Good evening. Here is the Friday, August 9 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Nationalist leader denounces sex education in schools as 'LGBT+ propaganda'
Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko. (source: SITA)
Andrej Danko, leader of the co-governing SNS, a far-right nationalist party, has announced that he wants to ban education on sexual orientation and gender identity in Slovak schools – and intends to introduce a bill to parliament to that effect during its upcoming September session.
Education Minister Tomáš Drucker (a Hlas party nominee) quickly countered that schools and education are not an SNS minsterial portfolio. He pointedly suggested that that Danko instead focus on addressing issues within SNS-run ministries: these comprise the departments of sport, environment and culture, the latter of which is currently engaged in something of a war with Slovakia's main cultural institutions. Drucker emphasised that schools need, first and foremost, better quality education and improved conditions for teachers.
The SNS (Slovak National Party) is seeking to limit the promotion of topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity in the educational system in order – party spokesperson Zuzana Škopcová explained – to ensure schools remain neutral regarding these issues and "protect" children from "inappropriate influences".
"We believe the education system should be a place where children focus on acquiring knowledge and developing their skills without exposure to ideologies or propaganda regarding sexual orientation and gender identity," said Danko.
The proposed law will aim to "maintain a neutral educational environment aligned with traditional values." Škopcová highlighted that the measure would apply to all educational institutions in Slovakia.
"This proposal is a response to growing concerns from parents and teachers about the impact of certain topics on children," Danko asserted.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Politics: A dramatic announcement by the interior minister, about an alleged terror suspect detained in Slovakia, caused a splash in March, just before the final round of the presidential election. New reporting suggests that another suspect has since been detained – but the minister has since had little to say about either case.
Good news: Read our fresh selection of feel-good stories! Find out what rare spectacle prompted people to queue for hours at the Botanical Garden in Bratislava, read about how the national theatre director received a prestigious award from France – just before being sacked by the culture minister – and learn how depositing empty plastic bottles is now possible even high up in the Low Tatras.
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FEATURE STORY
She never wanted to be a teacher, yet her career detour still led her to education
Dana Miňová (source: Archive of Dana Miňová)
She dreamed of becoming a paediatric oncologist, but destiny dictated otherwise: read the inspiring story of Dana Miňová, who has carved a unique path in human resources and now helps others to discover their own unique careers.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Hands-on history
Travel back in time and experience life in the era of Great Moravia. (source: Martin Šimovec)
Step back into Great Moravia, the first major Slavic state in 9th-century central Europe. Explore its rich history and culture while savouring some fabulous food and witnessing the life, warfare and crafts of the period being re-created by fans of historical re-enactment.
IN OTHER NEWS
Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS) announced he will not work with lawyers from the previous government, instead preferring those he trusts. This follows reports that Patrik Podhorský, a neighbour of Taraba, has secured around €600,000 in contracts with the Environment Ministry and state-owned companies. Taraba emphasised that only €40,000 has been paid to Podhorský’s firm so far, and dismissed claims of excessive fees, asserting that new guidelines will limit billing to €80 per hour.
Former Health Minister Marek Krajčí (2020-21) defended Slovakia’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement process, stating the country followed expert recommendations and European Commission agreements, avoiding delays in vaccine availability. He emphasised that Slovakia was unprepared for a pandemic in 2020, requiring a complete overhaul of its crisis management. The Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) criticised the procurement process as opaque and noted that many EU countries, including Slovakia, secured more vaccine doses than they needed. (TASR)
Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed support for his justice minister, Boris Susko, and for Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová (SNS nominee), criticising opposition efforts to remove them. Fico defended Susko's legal actions in the case of Dušan Kováčik – a senior anti-corruption prosecutor who was himself convicted of corruption but released from prison this week following Susko's intervention – and supported Šimkovičová’s right to make personnel changes in her department – she has sacked the heads of the national theatre and the national gallery in just the past week. He also dismissed European Commission criticisms as "false" and announced that the government would address the EC's report and other issues in parliament this fall. (TASR)
Košice/Paris 1924: A commemorative event marking the 100th anniversary of the International Peace Marathon (MMM) was held at the Slovak Olympic House in Paris. The gathering on August 9, 2024, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, featured Košice Mayor Jaroslav Polaček (l) and former Paris Mayor Christophe Najdovski, pictured here with a marathon memorial statue. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
This weekend's weather is expected to be mostly clear or partly cloudy. On Saturday, there may be isolated showers. It will be hot and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a first-level heat warning for western and southern Slovakia. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, August 10 - Vavrinec; Sunday, August 11 - Zuzana; Monday, August 12 - Darina.
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