratislava Cultural Summer and Trnavská brána festival. Don't miss the Lovestream Festival with top performers like Imagine Dragons, and explore exhibitions at galleries like the Slovak National Gallery and Nedbalka.
In other news
Meteorologists have issued storm warnings for most of Slovakia until 20:00. Thunderstorms are expected in various regions, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail possible.
In July 2023, harmonised annual inflation reached 10.3 percent, with a monthly decrease of -0.2 percent. The reduction in price levels was most influenced by decreases in the recreation and culture sector, as reported by the Statistics Office.
Bicycle thefts have been on the rise in Košice, with thieves even breaking through windows and locks. Most of the culprits remain elusive, with police initiating investigations into multiple bicycle thefts since the beginning of August but arresting just one person so far.
Unemployment in July slightly increased compared to June. The registered unemployment rate rose to 5.22 percent in July from June's 5.12 percent, as reported by the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family.
Twenty Slovak firefighters have returned from Greece after nearly two weeks helping to fight wildfires there. They had been conducting patrols in critical areas near Olympia since early August. This effort, part of the European Union's civil protection mechanism, showcased solidarity and cooperation among member states affected by wildfires.
The D2 motorway heading towards the Czech Republic is reduced to one lane following a morning traffic accident, as reported by the Bratislava Regional Police. A car crashed into a lorry. The car driver has died. No car stopped after the accident happened to help the injured, including three children, the police added. (source: KR PZ v Bratislave)
WEATHER FOR SATURDAY
It will be hot on Saturday, with partly cloudy skies and sunny intervals during the morning and evening. Daytime temperatures will rise to 28-30°C. The SHMÚ meteorological office has issued a level 1 heat warning for three districts in the Košice Region due to elevated temperatures.
Sunday temperatures will be even higher, up to 34°C. The office has therefore issued a level 1 heat warning for southern Slovakia and the southern part of western Slovakia. You can expect the same weather on Monday.
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