Good afternoon. Here is theFriday, December 22 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
We'll be taking a break during the Christmas holidays on December 25-26, so the next edition of Today in Slovakia will be published on Wednesday, December 27. We hope you'll be taking a break too, and wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas!
President: People should not feel resigned
President Zuzana Čaputová (source: TASR)
In an interview with the Sme daily, Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has been commenting on several key issues facing Slovakia over recent weeks.
In early December, opposition parties started organising anti-government protests over changes to the Criminal Code that include scrapping the Special Prosecutor’s Office and reducing sentences for financial crimes. More than 40 people linked to previous Smer governments have been convicted in recent years, and dozens more currently face charges; most of the cases were brought by the Special Prosecutor’s Office.
The protests have been gaining strength, but there are doubts they will force Prime Minister Robert Fico from power as similar protests did in 2018.
"Feedback to politicians through public expression of opinion – in, I emphasise, a decent, normal, matter-of-fact way – is very important. And it's not in vain. I'm not saying it always brought change and miracles the next day, but it had an important meaning," says the president.
"Resignation means that people have capitulated in advance and this is not how democracy is supposed to work," she adds.
Čaputová also talks about the varying opinions on when she should have been more visible – and vice versa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she was criticised for voicing opinions too much, while when Robert Fico formed his current government, she was criticised for being less visible.
"I try to find the balance myself, and it's always a combination of experience and feelings, because we're talking about a completely inexact realm," she explains.
She also comments on the actions the European Union might take against Slovakia, whether she reads every mail she receives, and the issues that society should talk about. Read the interview in Slovak here.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
WHAT TO DO: Today is your final chance to buy some unique gifts in Bratislava's Old Market Hall. Make some plans for New Year's Eve with our tips on events.
SCIENCE: How scientists are using ceramics to repair bones. The field of technical ceramics is relatively new.
TRAVEL: A former school under the Low Tatras has been turned into an attraction inspired by the movie Avatar.
AUTOMOTIVE: The range of cars being made in Slovakia is changing, with carmakers investing heavily in Slovakia.CRIME: One of Slovakia's most wanted criminals has been detained in Britain.
ELECTION: Investigative journalists from the VSquare project report that advisers to Hungarys' prime minister, Viktor Orbán, helped Smer and Hlas before this year's election.
ENERGY: Nuclear energy is set to remain dominant in Slovak power generation.
BUSINESS: Successful family businesses are recognised as role models by the FéliX Business Awards.
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FEATURE STORY FOR FRIDAY
Some feel-good stories to raise the mood
A lenticularis cloud over the Tatras (source: Facebook/Stanislav Yi)
In addition to an unusual spectacle over the High Tatras, read what a British daily liked about Bratislava's Christmas market so much that it placed it among its top 10 Christmas markets in Europe.
PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO
Everything you wanted to know about Slovak Christmas
Christmas markets on the Main Square in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
In the past, our Spectacular Slovakia podcasts have covered the ins and outs of Christmas holidays in Slovakia extensively. Why not give some of them a listen over the Christmas season.
American Jeremy Hill recollects his first festive holidays in Slovakia, when an oncologist told him some bad news – but "artery-clogging Slovak Christmas delicacies" brought him back to life. Canadian Naomi Hužovičová tells you about traditions and what dishes she prepares for the festivities. You will also learn about an iconic seasonal TV ad, some seasonal vocabulary, and more.
IN OTHER NEWS
A black flag will be raised in front of the Presidential Palace in Bratislava on December 23 between 8:00 and 20:00 as a sign of respect for the victims of the mass shooting at Charles University in Prague on December 21. (TASR)
In an interview with the TASR newswire, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) said that there had been no doubt that changes to the Criminal Code would provoke a strong reaction among the opposition parties. The proposed changes include the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office. Fico also decried opposition leaders for "instigating the masses and sending us [the government] to jail", and said people outside Bratislava have other problems to deal with. The ongoing protests – which this week took place in 11 cities and towns nationwide and are gaining in strength – will not change anything, Fico said. (TASR)
One of the most visited gorges in the Slovak Paradise National Park, Suchá Belá, is once again open for hiking. The gorge was temporarily closed due to fallen trees two weeks ago. Now that most have been cut and cleared, the gorge is accessible, but park managers warn that there are still many fallen trees overhanging the gorge and unfavourable weather conditions may result in more coming down. (SITA)
Free ski buses headed to the Jasná ski resort started operating today in the Liptov region. The service operates at 15-minute intervals, and passengers can get on and off at the bottom of the Demänovská Dolina valley and at the railway station in Liptovský Mikuláš. The buses also serve the Liptovská Mara water reservoir and the Bešeňová water park. (VisitLiptov)
Slovakia is sending 16 ambulances to Ukraine, the Health Ministry has announced. Since the recent purchase of new vehicles, the ambulances have been declared surplus property. They still contain all their original equipment and are now ready to provide health care in Ukraine, which is having to deal with the effects of Russia's ongoing invasion. The Spiš Catholic Charity will deliver them. (TASR)
After US Senator John Fetterman vowed to block the purchase of the American steel company U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, US President Joe Biden announced he wants to have the purchase checked, citing national security concerns. (ČTK)
Chefs preparing special Christmas meals for socially disadvantaged senior citizens in Košice. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
On Saturday, expect thick cloud cover with snowfall in many places and showers in the south-west, combined with strong winds. Daytime temperatures will be between -3°C and 5°C. Sunday will be similar, but over the course of the day showers are expected in western and central Slovakia. Daytime temperatures will rise to 1°C to 6°C, and up to 11°C in western and southern parts.
Several level 1 and level 2 weather warnings have been issued for both days; see the map for Saturday here and for Sunday here. (SHMÚ)
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