Hello. Here is theTuesday, October 1 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Danko faces his next problem: a boorish hunter
National Coalition leader Rudolf Huliak (l) and Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko (r). (source: TASR)
Andrej Danko, the semaphore-loving leader of Slovakia’s far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), which forms part of the ruling coalition, expressed his shock at experiencing a ‘small betrayal’ in politics this Tuesday. His comment was aimed at his political partner, Rudolf Huliak, who heads the minor nationalist and Russia-friendly National Coalition (NK). Huliak announced at the press conference his demand to change the name of the SNS caucus to include the National Coalition, seeking greater visibility and clear differentiation from the SNS.
Huliak, a hunter from a central Slovak village, recently made headlines for derogatory remarks aimed at queer MP Lucia Plaváková, calling her a ‘bitch’ and asserting she is not a woman; yet he has not apologised. He also plans to support the coalition party Hlas in its bid for the speaker of parliament position, a role Danko has long coveted.
“Betrayal always hurts. I felt Rudolf Huliak’s betrayal today,” an astounded Danko remarked, adding that Huliak would no longer appear in his presence and that the caucus’s name would remain unchanged. According to Danko, Huliak’s announcement is a result of an alleged agreement between Hlas and himself, a claim Hlas has rejected. Danko, one of three deputy speakers of parliament who shares Huliak’s homophobic views, also offered an apology for Huliak’s comments about Plaváková, hoping that Huliak will extend an olive branch in the form of an apology and a bouquet.
Huliak, who became a subject of ridicule after a video of him falling off a chair during a state television political programme leaked online last Sunday, insists neither he nor his two NK colleagues are leaving the SNS caucus. He stated his intention to support the government coalition led by Robert Fico. The SNS caucus has got 10 members (the minimum number of MPs required for a caucus to exist is eight - Ed.); yet only four are from the party itself, with the rest comprising NK members and independents.
“Danko can’t expel me from the caucus,” Huliak stated, revealing he has filed a criminal complaint regarding the leaked video. During his press conference, he also claimed his party has 2,700 members and labelled progressive liberalism as their adversary. Previously, Huliak has sought to initiate a referendum on Slovakia’s exit from the EU and NATO, sparked controversy by smoking in parliament, and questioned the existence of the climate crisis.
“We want to toughen our stance on LGBT+ issues and combat the rise of progressive elements in Slovakia. People have sent us here to fight against this,” Huliak declared. As chair of the parliament’s agriculture and environment committee, he aims to focus on protecting life before birth and promoting rural interests. His circle has already taken control of several key positions in institutions meant to protect the environment, despite lacking relevant experience.
Fico’s coalition, which holds a narrow majority in parliament with 79 of 150 seats, continues to face internal strife between the SNS and Hlas. Disputes arise not only over the speaker position but also over ministerial performance and proposed legislation. Huliak, who might face potential dismissal from his role as committee chair, appears to be yet another coalition headache that Fico will need to address.
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FEATURE STORY
The giants of Slovakia’s family business scene
Most family businesses in Slovakia are involved in wholesale and retail. (source: Freepik)
The Slovak Spectator, in collaboration with FinStat and the Institute of Family Business, has gathered data from over 500 local family businesses, which collectively generated more than €10 billion in revenue in Slovakia in 2023. Our report highlights not only the largest players but also includes smaller enterprises. Here’s what we discovered.
FESTIVAL
Azyl Shorts
(source: Facebook/Azyl Shorts)
Get ready for a cinematic adventure at Azyl Shorts, the international short film festival, returning to Banská Bystrica for its fourth round from October 18 to 19. This year’s lineup promises a dazzling array of the finest short films from prestigious film events like the Oscars, Cannes, Venice, and Karlovy Vary, along with specially curated selections at the SNP Museum cinema.
IN OTHER NEWS
The Council for Budget Responsibility has revised its estimate for the public administration deficit in 2024. Compared to the August forecast, this estimate has increased by €259 million. This month-on-month deterioration in finances is primarily due to a decline in tax revenues, particularly VAT receipts, and an increase in expenditure by the Sociálna poisťovňa (Social Insurance Agency) on retirement pensions. According to the Council, the deficit in 2024 could reach 5.8 percent of GDP (€7.6 billion), based on current information and assuming the government does not implement additional measures.
Following the collapse of the cardiology department, the paediatrics unit at the hospital in Trenčín also has a problem. The emergency service is non-operational after 15:30. The hospital is struggling with a shortage of paediatricians. Moreover, the largest Slovak hospitals are at risk of being unable to provide comprehensive care during the afternoon and night hours. By the end of September, medical unions had recorded 2,635 doctor resignations from on-call services. The situation may worsen if nurses also hand in their notices. Doctors and nurses are threatening to quit their jobs because Robert Fico’s government plans to reduce their year-on-year salary growth from nearly 10 percent to 3 percent. (Sme/Sme)
The Association of Water Parks and Swimming Pools (SAAKP) is calling for a reduction in VAT. Although the coalition has announced a lower rate of 5 percent for accommodation and fitness centres, it still proposes increasing VAT for water parks and swimming pools from 10 to 23 percent.
The corporate tax rate for large companies should rise to 24 percent, applicable to taxable income exceeding €5 million. At present, all companies pay a 21 percent income tax. (Sme)
The tax on financial transactions will severely jeopardise aid for people in need. For this reason, KDH plans to submit an amendment on behalf of the opposition to exempt nonprofit organisations and civic associations that partially replace the state in social spheres from the new tax. Lawmakers might vote on the coalition’s consolidation package on Thursday. (TASR)
Towns are struggling to prepare their budgets for 2025. Consolidation measures will negatively impact local governments, warns the Union of Towns of Slovakia.
A light show took place before the match of the second round of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League between ŠK Slovan Bratislava and Manchester City on Tuesday, October 1, in Bratislava. Manchester City confirmed their status as favourites in Bratislava by decisively defeating Slovan 4-0. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: On Wednesday, expect a mostly cloudy to overcast day. Rain will gradually spread across most of the country from the west, although eastern areas will see less precipitation. Daytime temperatures will range from 9°C to 15°C, with predominantly southeast winds reaching speeds of up to 35 km/h and gusts in isolated areas of around 55 km/h. (SHMÚ)
OCTOBER 2 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Levoslav.
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