Good evening. Here is the Monday, December 4 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in fewer than five minutes.
How Fico's government regards the rule of law
Robert Fico (Smer), during the announcement after the conclusion of the 7th session of the Slovak government in Bratislava on December 4. (source: Martin Baumann)
The political landscape in Slovakia is undergoing significant and rapid changes, making people wonder what the government's stance on Ukraine actually is and what alterations to the legal system it aims to introduce.
Proposed changes to Slovakia's legal system, including alterations to the Special Prosecutor's Office and whistle-blower protection laws, have sparked controversy over potential threats to the country's legal integrity. The government's secretive approach signals a concerning shift in its stance on the rule of law.
To find out all the details read Michaela Terenzani's opinion article.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Advertorial:Falath & Partners, a law firm, highlights three pivotal changes that will significantly impact anyone considering construction projects in Slovakia after April 1, 2024.
Employment: Volvo's investment in a new industrial park near Košice, Slovakia, is expected to boost the region's economy, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure.
Football: Slovakia is placed in Group E for the 2024 European Championships with Belgium, Romania, and the winner of Play-off B.
Politics: AFocus agency poll indicated that, in hypothetical scenarios, Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini would lead against Ivan Korčok and Štefan Harabin.
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FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY
A Ukrainian transformed into a beauty specialist in Slovakia
Hanna Semenova in her Bratislava salon. (source: Archive of H. S.)
Ukrainian aesthetician Hanna Semenova, a cancer survivor and refugee, has found success in Slovakia, running a salon in Bratislava together with other Ukrainians. Learn more about her story.
MUSIC NEWS
Singer Barbara Haščáková passes away at 43
At the age of 43, Slovak singer Barbara Haščáková passed away on November 22 in Sarasota, Florida, USA, due to a sudden cerebral stroke, as confirmed by her brother Andrej Haščák.
The final farewell took place on November 28, with a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. Her remains will be transferred to Slovakia in the coming weeks, and she will be laid to rest in her hometown of Košice.
In other news
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed non-military support for Ukraine, emphasising humanitarian aid and demining, while maintaining a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports and expressing continued backing for Ukraine's European aspirations. (TASR)
The Slovak government approved an increase in health insurance contributions for employers, self-employed individuals, and self-payers, citing the critical state of public finances and the need to address a shortfall in healthcare funding.(TASR)
Progresívne Slovensko (PS) announces plans to file a constitutional complaint over the government's intention to restrict or abolish the functioning of the Special Prosecutor's Office, criticising the government's lack of transparency in not disclosing the proposal's details and accusing PMFico of dismantling the rule of law. (TASR)
Slovak political parties, including Smer, Progresívne Slovensko, and Hlas, are set to receive a total contribution of €92.87 million based on the results of the recent parliamentary elections. The funds will be disbursed annually from 2023 to 2027, with Smer receiving the highest amount, followed by other parties like Progresívne Slovensko, Hlas, OĽaNO (now Slovensko), Christian Union (KÚ), and KDH. Additionally, entities like Republika and Aliancia, which received over 3 percent of votes but didn't enter parliament, will also receive funds.
Lorries near Bidovce, eastern Slovakia, on December 3, 2023. They are parked in connection with the blockade of the Vyšné Nemecké border crossing and the density of truck traffic heading to the border with Ukraine. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR TUESDAY
Weather for tomorrow promises to be clouded to overcast with occasional local cloud cover reduction. In some areas, especially in the southern half, there will be light snowfall. Isolated formation of snow in the far west in the morning. It promises to be cold, take your warmest clothes. The highest daytime temperature is -4 to +1 °C. (SHMÚ)
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