Good evening. Here is theTuesday, September 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
PM Fico downplays coalition tensions
Meeting of ruling coalition leaders with President Peter Pellegrini on September 12, 2024 in Bratislava. In the photo, from right to left: President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), Deputy Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko (SNS), and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok (Hlas). (source: TASR - Martin Baumann)
Tuesday proved to be a bustling day for press conferences, featuring two coalition parties: Hlas and the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS). Both have been embroiled in ongoing conflicts in recent days and weeks, reminiscent of the years 2020-2023, when the OĽaNO movement governed Slovakia amid tensions with its coalition partners.
Here’s a brief look at some notable statements made by government officials and President Peter Pellegrini on Tuesday:
The coalition party Hlas is urging Prime Minister Robert Fico of Smer to convene a meeting of coalition leaders as soon as possible. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, the party leader, made this call following a meeting of the party’s leadership on Tuesday, emphasising the urgent need to address internal coalition issues. He reiterated his criticism of statements made by Andrej Danko, leader of the far-right Slovak National Party, directed at certain Hlas officials. According to Šutaj Eštok, Danko’s attempts to destabilise the coalition will not aid his ambitions to become the speaker of parliament. The two parties have struggled to reach an agreement on several issues, including the minimum pension. Furthermore, the Slovak National Party has raised concerns about the work of Hlas’ health minister, although it asserts that it will not back her removal.
In a bid to stabilise the government coalition, SNS leaderAndrej Danko has indicated he is prepared to withdraw his claim to the role of speaker of this parliament. Danko maintains that the SNS is unified and poses no threat to the coalition’s integrity, dismissing allegations from Hlas, one of the three coalition parties, that his party is sowing discord. Danko began Tuesday’s press conference with a biblical reference, quoting: “You Pharisees! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” The statement was clearly aimed at the Hlas party, highlighting the increasing tensions within the coalition. Danko also affirmed the SNS’s readiness to support the proposed consolidation package, emphasising the need to protect the interests of its voters.
President Peter Pellegrini, who led the coalition party Hlas before assuming office in June, has strongly criticised Danko. “I find Andrej Danko’s actions incomprehensible. I don’t know if he’s aiming to further destabilise Slovakia, cause the collapse of the government coalition, or push for early elections,” Pellegrini commented during a working visit to the United States. He added that Danko, who, like his party, suffers from low public trust, should not be setting the direction of Slovak politics. Danko responded in his usual style, suggesting that the president may have been drinking before making his remarks.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has brushed aside concerns about tensions within the coalition, insisting there is no need to dwell on internal disagreements. “Every family has its arguments, but everyone still loves each other,” Fico commented.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Coalition: Health Minister Zuzana Dolinková (Hlas) finds herself the subject of public ridicule following her comment regarding blood. In addition, both the coalition and the opposition have expressed disappointment in her performance.
Prices: Households can expect an increase in gas bills next year, although electricity prices are projected to decrease thanks to the recently announced reduction in VAT.
Foreigner: An Armenian musician made her home in central Slovakia several years ago after leaving Bratislava due to rising living costs.
Russia: Russia has opted not to include Slovakia on its list of countries deemed a threat, making both Slovakia and Hungary exceptions.
Opinion: Gabriela Beregházyová raises a thought-provoking question: Is life today truly as difficult and overwhelming as it appears?
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YOUR GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
Soon, Champions League fever will hit Bratislava
Tehelné pole in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
Bratislava, frequently overshadowed by Vienna and Prague, is ready to shine as it hosts UEFA Champions League matches, with local heroes ŠK Slovan Bratislava taking centre stage. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, discover how to maximise your match day experience in the vibrant Slovak capital.
FILM
Ema a smrtihlav (The Hungarian Dressmaker)
The film “Ema a smrtihlav” has been selected as Slovakia’s entry for the Oscars, a decision made by members of the Slovak Film and Television Academy.
This nominated film, an adaptation of the novel by writer Peter Krištúfek, is set during the Slovak wartime state and follows Hungarian seamstress and widow Marika, who loses her job in Bratislava and embarks on a journey to return to her late husband’s house in the Slovak-Hungarian borderlands. Amid the chaos of a country where Czechs have been expelled and Jews deported, Marika faces her own struggles due to her Hungarian heritage while hiding a Jewish boy in her barn from the Nazis and the guards.
Cinemas will screen the film for the first time on Thursday, September 26.
IN OTHER NEWS
Opposition parties Progressive Slovakia (PS) and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) met with Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday to discuss his proposal for the consolidation of public finances, a similar offer that the Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS) rejected. Fico claimed that the opposition was merely suggesting cuts to the salaries of MPs and government members, along with a reduction in the number of staff working for the state. “They have absolutely no idea where to find the €2.7 billion,” Fico stated. While KDH presented Fico with five tips on how to save the required billions, PS outlined six demands. “He should tell the public the truth about why he is taking €1 billion more from their pockets than originally planned,” said PS leader Michal Šimečka. SaS maintained that it had nothing to discuss with Fico, with former prime minister and leader of Slovensko (formerly OĽaNO), Igor Matovič, stating, “You don’t negotiate with a mafia,” labelling the proposed consolidation measures as cynical.
In 2023, property crimes remained the most prevalent type of crime in Slovakia, despite a decline in their share of overall crime since 1990, dropping from nearly 80 percent to 34 percent. Notably, there was an increase in virtual crime, particularly fraud. According to the General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka’s report, theft continued to be the dominant offence, with an 8 percent rise in concluded prosecutions compared to 2022, involving 7,798 accused individuals. Other significant categories included offences against families and youth, which accounted for 12 percent. The majority of cases concluded with charges filed with courts, affecting 24,148 individuals, or 82.4 percent of total prosecutions.
The opposition SaS party, along with the Centre-right Bloc, is calling on Prime Minister Fico to clearly articulate his objectives ahead of his forthcoming visit to China. SaS MP Juraj Krúpa raised concerns about potential threats to Slovakia’s economy and security, particularly in relation to Chinese investments. While not opposed to expanding trade ties, Krúpa emphasised the need for any agreements to be consistent with Slovakia’s obligations as a member of the EU and NATO. The opposition is pressing parliament to pass a resolution barring Fico from entering opaque investment deals, referencing Hungary’s contentious experience with Chinese investors. Fico’s visit is slated for late October or early November.
Player Liam Pecararo of HC Slovan Bratislava and goalkeeper Dominik Hrachovina of HC MONACObet Banská Bystrica during the match of the third round of the Tipos Extraliga, on September 24, 2024 in Bratislava. (source: TASR - Michal Runák)
The border crossing between the Slovak village of Moravský Svätý Ján in the Trnava Region and the Austrian village of Hohenau was reopened on Monday, September 23.
Had parliamentary elections been held in September, Smer would have won with 22.8 percent of the vote. Following closely behind, Progressive Slovakia would have garnered 22.4 percent of voter support, while Hlas would have placed third, securing 15.1 percent of the vote. (AKO)
The Christian Democratic Movement has condemned government commissioner Peter Kotlár’s proposal to ban mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, labelling his assertion that vaccination constitutes ‘gene therapy’ as both dangerous and irresponsible. The movement argues that vaccinations protect at-risk populations from severe illness and death, urging Prime Minister Robert Fico to stop using pandemic investigations as political tools and to prepare responsibly for future health crises. (SITA)
WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Expect a cloudy to overcast day, with rain or showers likely in many areas. Daytime temperatures will range from 14°C to 22°C. (SHMÚ)
SEPTEMBER 25 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Vladislav, Vladislava.
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