Good evening. Here is theTuesday, September 17 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Hospital incident involves pro-Putin official’s son
Lukáš Machala, a conservative, serves as chief of staff at the Culture Ministry. (source: TASR)
On Monday, a dramatic incident unfolded at a Bratislava hospital involving Samuel Machala, 23, the son of Lukáš Machala, a pro-Putin senior official who is believed to wield significant influence at the Culture Ministry, often considered the real decision-maker rather than Minister Martina Šimkovičová.
According to the news website Aktuality.sk, Samuel Machala allegedly assaulted police officers who had been called to the scene. The police are currently assessing the situation.
This incident is not Machala’s first run-in with the law. In late May, he was arrested in Bratislava-Dúbravka for stealing a pensioner’s purse. After being swiftly apprehended, he returned the stolen items, valued at €325. Machala now faces theft charges. Due to his mother’s position as a district prosecutor, the case is being overseen by the higher regional prosecution office in Bratislava.
Lukáš Machala remarked, “I fully respect the actions of healthcare professionals and law enforcement.” He added that the situation is more complex than it appears and highlighted his son’s long-term health issues.
Lukáš Machala’s father, Drahoslav Machala, was an agent for the State Security, the secret police of communist Czechoslovakia, where he reported on foreign journalists.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Bratislava: The situation in Bratislava is improving following the elevated river levels over the weekend, though several popular attractions remain closed.
Business: PM Robert Fico has unveiled his €2.7 billion fiscal overhaul. The plan indicates that books will become more expensive.
Politics: The coalition has stripped the opposition leader Michal Šimečka of a key parliamentary position, but Šimečka is not mourning. He says he will have more time to prepare for defeating Fico in the elections.
Travel: See where you can cycle in Bratislava and its surrounding areas (once the flood situation improves).
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FEATURE STORY
An American who cooks traditional Slovak recipes
Myra Grignon with her Slovak citizenship certificate. (source: Archive of M. G.)
Myra Grignon, a third-generation Slovak-American, has fallen in love with the traditional Slovak dish bryndzové halušky. “I had it four times when we were in Slovakia last January and February,” she enthuses. Grignon, passionate about her Slovak heritage, not only cooks traditional recipes but has also compiled a family cookbook to preserve these culinary links to her roots.
EVENT
Dobrý trh
The September edition of the Good Market will be held from 10:00 to 17:00 on September 21 in Bratislava. (source: Facebook/Dobrý trh)
Dobrý trh (Good Market) returns to Panenská Street in Bratislava this Saturday, offering a vibrant mix of high-quality food, unique designs, books, accessories, and clothing. The event also features an exciting cultural programme with art installations, concerts, and workshops.
IN OTHER NEWS
Bratislava police are searching for 72-year-old William Funk, who has permanent residency in Germany. He was last seen on September 16 around 16:00 on Hrebendova Street in Bratislava, where he was with his wife. He then left and has not been heard from since.
On the morning of Wednesday, September 18, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Slovakia before sunrise. The Earth’s shadow will cover 8.5 percent of the Moon’s surface at its peak, with the eclipse starting at 4:13 and the Moon exiting the shadow at 5:16. The eclipse should be visible to the naked eye, depending on the weather. (SAV)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has officially announced that Maroš Šefčovič will be her candidate for Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, which will also include customs policy. The Slovak will also be responsible for interinstitutional relations and transparency. However, not all Slovak MEPs are expected to support Šefčovič. Prime Minister Robert Fico has described the post as a ‘success’ for Slovakia.
The Fund for Supporting the Culture of National Minorities (FPKNM/Kult Minor) will now have €8.8 million available, following an amendment to the FPKNM Act approved by MPs on Tuesday. This half-million-euro increase is linked to the official recognition of the Vietnamese minority.
The funeral allowance will rise from €79.67 to €200 from January 2025.
President Peter Pellegrini welcomed opposition leaders at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. Pictured from left: Branislav Gröhling, leader of the Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS), Milan Majerský, leader of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), and Michal Šimečka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia movement (PS). Last week, Pellegrini met with the leaders of the coalition parties. (source: TASR)
Members of the Slovak Botanical Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences have expressed particular concern over the current state of nature conservation in Slovakia, especially in light of recently adopted or proposed legislative changes concerning biodiversity and environmental protection. They are also dissatisfied with the disregard for expert and scientifically verified knowledge related to nature conservation, the replacement of leading experts with politically appointed individuals lacking professional qualifications, as well as the spread of misinformation and the general undervaluing of environmental research and protection. (SAV)
The state and the Confederation of Trade Unions (KOZ) have agreed in the fourth round of collective bargaining to increase salaries in the public and state sectors by 5 percent from January 2026. In 2025, each employee in the state and public sectors will receive a bonus of €800, which will be paid by June 2025 at the latest.
Slovakia will send an economic diplomat to Thailand. The economic diplomat is to assist Slovak entrepreneurs in the region, support investment projects, and contribute to promoting Slovakia’s tourism potential. Mutual trade exchange has grown in recent years, reaching €466 million last year. (TASR)
WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Expect partly cloudy skies with occasional periods of increased cloud cover. There may be isolated showers or thunderstorms in some areas. Temperatures will range from 19°C to 25°C during the day, with light to moderate easterly winds. (SHMÚ)
SEPTEMBER 18 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Eugénia.
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