Good evening. Here is the Friday, May 16 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Fico critic is charged – via Facebook post, from Dubai – after Smer pile-on
Activist Peter Laťák speaking at a Democrats party press conference. (source: Facebook/Demokrati 2023)
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Smer MP Tibor Gašpar – who is also a former national police chief – yesterday harshly criticised law enforcement bodies for being too lenient in investigating a supposed incitement to violence. Just hours later, police charged Peter Laťák, a member of the Democrats party who was the central target of Gašpar's complaint. Smer politicians, including Gašpar, have publicly labelled Laťák a threat to Prime Minister Robert Fico – despite offering no substantive evidence.
Laťák learned that he had been formally accused from a message posted to Facebook by the interior minister, Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas), who is currently on a business trip in Dubai – even though the police have Laťák's contact information, Denník N reported.
The activist, who is a member of the extra-parliamentary opposition party, was on his way home to Orava from Bratislava when the news reached him. The Democrats vice-chair, Juraj Šeliga, called the police action "harassment and intimidation".
In his Facebook post, the interior minister described Laťák as an “opposition-manipulated radical with a hatchet,” referencing a video where Laťák, dressed in folk attire and draped in a Ukrainian flag, says, “It’s not if, but when Fico goes down.” Laťák later told police the statement was metaphorical and referred to political defeat. The "hatchet" (or valaška) to which Šutaj Eštok referred is a ceremonial part of Slovak folk costumes and can be seen at festivals across Slovakia on a weekly basis.
Earlier, Smer officials had referenced the same video to demand stronger action. “I expect law enforcement to act,” Gašpar said, adding: “Why didn’t we check if this person has plans at home to take Fico down?”
Although police initially treated the case as a misdemeanour, Laťák was formally charged on May 15 – the same day Smer publicly pressed for tougher action. Šutaj Eštok responded online, saying, “The police fulfilled their duty fully. The next steps lie with the prosecutor.”
The Democrats accused the minister of politicising the police. “Where in the Criminal Code does the interior minister have the right to announce charges on Facebook?” asked Šeliga.
Police insist the investigation followed a legal procedure and denied political interference. Laťák has yet to receive formal notification of the charges, and the case is now in the hands of the supervising prosecutor.
Related:
Tibor Gašpar claimed after a National Security Council meeting that hate speech had risen by 239% over the past year, allegedly targeting both Smer politicians and some opposition figures. However, neither Gašpar, the Smer party, nor the police provided the analysis he cited. The police force even stated that the Penal Code does not define "hate speech" and that no such statistics exist. The SIS intelligence agency, led by Gašpar’s son Pavol, has not commented.
In a strange echo of the Laťak case, it was reported today that former FBI director James Comey is being investigated by US law enforcement authorities over an apparently innocuous Instagram post that senior members of the Trump administration have denounced as an incitement to violence against the president. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard even went so far as to claim that the now-deleted photo – of some seashells on a beach – was tantamount to "issuing a hit" on President Donald Trump and that Comey should be "put behind bars".
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Sport: Slovak defender Martin Valjent made history with a stunning goal at the Bernabéu, but despite his heroics, Mallorca fell to a dramatic late Real Madrid comeback – read how it all unfolded.
Weekend: This weekend, Slovakia’s biggest cultural festival returns, featuring live music concerts, traditional craft workshops, delicious local food stalls, and vibrant folk dance performances. Discover why thousands flock to this unforgettable celebration and how you can join in the fun!
Good news: Discover the chat-up lines of Slovak hockey players (and prepare to cringe), learn about the Slovak debut novel that's garnering attention in the UK, and how one student’s wink during the new Pope's first appearance has gone viral. It's all in this week’s selection of feel-good stories – read on and smile.
Travel: A forgotten 19th-century manor park in central Slovakia is getting a stunning makeover – discover how it’s being transformed into a cultural and ecological gem.
Nuclear ambitions: Slovakia has been holding talk about building a new state-owned nuclear reactor with US company Westinghouse, aiming to boost national energy security.
Local government scandal: The mayor of the Bratislava borough of Petržalka has resigned after a €2.7-million payroll fraud scandal exposed a major failure in internal oversight within his own office. The mayor was not personally implicated in the suspected theft.
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FEATURE STORY
The timeless masterpiece nestling in sleepy Topoľčany
The villa of Dr Viktor Mokrý in Topoľčany
Topoľčany may not be the first place you’d expect to find a modernist architectural masterpiece — but architect Eugen Rosenberg saw its potential. Designed when he was just 26, the stunning functionalist villa of Dr. Viktor Mokrý has stood the test of time: it is still owned by the original family, and is remarkably well-preserved inside and out. Discover how this hidden gem blends cutting-edge 1930s design with local history in a small Slovak town.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Become the main character of 'A Night at the Museum'
The Night of Museums and Galleries (source: BKIS)
On Saturday, May 17, Bratislava will host the 21st edition of the Night of Museums and Galleries (Noc múzeí a galérií), a pan-European event during which over 30 venues across the city will remain open late into the evening. This year's theme emphasises interactive and engaging experiences, making it an ideal opportunity for families, art enthusiasts and curious minds to delve into the cultural treasures of the city.
IN OTHER NEWS
At a European Political Community summit in Tirana, Prime Minister Robert Fico defended his recent visit to Moscow and meeting with President Putin, telling EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that there is no EU rule limiting his travel choices. "At this meeting, I told the High Representative that there is no legal document, no binding political position within the European Union that would prevent me from freely choosing the destinations of my foreign visits, or the way I conduct myself during these trips," the prime minister stated. Last week Fico posted a mocking message to Kallas on social media after she criticised him for "standing on the wrong side of history" by flying to Russia, which is currently waging a war against Ukraine. Fico announced plans to visit Vietnam and Cuba later this year. (TASR)
The Slovak economy grew by an annualised rate of only 0.9% in the first three months of the year – the slowest pace in the past two years, and below the EU average. The government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, aimed at raising nearly €3 billion, have dampened domestic demand and prompted concern about rising prices and a consequent decline in consumer spending. Analysts expect economic growth to remain weak, with the slowdown likely to impact wages and the population’s standard of living. (Sme)
In Slovakia, the number of electric vehicle charging stations has increased by 25 percent over the past year, reaching a total of 2,521. Across Europe, the growth was even more significant, at 35 percent, with Denmark recording the highest increase in fast chargers. The Ministry of Economy is planning a major tender for the construction of ultra-fast charging stations along motorways, which is expected to improve infrastructure and support e-mobility. Currently, faster chargers account for around 40 percent of all charging points in Slovakia. (Denník N)
The Slovak government approved sending a delegation to the upcoming WHO meeting to discuss the pandemic treaty, but details and documents remain confidential. Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba said he voted for Slovakia to request individual country voting and to oppose the treaty, expecting most ministers to support this stance to preserve Slovakia’s independence. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his Smer party opposes the treaty entirely, while Health Minister Kamil Šaško, of the Hlas party, sees no reason to reject it. A final government decision is expected on Monday. (Denník N)
A training session of the Slovak national ice hockey squad in Stockholm ahead of the Canada vs Slovakia match at the Ice Hockey World Championships on May 16, 2025. Canada won the game 9:2. (TASR) (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Cloudy to overcast conditions are expected, with occasional showers in some areas – don't forget to bring an umbrella for your weekend walk. Daytime highs will range from 13°C to 18°C. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued Level-1 warnings for rain, wind and ground frost during the growing season for several regions of Slovakia during the weekend. (SHMÚ)
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend Gizela, Viola and — last but not least — Gertrúda are celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes: to Gizela on Saturday (17 May), Viola on Sunday (18 May), and Gertrúda on Monday (19 May).
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