Good evening. Here is the Friday, February 23of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
SaS submits resolution calling on Russia to investigate Navalny's death
A flower and a picture are left as a tribute to Russian politician Alexei Navalny, near to the Russian Embassy in London. (source: Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Opposition party Sloboda A Solidarita (SaS) has submitted a draft resolution to parliament proposing that it call on Russia to allow an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
MPs Vladimíra Marcinková and Juraj Krúpa presented the proposal at a news conference on Friday, February 23. They said they were submitting the resolution to parliament partly because they cannot rely on the government's foreign policy.
"The whole western and democratic world has unified, demanding the truth about Navalny's death. Why won't [Foreign] Minister Juraj Blanár invite the Russian ambassador to put unpleasant questions to him, or express his concern about how it is possible that the opposition leader was murdered in Russia? All the surrounding countries have done so," stated Marcinková.
Krúpa called on Blanár (Smer) to start forming a truly sovereign and independent foreign policy for Slovakia. "Not just one by which he criticises our partners and allies in the European Union and NATO," Krúpa stated.
Last Friday, February 16, Prime Minister Robert Fico commented on the death of Navalny: Navalny's death requires, he said, a thorough investigation and accountability for any failures or deliberate actions associated with this death. He made the announcement on social media. "The death of a politician or someone politically accused in prison always raises enormous doubts," stated Fico.
SaS noted the timing of the draft resolution, which comes on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Business: Power producer Slovenské Elektrárne achieved record-breaking hydroelectric production in January. Total output for the month hit a 25-year high and contributed nearly 10 percent of the country's electricity supply.
Politics: The EU is to lift sanctions against a pro-Russian Slovak who represents the Kremlin-aligned Night Wolves biker gang in Europe, after lobbying by Prime Minister Robert Fico. Two Russian businessmen will also see sanctions on them lifted, the Reuters news agency reports.
Culture: This week, The Slovak Spectator brings you a captivating selection of good news about the Bank of Love, expressions of gratitude from Ukrainians, and a heartwarming gesture from ice hockey star Juraj Slafkovský to a fan.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
What to do over spring break?
The Greek bistro Suvlaki on Krížna Street in Bratislava. (source: Peter Dlhopolec - The Slovak Spectator)
With spring break just around the corner, are you still unsure about your plans? In that case one of The Slovak Spectator's editors, , has prepared a guide with a variety of ideas for travel, art, miscellaneous fun, food and upcoming events.
Whether you're craving Greek cuisine to transport yourself on a culinary vacation, exploring the charm of Bratislava or the beauty of Slovakia, indulging in Japanese hip-hop in Trnava, or discovering unique antique markets, our article on The Slovak Spectator website has all the details to help you choose the perfect event.
EVENTS
Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
(source: Pixabay)
Bratislava offers a variety of events for foreigners between February 25 and March 2.
Immerse yourself in the beats of DJs Kinet & Thomas Tracy at Nu Spirit Bar, savour the delights of the Winter Food Festival in various Bratislava restaurants, show your support at the Concert for Ukraine in Primaciálne Námestie and Fuga Club, witness the clash between hockey teams HC Slovan Bratislava and HC '05 Banská Bystrica at the Ondrej Nepela Stadium, and experience Natália Okolicsányiová's "For You With Love" exhibition at Flatgallery.
For all the details about these and other events, visit The Slovak Spectator website here.
In other news
The Nation's Memory Institute (ÚPN) published on its website an overview of the members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Slovakia(506) and an overview of the members of the governments of the Slovak Socialist Republic (57) on Friday.
A recent Ipsos opinion poll for the Denník N daily suggests that Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) would have led the first round vote in the presidential election, had it been held in February. He got 42 percent, followed by former diplomat Ivan Korčok on 36.3 percent. A potential second round between Pellegrini and Korčok would favour Pellegrini with 53.8 percent to Korčok's 46.2 percent. Notably, the outcome may be influenced by voter turnout and the presence of Štefan Harabin, who polled 8.5 percent.
President Zuzana Čaputová, perceives the non-publication of the government's amendment to the Penal Code in the Collection of Laws of the Slovak Republic as obstruction. She stated on Friday that despite being signed by all three highest constitutional officials, the amendment, usually published within two days, has still not been made public. Čaputová believes that the non-publication itself does not prevent the Constitutional Court from deciding on the suspension of the amendment's effectiveness, something she is seeking via a motion currently before the court. (TASR)
Presidential candidate Róbert Švec, after being admitted at the last minute to the forthcoming presidential election, has another objection: his master's degree has been left off the official ballot paper approved by the State Election Commission. In the list of 11 candidates, he is the only one without a degree. Švec stated, "My presidential candidacy this year is accompanied by very peculiar incidents. First, a conscious effort by Pellegrini and his people to eliminate me from the race for the Presidential Palace, and now another mis-step by the competent authorities. I will request a response from the competent authorities regarding this matter." (SITA)
WEATHER FOR SATURDAY
The weather on Saturday promises to be mostly overcast, with initial rain in several places, and snowfall at higher altitudes. Showers will be sporadic in the west, strengthening later in the afternoon. However, temperatures are expected to remain warm for the time of year, with the highest daytime temperatures ranging from 8°C to 13°C, and up to 15 °C in some southern areas. (SHMÚ)
FEBRUARY 24 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Matej, Mateo
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