Good to have you with us! Here is the latest edition of Today in Slovakia - all the top news from Thursday, wrapped up in one place!
From chaos to carols
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko. (source: Jakub Kotian)
A prime minister repeatedly using vulgar language in parliament to criticise the media might not be the highlight of events at the parliamentary building near Bratislava Castle this week. Several contenders emerged on Wednesday and Thursday who could rival Robert Fico.
One such figure was the deputy speaker of parliament, Andrej Danko, leader of the extremist Slovak National Party (SNS), who attacked those involved in hobby horsing. Danko dismissed the sport as “nonsense” and “sick,” saying it involves people “sticking a pole between their legs and running around.” He went further, questioning whether participants also need to neigh like horses. The ultraconservative Danko branded the activity a “liberal sport,” even posting a video on social media with a hobby horse, which he also brought to a press conference.
Danko’s remarks are related to two government bills prepared by the SNS-led Sport Ministry: one on a Sports Support Fund and another addressing sport in general. Both bills had to be postponed until next week, December 10, after Thursday’s vote could not proceed. The vote also failed last week.
Prime Minister Robert Fico’s three-party coalition (Smer, Hlas, SNS) currently holds 76 MPs due to a rebellion led by Rudolf Huliak, as he and two other coalition legislators, Pavel Ľupták and Ivan Ševčík, boycott the government in a bid to gain greater influence within the coalition and government. But only 74 of the required 76 MPs were present to vote on the two bills. This is because Hlas MPs Samuel Migaľ and Roman Malatinec refused to support the bills on Thursday. Migaľ is pushing for more funding to support athletes rather than infrastructure, calling for stronger legal protections for sportspeople. He is also advocating for financial backing for unregistered sports, including hobby horsing—a sport his daughter actively participates in. Malatinec criticised the dysfunctional Arts Support Fund (FPU) overseen by the SNS-led Culture Ministry, prompting his decision to support Migaľ’s initiative on Thursday.
Prime Minister Fico had earlier claimed there were no issues in parliament, accusing the media of lying about the government’s legislative struggles in the debating chamber.
Threats: Danko, angered by Migaľ’s actions, warned that MPs lobbying for personal interests at the expense of coalition unity could face scrutiny from the general prosecutor. Fico also threatened to deploy intelligence services if he suspected vote-buying among MPs.
Fat shaming: On Thursday, Danko told Migaľ to “fly on a broomstick if he likes, but stop blocking parliament.” During a press conference, Danko also mocked overweight people and urged those weighing 150 kilograms to take up sport, singling out a journalist by name.
Quote: Migaľ responded to Danko’s claims, “I’d like to urge Danko to argue rationally and discuss matters sensibly. We are MPs, not pub patrons where threats and nonsense follow the first drink.”
Hlas MP Samuel Migaľ. (source: TASR – Jaroslav Novák)
Cheers to that: Alcohol has been another hot topic in parliament in recent days, sparked by a TV Markíza report in which journalist Martina Töröková asked MPs if they would take a breathalyser test. Danko, long rumoured to have a drinking problem, declined, snapping, “Looking at you, maybe you drink. Certainly not me.”
A festive moment: Soblahov’s children’s folk group performed carols in the debating chamber on Thursday, and a Christmas tree was lit outside parliament.
Chaos: On Wednesday, a rare altercation occurred when MP Igor Matovič, leader of the Slovensko party and a former prime minister, repeatedly attacked Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar (Smer), whom he called a “charged mafioso.” Gašpar, a former police chief, indeed faces charges of supporting an organised crime group. Matovič shared a video of the clash, showing Gašpar ordering parliamentary TV broadcasts to be cut and calling for Matovič’s removal from the chamber. Gašpar accused Matovič of crossing the boundaries of decency, while Matovič retorted that it was hypocritical for a charged man to lecture him on morality. Matovič eventually left voluntarily. By the way, in early October, another Slovensko MP, Michal Šipoš, was ejected for wearing a T-shirt criticising the government’s tax hikes.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
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Fun in Bratislava: Take the kids to explore the magic of Christmas markets with a sprinkle of festive fun, or dive into the holiday spirit at the International Advent and Christmas Music Festival in the heart of the capital.
Part 2: From Rome’s chaos to Bratislava’s calm.
Shame, shame, shame: MP Zuzana Števulová slams the Foreigners’ Police for persistent booking system failures, leaving many foreigners desperate.
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SLOVAK MATTERS
Were you obedient?
Mikuláš meets children in Trnava on December 5, 2024. (source: Lukáš Grinaj)
Ever wondered what happens when St. Nicholas (Mikuláš) shows up with an angel—and a devil—in tow? In Slovakia, Mikuláš brings treats, songs, and a healthy dose of playful terror, making December 5 a night kids won’t forget (even if they try).
EXHIBITION
Protection of the state border
Explore stories of courage and tragedy at this thought-provoking exhibition, part of the multi-genre Freedom Festival, which delves into Slovakia’s era of oppression. Discover the measures used to guard the borders and the fates of those who dared to cross the Iron Curtain. Admission is free, but the exhibition at the Museum of Croatian Culture in Bratislava - Devínska Nová Ves runs only until December 15.
IN OTHER NEWS
German shirt manufacturer Eterna is set to close its production facility in Bánovce nad Bebravou, Trenčín Region, due to rising costs, leaving approximately 300 employees without jobs.
Comenius University is cancelling in-person classes on Friday due to another threatening email. Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín, Trnava University, and the University of St. Cyril and Methodius will also remain closed on Friday.
Slovakia’s exemption from the EU embargo on exports of products made from Russian oil ended on Thursday. While the foreign and economy ministries suggest an extension is possible, the decision lies with EU member states.
Slovakia has received an offer of 12 Viper helicopters and for 12 upgraded combat-modified Blackhawk helicopters, stated Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) at a press conference on Thursday.
Economic cooperation and a peace agenda will be the key themes of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s upcoming visit to Brazil. The delegation departs Sunday night and returns Thursday.
President Peter Pellegrini will be received by Pope Francis for a personal audience at the Vatican on Monday, December 9.
The main trial in the corruption case against National Bank of Slovakia Governor and ex-finance minister Peter Kažimír will not take place on December 9. The judge decided to take time to rule on the complaint of bias filed by the defence team.
The Slovak economy grew by over 1 percent in the third quarter but has slowed considerably since the start of the year. (source: Statistics Office)
WEATHER BRIEFING: Friday will be cloudy to overcast, with snow or sleet spreading from the west across many areas, and rain expected in lowlands. Daytime highs will range from -1°C to 4°C. View all active weather warnings. (SHMÚ)
PARTY TIME: Happy namesday to all the Mikulášes out there! Celebrate in style this Friday, December 6—it’s your special day in Slovakia!
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