Good evening and welcome to the Friday, February 21 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Fico meets Musk, declares "the era of USAID has ended"
Robert Fico met technology magnate Elon Musk in Washington, DC, on Friday, February 21, 2025. (source: Facebook - Robert Fico)
Prime Minister Robert Fico met technology magnate and overseer of the US government pseudo-department DOGE Elon Musk in Washington, DC today, Friday, February 21. Ironically, Fico shared news of the visit by posting a video to Facebook (owned by Musk rival Mark Zuckerberg) in which Musk welcomed him while wearing a black MAGA cap.
During their conversation, Fico addressed USAID, an aid agency that Musk has effectively dismantled with President Trump's approval. Fico claims that USAID was providing significant funding for NGOs and media in Slovakia, and that these resources were used to conduct anti-government activities. "This era has ended, and the administration is not interested in intervening in the internal affairs of other countries through American money," Fico stated.
Fico referred to Musk as the "highest representative of the government efficiency office," despite the unclear legal status of DOGE and Musk's actual role in it (the administration recently testified to a US judge that Musk does not head DOGE). Musk reportedly warned that the responsibilities of USAID could be taken over by Brussels, urging caution within the EU.
USAID is in fact absent from Slovakia, and has been for years. Instead, the agency's dissolution has primarily affected relief operations in areas of the world hit by conflict, natural disasters and disease, with humanitarian aid, vaccination drives, and demining operations worldwide being halted more or less overnight.
Fico also discussed trade tariffs on European goods with Musk, expressing concern that tariffs on automobiles could severely impact Slovak exporters. He requested a further meeting with Musk to explore the possibility of equal or zero tariffs on cars exported from Europe and the US. According to Fico, the US administration is open to addressing uniform tariff rates. However, individual EU member states play no role in external trade negotiations, which are handled by the European Commission.
Fico presented Slovakia as an attractive investment destination, particularly for automotive companies like Tesla, which is owned by Musk, and mentioned discussions about establishing AI data centres in Slovakia.
Related:
Fico is also scheduled to speak at the US Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an event that gathers supporters of Donald Trump and other right-wing and nationalist political operatives. Fico is a curious choice as participant: a Communist Party member until 1989, he still presents himself as a "leftist" and his Smer party brands itself "social democratic". However, Smer now governs in coalition with the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) and has been suspended by pan-European socialist groups.
Fico is expected to criticise the EU's migration policies and what he calls "gender ideology" education, and to advocate for Slovak national sovereignty.
Hungary's right-wing nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán, an ally of Fico, is a regular participant at CPAC events, one of which he hosted in Budapest last year.
Far-right Slovak MEP Milan Uhrík (Republika) also announced his participation in the event, but the conference does not list him among its speakers.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Gen Z and alcohol: A new survey reveals surprising trends in alcohol consumption among Slovaks, highlighting Gen Z’s reliance on drinking for social confidence and the hidden dangers of emotional drinking.
Opinion: The future of work is being reshaped by AI, shifting demographics, and evolving employee expectations – discover how businesses must adapt to stay competitive and thrive.
Weekend: Not sure what to do this weekend? Why not experience a real fašiangy (pre-Lent carnival), thrilling sleigh races, or a unique mask exhibition? Find out how by checking out our weekly guide.
Good news: The global 'Good Country Index' has ranked Slovakia among the top fifth of countries; over a million tourists visited Bratislava in 2024; and Polish low-cost retailer Biedronka is set to open its first store in Slovakia on March 5. Here’s a fresh selection of feel-good news to brighten your day!
Interview: Last month, The Slovak Spectator sat down with Ľuboš Blaha for a candid discussion about his views. Blaha argues for absolute freedom of speech, criticises the misuse of "disinformation" to silence dissent, and calls for "pragmatic" diplomacy with Russia.
US money: Slovakia’s ruling coalition is targeting NGOs amidst claims of misused US aid, despite evidence that such funding primarily supports meaningful projects and institutions, not least resource-starved Slovak universities.
If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, why not buy our online subscription with no ads? We'll mail a copy of The Slovak Spectator's print edition to your home in Slovakia each month. Thank you!
FEATURE STORY
A cure for diabetes is no longer a fantasy, but a potential reality
Maybe soon, diabetics will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief. (source: Pexels)
Researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) are working on a breakthrough treatment for diabetes using cell therapy. Slovak chemist Igor Lacík and his team may have found a simple yet effective way to treat the disease, bringing hope for safer and more efficient treatment for this life-changing condition.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
A winter craving for food
Top chefs cook top food. (source: BKIS)
Top chefs from the highest-rated restaurants in the popular restaurant guide Gurmán na Slovensku guide will present visitors with a special festival menu at more accessible prices. Get ready to indulge in some delicious food!
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Culture Ministry has scrapped the selection process for the director of the Slovak National Gallery (SNG) due to a conflict of interest among committee members. A new competition will be announced. Artist Juraj Králik, who reportedly scored highest in the initial selection, faces scrutiny for his past collaboration with committee member Vladislav Rostoka. Minister Martina Šimkovičová has pledged to investigate the allegations and ensure transparency. Seven candidates participated in the selection, which took place on February 3. (Sme, TASR)
Education Minister Tomáš Drucker reported progress in optimising Slovakia's secondary school network, with 62 projects in progress. He stressed the need for better communication between local governments and the public. In Trenčín, 65 schools have been merged into 38, and local officials are being encouraged to discuss the benefits with communities. Changes are expected to take effect by the 2025/26 school year, with assurances that smaller schools will not close but will join larger institutions for shared management and resources. (Sme)
Former speaker of parliament Boris Kollár lost a court case against dismissed police officer Ján Čurilla, resulting in a court order for him to apologise and pay compensation of €50,000. Kollár's remarks about the "Čurilla mafia" infringed on Čurilla's personal rights, as he had only been accused, not convicted, the court found. The judge emphasised that freedom of expression must yield to the protection of honour and truth, especially from constitutional officials. Kollár plans to appeal to the regional court. (Sme)
In connection with public gatherings held this evening in several Slovak cities, the police force said it had implemented security measures to ensure a peaceful and safe environment. "Our primary goal is to ensure the uninterrupted and trouble-free course of the gatherings, protect life, health, property, and public order, and prevent illegal activities while identifying offenders early," stated police spokesperson Roman Hájek. The police urged all participants to respect the instructions and requests of officers on-site and to be considerate of others. Security conditions will be continuously monitored and assessed, with updates on the gatherings and any related traffic or other restrictions shared by regional police on their Facebook profiles. (SITA)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Skies over Slovakia will be mostly clear this weekend. It will also be warmer than last weekend, with daytime temperatures ranging from 3°C to 8°C. However, the lack of cloud cover means night-time temperatures in western Slovakia may drop to -7°C, and in some regions to as low as -14°C. Winds should be light. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 warning for low temperatures in Banská Bystrica, Košice, Žilina and Prešov Regions. Additionally, SHMÚ has issued a PM10 smog alert for the village of Veľká Ida in Košice Region. (SHMÚ)
TIME TO CELEBRATE: Etela, Roman and Romana, and – last but not least! – Matej and Mateo are the lucky ones celebrating their name days this weekend: Saturday, February 22 - Etela; Sunday, February 23 - Roman and Romana; Monday, February 24 - Matej and Mateo.
Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us!
P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator).
