Slovakia News - The Slovak Spectator

Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová during her US trip in autumn 2024

Culture minister criticised over €16,000 US flights

Watchdog says ticket prices for Martina Šimkovičová and aide suggest business-class travel as ministry refuses to explain costs.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Slovak influencer Oskar Barami with Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba

Environment minister flies influencer to Brussels on state jet to woo young voters

Oskar Barami posted the Brussels trip on Instagram, claiming no public money was wasted.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Pharmacies report surge in demand for Covid tests and masks

Sales of antigen kits rose up to fourfold in the first half of September, while purchases of masks and sanitisers surpassed earlier peaks,

Compiled by Spectator staff

News digest: In Slovakia, trial of Fico’s shooter reaches final stage

Zapletalová takes bronze in Tokyo, Gelnica’s mining heritage, and feel-good stories from Slovakia.

Iryna Uias

Last year, Mária Bieliková won the Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia category.

Science as a pillar of trust: ESET Science Award reflects current issues

Humanities and social sciences join the award.

Matúš Beňo

News digest: Fico off sick, “Fico’s fig leaf” seizes the spotlight

Coalition MPs vow to freeze salaries; Friday’s Biela pastelka aids the visually impaired; plus tips for your weekend.

Peter Dlhopolec

Former Slovak Railways chief Alexander Sako (l) with Transport Minister Jozef Ráž (r) at a press conference.

Political appointee lined up for Istanbul consulate

Former railways chief Alexander Sako, a close ally of Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, is tipped to replace a career diplomat in Turkey’s commercial hub.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Peter Jakubík (centre), head of the Police Trade Union (OZP), speaks during a rally outside the parliament building in Bratislava on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. The union organised the protest in opposition to the government’s decision to freeze planned pay rises in 2026, part of its public finance consolidation measures. Firefighters and representatives of the Prison and Court Guard Service also joined the demonstration.

‘I work 240 hours a month for €1,150’: fury as Slovak police take to streets

Firefighters join rare protest claiming government betrayal and crumbling services.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Slovak Ambassador to Czechia Martin Muránsky (left) and Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (right).

Slovakia lodges protest over Czech minister’s presence at Bratislava protest

Prague insists Vít Rakušan attended in private capacity after being accused of meddling in Slovak politics.

Compiled by Spectator staff

The STVR building in Bratislava's Mlynská Dolina locality.

News digest: Shift at public broadcaster sparks fears of growing space for pro-Russian views

How first American Slovaks created their communities, tips for events not to miss, and what is behind the rising popularity of cash in some areas.

Matúš Beňo

Nivy bus station shrinks as retail space expands.

From 36 to 19: Bratislava’s Nivy station cuts platforms amid disputes

Passengers of some lines are left outside as bus operators shun the costly Nivy station.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Photo

News digest: Back to ’89? Opposition rallies thousands, flirts with general strike

Minister slapped with fine, PM Fico’s party cast out, and Slovakia’s travel dilemma.

Peter Dlhopolec

Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák during training at Turecký vrch (Turkey Hill), western Slovakia.

Slovak defence minister fined over undeclared Croatian villa

Robert Kaliňák admits leaving holiday home off asset declaration as opposition denounces ‘double standards’ in government.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Kyiv condemns Slovak doubts on drone incident

Slovakia’s opposition failed to pass a resolution condemning the incident amid renewed clashes over the country’s hollowed-out air defences.

Compiled by Spectator staff

From left: Kevin Horvath, Ivan Turtak and Ernest Gunar./The caravan where the 12-year-old was held for three days before managing to escape.

Three Slovak predators jailed for raping girl, 12, after luring her into car in England

Child was drugged, held captive for days and threatened with death if she tried to escape.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Ján Švehlík sa teší po strelenom góle vo finále ME vo futbale 1976 v Belehrade.

News digest: Champions at last! UEFA recognises Slovakia’s 1976 Euros victory

Artists demand SNG leaders quit, an AI startup has secured investment to transform dental education, and Slovenské Elektrárne inks uranium supply deal.

Iryna Uias