Good evening. Here is the Friday, December 13 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
'Yugoslav' Prime Minister Fico seeks to align Slovakia with BRICS bloc
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (r) shakes hands with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in Brasília on December 10, 2024. (source: Ľuboš Bilačič)
During Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Brazil this week, two notable incidents have captured media attention.
First, Slovakia expressed interest in purchasing three Brazilian-made Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft while phasing out its two Alenia C-27J Spartan planes – even though the latter were acquired only in 2017 and 2018. Such planes typically have a service life spanning decades.
Second, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin mistakenly welcomed Fico as the "Prime Minister of Yugoslavia."
Brazilian media coverage of the trip has largely consisted of brief reports; Fico, meanwhile, has used the opportunity to criticise Western policies.
In an interview with Jornal de Brasilia, Fico alleged Western nations had drawn Ukraine into its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite Russia having initiated the war by launching an all-out military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Fico added: “The time will come when the West says it didn’t work out, and sacrifices Ukraine.” He also compared the situation to the 1938 Munich Agreement and advocated for “normalising relations with Russia”.
While reaffirming Slovakia’s NATO and EU commitments, Fico suggested the conflict would eventually return to normalcy, saying, “international politics is not about morality.”
Fico’s focus on strengthening ties with the five countries loosely grouped under the banner of BRICS – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – fits his “four cardinal directions” foreign policy approach. He has long favoured engagement with non-Western nations, maintaining that Slovakia needs a more “sovereign and independent” foreign policy. However, critics argue this stance is mainly intended to mobilise Slovak voters who are sympathetic to authoritarian regimes.
Fico’s scepticism towards Ukraine and his perceived pro-Russian leanings have energised his domestic base. Surveys reveal a strong alignment between supporters of his Smer party and pro-Russian narratives, with many rejecting mainstream depictions of Russia.
This dynamic played a significant role in Smer's 2023 election victory, as Fico’s messaging on national interests resonated with a significant minority of Slovak voters.
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Weekend: Košice can offer you a slam poetry championship or a Harry Potter movie marathon. Trnava, on the other hand, hosts a mediaeval Christmas market, while Nitra and Trenčín offer festive rides on a Christmas-themed bus. For more weekend activity ideas, read more here!
Good news: A Slovak player in Czechia emerges as a hidden hockey gem, a Slovak hospital examines a 3,000-year-old "patient", and discover the Slovak meme of the week. Here it is – our fresh selection of feel-good stories just for you!
War in the police: Former police detectives Branislav Dunčko and Róbert Magula will remain at liberty after the Bratislava Regional Court rejected a prosecutor’s request to remand them in custody on charges of obstuction of justice. The judges dismissed the prosecutor's evidence as flimsy.
Travel: The Javorníková valley in Slovakia, a hidden gem of the Muránska Planina National Park, is reopening to visitors after being closed for over two decades. Access will be limited to small, guided groups to preserve its unique wildlife and environment.
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FEATURE STORY
Bratislava rolls' 400-year tradition was revived by a master baker
The book covers the 400-year-plus history of Bratislava rolls. (source: Bratislavské Rožky)
Bratislava rolls, a beloved pastry with a heritage dating back more than four centuries, have made a powerful comeback thanks to master baker Vojtech Szemes, who revived the tradition after communism's decline. Dive into the origins of this sweet snack, the legends surrounding it, and the intricate recipe that keeps the tradition alive in the heart of Bratislava today.
EVENT FOR THE COMING WEEK
Coca-Cola Christmas truck pulls into Bratislava
If Christmas wasn't sweet enough already, Coca-Cola comes bearing more sugary snacks. (source: BKIS)
Some people say the Coca-Cola company invented Santa Claus. You'll get a chance to make your own mind up when the legendary Coca-Cola Christmas truck visits Bratislava on December 19.
IN OTHER NEWS
President Peter Pellegrini signed a law on Friday that amends certain legislation to ensure the availability of "constitutional" healthcare services by obliging doctors who have resigned in a pay dispute with the government to continue working. He justified the decision by stressing that it is vital for Slovak patients to receive the necessary care, and expressed hope that the law would never need to be enacted. Pellegrini acknowledged concerns about the healthcare situation after January 1, 2025, due to ongoing disagreements with medical unions, but urged doctors to responsibly support Slovak patients. (TASR)
Robert Kaliňák admits there could be a discussion on NATO countries' defence spending if the current 2 percent of GDP is deemed insufficient. The minister made the remarks before a government meeting, adding that if the global security situation continues to deteriorate, defence spending may exceed 2 percent of GDP. "Considering what is happening not only in Ukraine but also in Gaza and Syria, the burden on border protection and overall security will depend on these developments," he stated. (TASR)
Starting from January 1, 2025, Slovak police officers will be able to travel by train for free, with a condition that they intervene in case of any security incidents during the journey. To qualify, they must purchase a yearly identification card for €20, with the total cost covered by the Interior Ministry. The initiative aims to enhance police stability and passenger safety, though opposition parties criticise it, highlighting that funds should go towards police equipment and infrastructure rather than luxury vehicles recently purchased by the ministry. (Sme)
Scientists from the Geotechnical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) have received support for a project aimed at cleaning underground water and extracting critical raw materials. The "Remedy" project, with a budget of €3 million, addresses growing environmental concerns in Slovakia and Europe, particularly contamination from mining and industrial processes. The project combines physical, chemical and biological methods to remove organic pollutants and heavy metals, focusing on cleaning water supplies and recovering valuable minerals like nickel and cobalt. (TASR)
Two new 'Bibliobuses' will start operating in Prešov Region next week. The mobile libraries will provide library and information services to cities and municipalities in the districts of Svidník, Stropkov, Poprad, Kežmarok and Levoča. The photo shows a Bibliobus on December 13, 2024, in Prešov. (TASR) (source: Maroš Černý)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It's expected to be mostly cloudy and foggy this weekend. In some areas, there may be light snow or drizzle, with the possibility of icy patches forming. The highest daytime temperatures will range from -2°C to 3°C, with slightly warmer conditions in the south, up to around 5°C. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 warning for strong winds in the mountainous areas of Banská Bystrica, Prešov, and Žilina Regions. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, December 14 - Branislava, Bronislava; Sunday, December 15 - Ivica; Monday, December 16 - Albína.
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