Good evening. Here is the Friday, March 1 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Defence minister takes delivery of the first of 14 brand new US-made fighter jets
Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák officially took delivery of the first two F-16 fighter jets. (source: Ministerstvo obrany SR)
Slovakia officially received its first two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets in a handover ceremony at the manufacturer Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, South Carolina. The event, attended by Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer), marks the beginning of a new era for Slovakia's air force. The F-16s, the first of 14, will initially be used to train Slovak personnel in the United States before being deployed to secure Slovakia's airspace.
The jets, which are scheduled to arrive in Slovakia in the second quarter of this year, will replace the air defence cover supplied by NATO allies since Slovakia withdrew from service its previous MiG-29 fleet in 2022. Minister Kaliňák said the American-made F-16s were a guarantee of top-notch quality and the safety of Slovak soldiers.
The expression of confidence in US technology contrasts somewhat with recent comments by Kaliňák's boss and key political ally, Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been highly critical of Slovakia's NATO allies, especially the USA.
The procurement contract for 14 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets was finalised by Slovakia at the end of 2018. However, due to the pandemic, the delivery schedule was delayed.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
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Culture: An American with a passion for Slovak folk dresses has amassed a stunning collection of over 3,000 pieces, showcasing her dedication to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Slovakia worldwide.
Transportation: Despite being the world's largest car producer per capita, Slovakia faces challenges with an aging car fleet, whose average vehicle age is close to 15 years, and a growing preference for SUVs, contributing to environmental concerns and high emissions.
Labour: Slovakia plans to increase national visas from 2,000 to 10,000 per year, focusing on streamlining admission for skilled workers in the industrial sector, particularly the auto industry, addressing workforce shortages.
Technology: Forbes Slovakia has showcased what it calls Slovak 'changemakers': individuals who it assesses are addressing vital societal issues, and fostering significant transformation in Slovakia.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
Slovaks who have not given up on Ukraine
Marcel Rebro in Ukraine. (source: Marcel Rebro/Jana Čavojská)
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the stories of three Slovaks exemplify a steadfast commitment to providing crucial aid. Eliška Horsáková, a 34-year-old entrepreneur and volunteer, goes to places that larger humanitarian organisations often avoid, reaching villages in eastern Ukraine that are usually overlooked. Despite the dangers posed by mines, Horsáková delivers humanitarian aid directly to those in need, offering not only essential supplies but also psychological support to individuals in war-torn areas.
Blogger Marcel Rebro found himself on an unexpected humanitarian mission when his photographic trip to Ukraine turned into a commitment to aid those affected by the war. Regularly traveling to Ukraine, Rebro organizes collections for medical supplies, cars, and drones for the Ukrainian armed forces. His dedication is driven by a belief in the importance of supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, preventing the conflict from reaching Slovakia's doorstep.
Designer Dodo Dobrík leads the "Gift for Putin" initiative, a project that transparently showcases the costs of war and allows ordinary individuals to contribute directly to the purchase of military equipment for Ukraine. Despite initial moral considerations, Dobrík argues that a stronger Ukraine, equipped with adequate weapons, is crucial for halting the aggressor. These three individuals embody a resolute commitment to aiding Ukraine and making a tangible impact during a challenging time.
Explore the full article on The Slovak Spectator website to delve into more details about these courageous and compassionate Slovaks making a significant impact amid the ongoing conflict.
EVENT FOR THE NEXT WEEK
Wondering how to spend the next week? Top 10 events in Bratislava
(source: Pexels)
On March 4 the movie Dune: Part Two, will be shown at the Lumiere cinema. For party enthusiasts DJs Kinet & Thomas Tracy will play on March 6 at the Nu Spirit Bar. For those who prefer your music at a less frenetic pace, the concert Hommage a Pantaleon Hebenstreit will be held on March 5 in the Slovak Philharmonic.
These are just three highlights; for more tips on how to make the most of the upcoming week, delve into the full article on The Slovak Spectator website.
In other news
A late-February opinion poll by MEDIAN SK for RTVS puts current the speaker of parliament, Peter Pellegrini (Hlas), neck and neck with his main challenger, former foreign minister Ivan Korčok. It predicts that Korčok, on 36 percent, would beat Pellegrini, on 32.7 percent, in the first round. No other candidate recorded more than 12 percent support. In the second round run-off, the poll suggests, Pellegrini would emerge slightly ahead, with 51.7 percent to Korčok's 48.3 percent. The poll was conducted on a representative sample of 1214 respondents between February 23 and 27, 2024. (TASR)
The political party Sloboda A Solidarita (SaS) has unveiled its candidate list for the upcoming European Parliamentary elections. Richard Sulík, the party's chair, leads the list, followed by sitting MEP Eugen Jurzyca and current MPs Vladimíra Marcinková and Jana Bittó Cigániková. Elections to the European Parliament are scheduled for June 8, with parties required to submit their candidate lists by March 10. (SITA)
President Zuzana Čaputová has been shown the altered statutes of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the country's main intelligence agency. The government changed them recently in what is believed to be an attempt to bypass the president. She confirmed that the government's decision allows it to directly appoint its candidate as SIS head, although she suggested that the appointment could be reversed were she later to object (at present, nominations may not proceed until the president agrees). Čaputová expressed reservations about the government's nominee, Pavol Gašpar, and mentioned that she needs more time and information to make a decision. She also referred to a Constitutional Court decision that highlights the president's right to have sufficient time to consider the constitutional, legal and personal aspects of nominees. (SITA)
Over 200 new soldiers took their military oath on Friday at SNP Square in Martin. Representatives of the Armed Forces command, Defence Ministry and the public attended the event. The new soldiers had completed a seven-week basic training course. In the coming days, they will undergo further specialised training and be assigned to their respective units. Some will continue training for officer ranks and leadership roles. The decision to hold the oath-taking in a public place linked to military history is part of a push to reconnect with traditions and emphasise the main mission of the Armed Forces - to protect Slovakia's territory, whatever the personal cost to service members. (SITA)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
Saturday will be mostly cloudy, with sporadic breaks in the clouds, especially towards the evening in the far southwest. Some fog may occur in the morning. It will be pleasantly warm for the time of year, with daytime temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C. You can expect very similar temperatures on Sunday. (SHMÚ)
MARCH 2-4 NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Anežka (2), Bohumil, Bohumila (3) and Kazimír (4).
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