Good evening. Here is the Monday, May 19 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Fico's gvt defies global consensus on pandemic preparedness
PM Robert Fico (Smer). (source: Martin Baumann)
Slovakia once again seems to be the only country to have a problem with regulations that would help fight any potential future pandemic.
Last year, it was the only country to have distanced itself from amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), designed to curb the international spread of disease and improve global information-sharing, among other aims.
These are expected to be followed by a new treaty, which is scheduled for discussion at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 19-27. The proposed treaty seeks to enhance global preparedness and response to future pandemics.
In keeping with last year’s vote, Slovak PM Robert Fico (Smer) announced over the weekend that Slovakia will not support the treaty. Citing the coalition’s majority stance, Fico said the Slovak delegation would instead call for a formal vote on the agreement, rather than accepting it as a global consensus.
On Monday, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus personally contacted Fico, urging a change in the Slovak government's position. Fico, however, reaffirmed the stance.
"If a vote is held, the Slovak delegation is instructed not to support the pandemic agreement, as it violates the principle of national sovereignty and unduly infringes on human rights," Fico stated on social media.
Criticism: The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) criticised the move, warning that rejection of the agreement could restrict the country's access to pandemic-related diagnostics and treatments. The academy also challenged Fico's sovereignty concerns, pointing out that the agreement explicitly upholds national sovereignty and human rights, without infringing upon Slovakia's constitutional powers. This interpretation was echoed by Education Minister Tomáš Drucker (Hlas), who also voiced disapproval.
SAV further cautioned against dismissing established scientific facts and protocols, warning that indulging in misinformation and disrupting international cooperation poses a direct threat to public health in Slovakia.
President Peter Pellegrini condemned the government's stance as irresponsible. "I'm disappointed that, in pursuit of a few political points, we are needlessly damaging Slovakia’s international reputation and turning away from improved health protections for our citizens," he said. Health Minister Kamil Šaško (Hlas) also opposed the decision but was outvoted by coalition partners Smer and SNS.
Calls for resignation: The opposition SaS party called on Šaško to resign if he genuinely disagrees with the government's position, arguing that remaining in office would make him complicit. Meanwhile, Progressive Slovakia and Demokrati urged President Pellegrini to reconsider his constitutional powers concerning foreign treaties, questioning the sincerity of his criticism if no action follows.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
LAST WEEK: Smer throws a peculiar love-fest on the anniversary of Fico's attack. At an event supposedly held to fight hate, a lot of blame was being cast around.
BUSINESS: Fitch has given the Slovak government credit for reforms but flagged structural weaknesses and economic headwinds tied to global trade and heavy reliance on automotive sector.
PANDEMIC: Slovak politicians have reacted with a mix of condemnation, cautious support, and calls for accountability following a damning court ruling against the European Commission over its handling of Covid-19 vaccine procurement.
ICE HOCKEY: The Slovak national team had set its sights on reaching the quarter-finals at this year’s World Championship—but that dream was dashed over the weekend.
MUSEUMS: Andrea Predajňová, a new head of Slovak National Museum, was appointed amid a controversy. Also, she has never lead an institution of this size.
TRAVEL: An iconic mountain hut still draws crowds—without generous donors, Slovakia might have lost it.
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FEATURE STORY
Nothing groundbreaking, as expected
SNS MP Peter Kotlár thinks that Slovakia did not experience any coronavirus pandemic in the years 2020-2023. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
Last week, the long-awaited report championed by Peter Kotlár—the Slovak government's envoy assigned to investigate alleged mismanagement during the coronavirus pandemic—was finally published. The document had been promoted as casting doubt on the safety of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.
The daily Sme consulted experts for their assessment of the paper. According to them, rather than confirming conspiracy theories about the alleged dangers of the vaccines, the report effectively refuted such claims. It also revealed numerous irregularities, including screenshots showing one of the author's computer operating system.
EVENT FOR THE WEKEND
Celebration of everything playful
A still from a previous edition of Cirkul'art. (source: TASR)
The only event of its kind in Slovakia, the Cirkul’art Festival is an international celebration of creativity, featuring contemporary theatre, modern circus, and street art. This vibrant showcase takes place from 23 to 25 May in Stupava, near Bratislava. Click here for tickets and full programme details.
IN OTHER NEWS
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) has claimed he does not know far-right agitator and extremist Daniel Bombic, also known as Danny Kollár — despite appearing on his online show in 2023. "I don't know who he is, all I know is that he has shows," Fico said during an interview on the political programme V politike on private broadcaster TA3. Hlas chair and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, along with Smer MEP Erik Kaliňák, have also appeared on Bombic's shows. Bombic is linked to the ruling Smer party through the law firm Kallan Legal, which represents him in court. The firm is owned by Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, a senior figure in Smer. The Government Office has also defended Bombic, stating that his controversial rhetoric falls under freedom of speech. (SME)
Ombudsman Róbert Dobrovodský has concluded that the police are not responsible for the death of a Ukrainian man in January. The man was found severely beaten near the Nivy shopping centre in central Bratislava. He died the next day in Ružinov hospital. Initial reports from TA3 suggested possible involvement by a private security company (SBS) and a police patrol from Ružinov. Following his investigation, Dobrovodský found no police wrongdoing. (SITA)
Slovak slalom canoeist Zuzana Paňková won bronze in the K1 category of the 2025 European Canoe Slalom Championships in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. She was the only Slovak athlete that won a medal. (source: TASR)
After a two-month closure due to foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, Bratislava Zoo will reopen to the public on Wednesday, May 21. In a social media post, zoo officials confirmed that all animals are healthy and safe. A large event is planned for the weekend of May 24–25 to mark the reopening. Some protective measures, such as disinfection stations, will remain in place. The reopening is part of a broader easing of restrictions. The State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS) will also lift the nationwide ban on transporting susceptible animals and allow other zoos to reopen. (TASR, SVPS)
Slovakia is set to host the 2029 Ice Hockey World Championship, with the official announcement expected by the end of the week. Slovakia was the only country to submit a bid for the tournament. (Sportnet)
On Monday, the High Tatras and mountain ranges in the Banská Bystrica Region received several dozen centimetres of fresh snow, prompting a Level 1 avalanche warning. (HZS)
On Saturday, the Slovak Agricultural Museum in Nitra held a mowing competition as part of the country wide league. Men, women and children competed who would be the first to mow down increasingly bigger patches of grass. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: The cloud cover will change throughout the day, occasionally showers and rain are expected. Daily temperatures will rise to between 13 °C to 22 °C. (SHMÚ)
MAY 20 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Bernard
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