Opinion, page 5

A gathering in Bratislava's SNP Square on November 17, 2024, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.

Last Week: Remembering 1989 in an increasingly violent world

It's been 35 years since the non-violent November revolution.

Premier Rober Fico.

Who does Fico worship?

Putin admires Peter the Great, Erdoğan admires Mehmed the Conqueror.

I am honored to share what I know about my ancestors, people whom I loved and that I am proud for their boldness, their tenacity, their many skills and talents, and their great ability to survive, writes Slovak American Angela Meady.

“I feel fortunate to be a female in a lineage of strong Slovak women.”

Angela Meady often think about her grandmother and great-grandmother who did not accept barriers to their goals.

Angela Meady
Sme commentator Soňa Jánošová.

Culture cooperation with China will amount to nothing

However, the minister has certainly gathered plenty of inspiration.

Soňa Jánošová
Zuzana Bohušová (left) and her “Mrs. Santa helpers”

Reflections on the International Women’s Club Charity Christmas Bazaar

This remarkable gathering, filled with national flavors and cultural treasures, is a celebration of women’s solidarity.

Eva Staronova
The path to Slovak citizenship is not without its obstacles.

Slovak descendants claim their EU passports

A new wave of descendants is reconnecting with their heritage, embracing Slovak identity, and securing European citizenship.

Donald Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Robert Fico's main topic as PM is Robert Fico

Slovakia is not the prime minister's property and certainly not a commodity for Chinese buyers.

A man clears the grave of his loved ones of autumn leaves during All Saints' Day at the National Cemetery in Martin on Wednesday, 1 November 2023.
Pumpkins.

Halloween approaches, giving some Slovaks the heebie-jeebies

Celtic holiday of Samhain belongs to Slovakia as well.

Hlas leader and presidential candidate Peter Pellegrini and former Czech PM Andrej Babiš meet ahead of the second round of the Slovak presidential election in Bratislava on April 3, 2024.

Last Week: Slovak government cuts a deal with Babiš, whitewashing history

Interior Ministry plays politics with Czechoslovakia’s secret-police past.

Illustrative stock photo

Funding the net zero transition

Elizabeth Curmi shares her insights on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, aluminum, shipping, and aviation.

Elizabeth Curmi
Illustrative stock photo

European Union will probably suspend the new Slovak financial transaction tax

There are several problems with the legislation that will come into force in January 2025.

Renáta Bláhová
Robert Fico

Last Week: The investigation of assassination attempt is testing the integrity of the system

The prime minister has his version of the story, but the investigation is telling a different one.

Sme daily editor-in-chief Beata Balogová

How Putin punishes critics and why Blaha and Fico stay silent

What constitutes Russophobia and what does not.

Billboard of the Creative Society sect in Bratislava-Petržalka.

Last Week: A Czech journalist, a Slovak prosecutor and a sect from Ukraine

A peculiar criminal case shows what happens when a country fails to counter hybrid threats.

“Pavol arrived at Ellis Island with one American quarter in his pocket. He used it to buy his first meal in America; a bunch of bananas, which he had heard of, but had never tried before.”

Return of a lost Slovak daughter

Sometimes, the place you long for isn’t quite home after all.

Sarah Hinlicky Wilson
The health sector has a very special place in the Slovak political pantheon, especially for Smer party leader Robert Fico.

Is the Slovak healthcare system at death’s door?

Its state threatens both Fico and us.

Miroslav Beblavý
Zuzana Dolinková

Last Week: Fico government sheds its first minister, and consolidation is passed

Zuzana Dolinková lasted less than a year as health minister.

In spite of the limitations, we sold everything, thus replenishing the IWCB charity fund and making a difference, says Fenty Saraswaty, the spouse of Indonesian Ambassador.

Reflecting on a year of resilience: International Women’s Club and the charity

Despite a few setbacks, the determination and teamwork turned the 2023 bazaar into a successful event.

Eva Staronova
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