Good evening. Here is theWednesday, February 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Commission VP warns against Russian propaganda
European Comissioner for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová. (source: TASR)
Speaking to Politico magazine, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová said that two EU countries spread Russian narratives - Slovakia and Hungary.
In an interview, she urged EU countries to do more in terms of protection against Russian propaganda ahead of the European election, because it has found domestic proxies willing to spread it. In addition to both countries she mentioned the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
"The Kremlin directly cannot influence the minds and hearts of European people. They need domestic proxies," she said, adding that Russia is a master of propaganda and has a well-calculated strategy for every country, including plans for where to focus its efforts.
According to Jourová, some European politicians are partly to blame for the success of Russian propaganda, as they play into Russia's hands by defending and promoting alternative media that regurgitate information prepared by the Kremlin.
Related: PM Robert Fico (Smer) refuses to communicate with media critical of him. Since becoming the prime minister again, he has given interviews to several television networks, but also to Infovojna, an Internet radio station with a website that spreads disinformation. This previous analysis from shortly before the war in Ukraine shows why pro-Russian rhetoric is working so well in Slovakia.
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COLUMN FOR WEDNESDAY
Not the best of times
PM Robert Fico. (source: TASR)
It has been a depressing few weeks for those of us who like to think we live in a post-Enlightenment Europe, writes The Slovak Spectator's James Thompson. Russia's all-out war on Ukraine entered its third year, and Ukraine's agonies are real enough. The billions of dollars in much-needed US military support for Ukraine are still being held up in the US congress by the Republicans who want to satisfy the whims of another would-be monarch.
But Slovakia’s prime minister would like you to know that he has considered the situation in depth. He is convinced not only that Russia will prevail, but that its cause is just.
CONCERT FOR FRIDAY
Help musician in need
The Pink Whale venue on the river Danube. (source: TASR)
Known for her stints in bands Zlokot and Toddler Punk, musician Stanka Apfelová has been battling cancer for several years. Recently, she said the disease had returned for a third time. However, the therapy she needs is not covered by health insurance.
So Slovak musicians and bands including Para, Modré Hory, Saténové Ruky, Puding Pani Elvisovej, Vec and others have decided to hold a special concert. An auction of paintings created during the concert will be held as well. Admission is €15. Get tickets here.
IN OTHER NEWS
A joint Slovak-Ukrainian government session scheduled for April 11 is going to take place in the town of Michalovce, Košice Region, PM Robert Fico (Smer) announced after a special government session in the town on Wednesday. (TASR)
On Wednesday, MPs approved an amendment to the Penal Code regarding rape and sexual abuse so that the current statute of limitations of 20 years will be preserved. Originally, the ruling coalition's widely opposed changes to Slovakia’s prosecution and penal systems would have halved the limit. (TASR)
Public-service broadcaster RTVS has the most objective television news broadcasts, according 26.6 percent of people, followed by news channel TA3 with 18.6 percent, private TV Markíza, according to 15.1 percent and private TV Joj with 14.4 percent, according to a survey published by the Median SK agency. More than 2,100 people took part in the study carried out between October and December 2023. (TASR)
According to Economy Minister Denisa Saková (Hlas), Slovakia is holding talks with several investors interested in the district of Michalovce, Košice Region, as well as the whole east and south of the country. However, she refused to specify the companies to avoid threatening any investments. (TASR)
Transport Minister Jozef Ráž (Smer) expects a feasibility study for the D1 motorway section linking it to Ukraine to be completed soon. (TASR)
On Wednesday, the Faculty of Arts of the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra opened the Ján Kuciak Library at the Department of Journalism and New Media. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloudy and exceptionally warm. Occasional fog before noon. Daily temperatures will rise to between 13 °C and 19 °C. (SHMÚ)
FEBRUARY 29 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Radomír
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