Good evening. Here is the Friday, August 23 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Pellegrini expresses 'concern' about the political situation in Slovakia
Peter Pellegrini (source: Sme - Marko Erd)
President Peter Pellegrini is set to meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), Deputy Speaker of Parliament Peter Žiga (Hlas), and other political leaders in the coming days to discuss reconciliation within Slovak society. He announced this intention in a video posted on social media, marking his first public statement in nearly a month.
Pellegrini expressed concern over the rising atmosphere of hostility. The opposition has been urging him to address the situation.
Pellegrini also addressed criticism directed at Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová (SNS) over personnel changes in cultural institutions.
"I agree that the methods and arguments for dismissals should reflect the standards of the 21st century, but I also point out that such changes have occurred not only in this sector but across all areas in Slovak history," he noted, but did not explain further.
Additionally, he commented on the recent decision by Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer) to release from custody convicted criminal and former special prosecutor Dušan Kováčik, who had been only one-quarter of the way through an eight-year prison sentence for corruption in public office.
"I consider it crucial to emphasise, as I have already done, that in a democratic and legal state, only courts can decide on guilt and punishment, not politicians or people in the streets. Therefore, I believe that the Supreme Court will decide on this matter as soon as possible," he said, without explaining how Susko's decision conformed to this principle.
Pellegrini urged politicians to focus on serving the people rather than engaging in personal or divisive disputes, warning that such behaviour would only prolong Slovakia’s quest for peace. He reaffirmed his commitment to protect the rule of law, constitutional order and human rights.
"However, I want to make it clear and emphatic that I will never be drawn into internal political conflicts, even if any party on our political scene desires it," he concluded.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Travel: Slovakia's Horná Nitra Open-Air Mining Museum, which gave visitors a unique glimpse into the life of miners, has been force to close permanently due to unsafe underground conditions, marking the end of a 21-year chapter for local mining heritage.
Highways: The cabinet approves a 40-percent increase in highway tolls for hauliers.
Good news: Feel better with our selection of feel-good news! The Queen of Spain ordered shoes from Slovakia, a young Slovak won silver in a Genius Olympiad, and Košice Zoo is celebrating some new arrivals.
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FEATURE STORY
No knights yet to help Slovakia
The viewing tower on Sitno Hill. (source: Jana Liptáková)
Sitno Hill, the remnant of a super-volcano, is famous for the legend of the Sitno knights – warriors said to emerge from the hill to save Slovakia in times of need. While no knights have been spotted lately, we live in hope.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Ka-Choow! Find your Lightning McQueen at the Slovakia Grand Prix
A racing car at the Slovakia Ring circuit. (source: TASR)
If you're feeling a bit low over the weekend, give yourself an adrenaline boost by visiting the ultimate motorsport showdown at the the Slovakia Ring: the 15th OMV MaxxMotion Grand Prix of Slovakia.
IN OTHER NEWS
The Education Ministry is launching its National Central Node project to enhance the sustainability, security, connectivity and operational efficiency of school networks. The initiative aims to modernise and protect digital infrastructure in schools with advanced configuration, monitoring and cybersecurity tools. Education Minister Tomáš Drucker (Hlas) stated that the project will significantly advance Slovak education by creating a modern, secure digital environment and preparing students and teachers for digital transformation challenges. (TASR)
The Slovak National Party (SNS), which is part of the current ruling coalition, has called on Michal Šimečka, who leads the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) and is currently a deputy speaker of parliament, to resign immediately.The SNS claims he faces a conflict of interest because PS opposes a bill related to the Arts Support Fund, which has in the past provided funding to an NGO that bears the name of Šimečka's grandfather, Milan. The PS leader says he has no personal connection to the NGO, and has dismissed the calls as a smokescreen. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) plans to formally propose Šimečka’s removal next week. (TASR)
The minimum wage in Slovakia will rise from €750 to €816 per month starting in January 2024, with a further increase planned for 2026. Despite this, tax and benefits for low-income families, particularly those with children aged 15 to 18, may actually decrease due to changes in tax allowances and benefits. Tax expert Jozef Mihál has criticised the government for what he sees as a hidden tax increase and is suggesting that Slovakia might benefit from a regional minimum wage to address local variations in the cost of living.
VOP Nováky has launched a new ammunition loading line, the only one of its kind in Slovakia. The image shows the production of training ammunition at the Military Repair Plant (VOP) in Nováky on Friday, August 23, 2024. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
After a brief cooler spell, the hot weather is returning. Over the weekend, the weather will be clear to partly cloudy, with some morning fog possible. The daily highs will range from 31°C to 36°C, prompting the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) to issue a Level 1 heat warning for the western parts of Slovakia and Level 2 heat warning for northern and eastern regions. On Sunday, a light breeze is expected. No precipitation is expected this weekend. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, August 24 - Bartolomej; Sunday, August 25 - Ľudovít; Monday, August 26 - Samuel.
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