Good evening. Here is the Friday, January 31 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
After Ukraine, France and NATO, now Czechia has Fico in a froth
Enemies everywhere? Robert Fico, pictured in parliament. (source: TASR)
After a week in which he described Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as "the enemy", criticised France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou for warning about the political influence of tech billionaire Elon Musk, and attacked NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for statements about Ukraine, Prime Minister Robert Fico has found time to lash out – again – against politicians and media in the Czech Republic. After an outburst on Monday, today he repeated his accusation that Czechs are interfering in Slovak affairs, the Hospodárske Noviny daily reported. His latest complaint came in a statement made during a meeting with diplomats.
Addressing Czech Ambassador Rudolf Jindrák, Fico said: "Mr. Ambassador, I do not understand the interference of the Czech political and media scene in the internal affairs of the Slovak Republic. It is not right for any opinions, views, or recommendations regarding Slovakia's internal political situation to come from the other side of the Morava."
Fico was particularly pained by what he said was the image being presented in the Czech media of Slovakia's political leadership, which he claimed "is far beyond bearable and any idea of decency." He did not explain what, exactly, he thinks the Czech ambassador to Slovakia should do about the work of journalists in the Czech Republic.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala dismissed Fico’s accusations as "absurd". In a statement posted to the social network X, he sarcastically pointed out that before last year’s elections, Fico had received support from Andrej Babiš, the leader of the Czech opposition party ANO.
Fiala wrote: "Robert Fico’s accusations that the Czech Republic is interfering in Slovakia’s affairs are absurd. Unless, of course, the Slovak prime minister is referring to how Andrej Babiš supported him before the last Slovak elections. :-)"
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also strongly rejected the accusations, emphasising that the Czech government does not interfere in Slovakia's affairs. In a statement on X, he also thanked Ambassador Jindrák for his work on bilateral relations.
"Czechia is a democratic society, and that includes freedom of speech. We strongly reject any notion that the Czech government interferes in the affairs of the Slovak Republic. Let us not build artificial walls between our nations. I thank Ambassador Rudolf Jindrák for his work on the relations between Czechia and Slovakia," Lipavský said.
Related: In comments earlier this week, Fico accused Czech politicians of interfering in Slovakia’s internal affairs, claiming that attacks against him were "spreading through the Czech media like a cancer", Hospodárske Noviny reported. He argued that the attacks were designed to cast Czech opposition leader Andrej Babiš in a negative light by comparing him to Fico, and complained: "Nobody is doing anything about it." The Czech government, led by Petr Fiala, suspended intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia last year over the two administrations' starkly divergent views on key foreign policy issues, in particular Ukraine. Babiš, who is an ally of Fico, has expressed interest in restoring consultations if his party returns to government at elections that are due to take place later this year.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Slovak football: Canadian footballer Spencer Barber, who now plays for MFK Tatran Liptovský Mikuláš, describes his journey from the balmy Pacific to the cold of a Slovak winter – and his adaptation to the tougher playing style here.
New police president: Jana Maškarová is the first woman to be appointed to serve as Slovakia's national police chief. She will resume a long career in the force that was interrupted by her departure in 2021 after a falling-out with then police chief Štefan Hamran.
Weekend: This weekend, enjoy a Japanese film festival, cosy candlelight music sessions, or cross-country skiing if you're into sports. Explore more ways to spend your free days in our weekend activity roundup!
Good news: A Slovak scientist believes artificial intelligence could deliver breakthroughs in cancer treatment, the community running group that began in Bratislava and is enjoying regional success and, last but not least, find out about possibly the strangest record attempt in Slovakia. These are our good news stories to brighten up your day!
Opinion: Mária Virčíková of Matsuko offers a fascinating look into the future of education and training, where human presence combines with cutting-edge VR.
University is worth it: Technology is replacing some jobs while boosting demand for skilled workers in IT, healthcare and education. In Slovakia, low wages and poor conditions have created a shortage of such workers, despite there being plenty of graduates; experts are calling for better policies and STEM education to address the gap and prevent brain drain.
Slovak science: In late 2024, Slovak scientists gained recognition through the ESET Science Award and major discoveries. Winners included a computer scientist, an oncologist, Slovak Egyptologists who made key finds at Tell el-Retaba, and polymer scientists who patented an elastic DNA model.
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FEATURE STORY
'The older I get, the more I feel the need to pass on what I have learnt', says leading oncologist
Oncologist Michal Mego during last year's ESET Science Award ceremony. He won the public prize. (source: TASR)
From groundbreaking cancer research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas to leading Slovakia's Translational Research Unit, discover how Dr Michal Mego is pushing the boundaries of oncology. With a focus on circulating tumour cells and testicular cancer resistance, his work is changing treatment possibilities, while he navigates challenges in patient care, scientific trust, and brain drain. Read on for insights into his journey, research, and vision for Slovakia's health-care future.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Experience global cultures in Stará Tržnica this Saturday
(source: BKIS)
Sometimes, you don't need to travel far to experience different cultures. Tomorrow, February 1, people from numerous countries who live in Slovakia will mark the International Day of Human Fraternity by presenting their communities, culture and traditions at Bratislava's Stará Tržnica historical market hall.
IN OTHER NEWS
Nearly 519,000 primary school pupils and over 222,000 secondary students in Slovakia received their mid-year assessments today, Friday, January 31. They included 62,656 first-year pupils. According to the Education Ministry, modern teaching approaches highlight various ways to motivate students beyond traditional grading. The ongoing curriculum reform allows schools to make lessons more relevant to students’ experiences. Assessment methods vary: younger pupils (Years 1–5) can receive grades, verbal evaluations, or a combination. Older students (Years 6–9) are graded, with optional verbal feedback. Schools determine their own assessment formats, with some retaining traditional grading. (Sme, TASR)
The Slovak Union of Special and Inclusive Educators is advocating for a three-tier grading system to replace traditional marks. This model would assess students as having standard, above-standard, or approaching-standard knowledge, complemented by verbal feedback. Union chair Svetlana Síthová highlighted that grading can be particularly unfair for children with special needs, causing stress for students, parents and teachers alike. Vice-chair Hana Černická argued that motivation should not solely depend on grades but should reflect real-life evaluation methods used in the workplace. The proposed system aims to reduce stress, encourage natural motivation, and focus on students' strengths and interests. (Sme, TASR)
Prime Minister Robert Fico has confirmed he will make several international trips in February. On February 3 he plans to attend an informal EU summit in Brussels, and on February 13-14 he will visit the Vatican, where he says he plans to discuss his views with Pope Francis about a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Fico also hinted at a possible trip "far to the West," but did not elaborate. Additionally, after February 23, he plans to meet Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder. A planned meeting with European Commission officials about the halt in Russian gas transit via Ukraine was postponed this week after air-traffic control problems forced Fico's jet to return to Slovakia. (STVR)
Former Slovak ice hockey defenceman Zdeno Chára has joined the Boston Bruins as a consultant, the Boston Globe reports. The Bruins' general manager Don Sweeney expressed excitement over Chára’s return, stating he will support players and coaches while his exact role is still being finalised. Chára, who played 14 seasons as team captain and led the Bruins to their victory in the 2011 Stanley Cup, will work closely with Sweeney and team president Cam Neely. (STVR)
The Slovak Government Office for Civil Society Development has recently implemented several key projects, its commissioner Simona Zacharová announced. The office has focused on food and social aid, integration efforts, and increasing civic participation in public policies. For the first time, an accreditation system for volunteer organisations has been introduced, alongside enhanced regional cooperation and legislative involvement. The office is also working on migrant integration, doubling financial support in collaboration with the Labour Ministry. Despite financial constraints due to budget consolidation, Zacharová said she remains committed to securing funding for grants. Last year, 89 out of 100 volunteer organisations received accreditation, with another round planned for 2024. Accreditation, introduced by law in April 2023, is now required for state funding and remains valid for four years. (Sme, TASR)
This was the view from the ski slopes in Skalnaté Pleso in the High Tatras this morning, 31 January 2025. (source: Veronika Mihaliková)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Saturday's weather is expected to be clear to partly cloudy, with occasional overcast skies and light snowfall, particularly in Banská Bystrica Region. Icy conditions are expected more widely on Sunday. The highest daytime temperature will range from 3°C to 8°C on Saturday, but it will be colder on Sunday, ranging from -1°C to 4°C in central and eastern Slovakia, and up to 6°C in the west. (SHMÚ)
TIME TO CELEBRATE! Tatiana, Erika and Erik, and Blažej are the lucky ones celebrating their name days this weekend. Saturday, February 1 - Tatiana; Sunday, February 2 - Erika and Erik; Monday, February 3 - Blažej.
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