Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, May 22 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Heavily criticised amendment passes
Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová (SNS nominee). (source: TASR)
On Wednesday, Parliament approved a controversial amendment regarding the Slovak Arts Council (FPU), an independently-managed arts fund. Instead of experts deciding which projects will receive financial support, a board under the influence of the Culture Ministry, which is controlled by the SNS party, will make these decisions. The amendment will take effect as of June 1.
When making decisions, the board will take into account the opinion of an expert commission, which will be the council's advisory body. However, that opinion will not be binding.
The number of board members will be increased from nine to 13, with seven appointed by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, and one by the minister based on a proposal from mayors of towns and villages and regional governors. The process for appointing remaining members remains unchanged.
FPU will also be able to provide money for the restoration, modernisation and infrastructure of cultural facilities and to support traditional folk culture.
A few weeks ago, hundreds of experts in commissions deciding on the applications sent to the FPU had threatened to leave if changes to the FPU were approved. The culture minister told the television news channel TA3 that "others will come after them". The minister wants to see the fund support more (truly Slovak) projects in regions.
"Despite the fact that virtually no one agrees with this law, the coalition has voted for an amendment that means the destruction of the public nature of FPU and its takeover by the culture minister," claimed Progresívne Slovensko, an opposition party, after the vote.
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FEATURE STORY FOR WEDNESDAY
Going to Croatia?
A beach near Dubrovnik, Croatia. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
For many years, the Adriatic Sea has been nicknamed the 'Slovak Sea' as thousands upon thousands of vacationers return to popular spots every summer.
If you are planning on travelling there again this year, and thinking about which means of transport or which route to choose and how much it will cost you, this story has got you covered.
EVENT FOR THE COMING WEEKS
Remembering the Iron Curtain in Devín
Removal of barbed-wire fencing in Devín, Bratislava, on December 11, 1989. (source: TASR)
A new exhibition called 'Pozor, hranica! Devín v železnej opone' (Warning, border ahead! Devín Castle in the Iron Curtain) has been opened at the iconic castle of near Bratislava. After the communist takeover of 1948, part of the iron curtain ran right under Devín Castle. The exhibition showcases the various measures that were enacted to prevent people from escaping, as well as stories of those who attempted to do so. For more information, tickets, click here.
IN OTHER NEWS
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) is in a serious but stable condition in the wake of last week's shooting, F.D. Roosevelt Faculty Hospital in Banská Bystrica reported on Wednesday. (TASR)
Police are currently investigating 48 cases of public approval of the attempt on the PM's life along with hate speech and threats against political representatives, Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas) reported after a session of the State Security Council on Wednesday. The minister added that a bill aimed at bolstering protection of constitutional officials and the state will be submitted in the near future. (TASR)
On Tuesday, a new development centre was opened in Košice by MinebeaMitsumi, creating job opportunities for up to 200 people in total. The centre will make products and applications related to the automotive industry as well as electric motors for industrial use. At the same time, the company wants to strengthen cooperation with the Technical University in Košice and other universities, creating an ecosystem of knowledge exchange and technical skills. (TASR)
Automotive supplier Yazaki Europe has announced that it will gradually cease the operation of its plant in Michalovce, eastern Slovakia, affecting 207 employees, citing the 'current situation in automotive industry'. During the transition period, the plant will continue production until June 2025. The number of employees will be gradually reduced in several waves. (TASR)
In the first four months of this year, M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava served more than 358,000 arriving and departing passengers, a y-o-y increase of over 9 percent. (SITA)
For the seventh time, Nedbalova Street in Bratislava's Staré Mesto (Old Town) borough has been transformed into an umbrella street. This year, the installation was inspired by the work Blue Rhapsody by prominent 20th century painter Michal Jakabčić. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies, occasional showers, rain or storms expected as a level 1 storm warning has been issued for central and eastern Slovakia. Daily temperatures between 18 °C and 26 °C. (SHMÚ)
MAY 23 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Želmíra
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