Good evening. Here is the Friday, December 20 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Agreement between government and doctors ends health-care standoff
Slovakia's Health Minister, Kamil Šaško (Hlas) (r), and Chairman of the Doctors' Trade Union Association (LOZ), Peter Visolajský, make a joint statement following their agreement in Bratislava on December 20, 2024. (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
The threat of a critical gap in hospital care by the end of this year was lifted today after Health Minister Kamil Šaško (Hlas) and the head of the Doctors' Trade Union Association (LOZ), Peter Visolajský, signed an agreement to address doctors’ demands, bringing an end to their impending mass resignation just days before Christmas.
Over 3,300 hospital doctors had submitted their notices of resignation in October, demanding that the government observe a previous pay agreement and guarantee that existing state-owned hospitals would not be privatised. They also sought the completion of a project – unfulfilled since the 1980s – to build a national hospital in the Bratislava district of Rázsochy.
The deal, which was signed by the health minister and agreed without Prime Minister Robert Fico’s direct involvement, establishes a "social truce" in health care and commits both parties to continued negotiations over unresolved issues. If the agreed measures, such as new salary regulations, are not enacted by the end of February 2025, doctors could resume their resignation actions.
President Peter Pellegrini welcomed the signing of the social peace memorandum between the government and the LOZ. "This is a good signal for the people of Slovakia in this pre-Christmas period, showing that they will not be left without medical care and that they will be looked after," the president said, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
Doctors will see revised contracts taking effect from January. Salary increases, a key element of the agreement, will vary depending on working hours, with those working at least half-time in state hospitals receiving a 9.7-percent increase by 2025, while doctors working a smaller share in the state sector will see a 6.4-percent rise. The compromise has sparked debates about job structures within hospitals, with the government arguing that salary growth must align with doctors' level of commitment to hospitals.
One contentious matter remains the location of Slovakia’s long-delayed national hospital. While doctors insisted on the Rázsochy site, it was announced earlier this year that it may be built in Ružinov, based on a proposal by Penta, a financial group with significant interests in the health sector. Minister Šaško has promised clarity on the site’s future by early 2025, with construction work set to begin within this government’s term.
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Business: Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský and Slovak financier Patrik Tkáč are set to complete a major energy deal in Slovakia, reshaping the future of Slovakia's dominant power generator, Slovenské Elektrárne.
Good news: A young Slovak chess player achieves success at the Youth World Championship, a Slovak student talks about her work in biomedical sciences at Britain's University College London and Cambridge University, and – last but not least – Anička from Kaufland makes an unlikely splash on social media. Here’s a fresh selection of uplifting feel-good stories.
Travel: The Piecky Gorge in Slovenský Raj is now open again for winter adventures, offering wintry beauty and ice climbing opportunities in a serene setting.
Culture: Trnava, known as the "Little Rome" for its rich history and architecture, is also a lively student city, offering everything from cosy cafés and cultural events to vibrant bars and buzzing parties.
Podcast: Trnava’s mayor, Peter Bročka, discusses the city’s transformation through eco-friendly initiatives, innovation and community engagement in this Slovak Spectator podcast—listen now to learn more.
FEATURE STORY
Innovating car seats for the future of mobility
(source: Adient Slovakia)
The Trenčín Technology Centre at Adient Slovakia is leading Europe in car seat innovation, adapting to the rise of electromobility and autonomous driving. The centre is setting new standards – from integrating speakers into headrests, to developing cost-effective solutions for brands like VW and Porsche. It has successfully tackled challenges from the disruption caused by the pandemic to stiff competition from China.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Explore Slovak Christmas traditions, treats, and holiday vocabulary
The historical centre of Trnava. (source: TASR)
Our Slovak Spectator colleague Matúš Beňo has compiled a list of fascinating Christmas traditions and holiday recipes, including traditional Slovak treats like oplátky and medovníky. He also mentions some of the Slovak holiday vocabulary you can learn through our Slovak Matters column by Matthew J. Reynolds, who provides insight into essential holiday phrases. Get more out of Christmas with these festive insights!
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovakia organised an evacuation flight for 25 sick Palestinian children from Gaza, taking them from Egypt to Ireland at the request of the Irish government, which will provide further medical care. The Slovak Samaritan Association offered psychological and medical support during the operation, with one of their members leading the mission. The Interior Ministry ensured the timely processing of medical documents and travel permits. The Foreign Affairs Ministry secured flight and landing approvals. The flight was conducted under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with up to 75 percent of the costs reimbursed by the EU. (TASR)
The Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant has entered the second phase of inactive testing in its process of commissioning the newest, fourth reactor. Slovenské Elektrárne began the cold hydrotest of the fourth reactor unit at the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant on December 2. The main goal of the test is to demonstrate the quality and functionality of the plant's systems and equipment, including the reactor pressure vessel, pipes, pumps and valves, according to SE's website. (TASR)
Prices in Slovakia are expected to rise by 4.4 percent in 2024 – an inflation uptick that will affect all groups, including pensioners and low-income households. ČSOB bank analyst Marek Gábris highlighted that rising taxes, service costs and food prices will drive the increase. As a result, pensions could fall in real terms by 2 percent to 2.3 percent. Consumer prices rose by 3.2 percent in the year to November, with the highest increases for low-income households (3.3 percent) and employees (3.2 percent), while pensioner inflation was lower at 2.8 percent. (TASR)
Prime Minister Robert Fico hailed the government's decision to reduce VAT on essential food items to 5 percent, calling it an important anti-inflationary measure. He emphasised the value of social dialogue with food producers and praised retail chains for passing on the VAT reduction. Fico said the government is focused on controlling inflation and plans further meetings with producers in January to discuss industry investment and promotion of Slovak products. (TASR)
Prime Minister Robert Fico and Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takáč met representatives of food producers at the Government Office in Bratislava on December 20. (source: Jaroslav Novák)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Saturday is expected to be cloudy, with occasional sunny spells in the afternoon and daytime temperatures around 5°C. A Level 1 wind warning is in effect in the mountainous parts of Banská Bystrica, Prešov and Žilina Regions, so be cautious if heading up to higher altitudes. Christmas vibes are set to arrive on Sunday with some snowfall, and a mix of rain and snow in southern Slovakia, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to +4°C. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: A pre-Christmas celebration is in store for the following lucky people! On Saturday, December 21, it's Bohdan; on Sunday, December 22, Adela; and on Monday, December 23, all of us named Nadežda. Congratulations!
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