Good evening. Here is the Friday, May 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Could young voters buck Slovakia's trend of dismally low European election turnouts?
Elections to the European Parliament will take place in Slovakia on Saturday, June 8. (source: TASR)
Elections to the next European Parliament will take place across the EU in early June and, traditionally, Slovakia has recorded some of the lowest turnouts among all member states. The last election, in 2019 saw fewer than 23 percent of voters cast a ballot – which was still a record high for Slovakia. At the previous election, in 2014, turnout barely scraped above 13 percent. However, hopes are high that in the upcoming vote – which will take place in Slovakia on Saturday, June 8 – young Slovaks will vote in significantly higher numbers than average.
About 58 percent of young Slovaks under 30 have expressed an interest in participating in these elections, focusing on topics such as security (both online and offline), human rights, climate change, and living conditions in Slovakia.
Zuzana Hozlárová, chair of the Student Council of Higher Education and Slovakia's delegate to the Conference on the Future of Europe, discussed with Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA) researcher Miroslava Pisklová how young Slovaks perceive the European Union they grew up in, which areas they consider socially important, their active citizenship, and the challenges they face in Slovakia. Watch their discussion (in Slovak) here.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Opinion: A week on from the shocking attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico, there is little sign of a country on edge, writes James Thomson, who ponders why Slovaks seem so unmoved.
Politics: The distribution at state hospitals of 'Medical News,' a freesheet whose most recent issue promotes the anti-vax views of SNS MP Peter Kotlár, has left some doctors expressing outrage.
Culture: During the renovation of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Trnava, a hidden 16th-century Gothic chalice was discovered in the walls. It is believed to have been concealed during the 1950s persecution of the church by the communist authorities.
Good news: This week read three feel-good stories about Slovak women who have recently conquered Everest, a very rare winged visitor to a nature reserve near Bratislava, and a mass quadrille danced in Košice.
FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
Bratislava's metro: A dream or a plan?
A visualisation of the proposed Martanovičova metro station. (Martanovičova Street is the former name for what is now Pribinova Street.) (source: Andrej Fridrich)
Bratislava is one of the few European capitals that does not have a metro system, but did you know that there was once supposed to be one? Despite repeated attempts, the city's metro project remains unfulfilled. However, you can experience a virtual ride at the city's Museum of Transport!
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Became a sommelier for a day!
(source: Pixabay)
Across the Little Carpathian region, more than 100 wine cellars will be open on Friday and Saturday for tastings of their best wines. Don't hesitate to became a sommelier for a day and try them yourself! Times and locations can be found here, along with details of other interesting events.
IN OTHER NEWS
Since last week's shooting attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico, the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) has recorded 153 incidents related to approving the murder attempt or hate speech, identifying perpetrators in 55 cases. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok emphasised zero tolerance for threats and hate speech, noting that all incidents are being thoroughly investigated, including threats against President Zuzana Čaputová and opposition leader Michal Šimečka. (TASR)
On Monday, May 27, Bratislava's DPB public transport operator will resume the tram service to Zlaté Piesky in the north of the city. The line has been closed for modernisation, including renovation of tracks and platform improvements; the final touches should be completed by the end of June. Funded by €24 million from EU funds, the upgrade was carried out to ensure a more comfortable and reliable ride, featuring new trams and advanced electronic information boards. (TASR)
The Foreign Ministry is advising against travel to certain African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Equatorial Guinea, due to safety concerns. The ministry warns of demonstrations and robberies, and of a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Sierra Leone. There is also a high risk of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Travellers are urged to follow basic safety measures, avoid large gatherings, stay informed through local news and social media, and avoid going out after dark. (TASR)
Last year, 2,411 missing minors under 18 were reported to the police, with 2,245 cases successfully traced. Cases range from immediate responses to prolonged searches, including instances of parental abduction. As the International Day of Missing Children approaches on May 25, efforts to locate and ensure the safety of these children remain a priority.
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
The weekend weather will be mostly or partly cloudy with light winds, however the met office has issued a level 1 warning due to storms. Sunday will have similar conditions, with a chance of rain at night. The highest daytime temperatures over the weekend will range from 21°C to 28°C. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday - Urban and Vivien, Sunday - Dušan, Monday - Iveta
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 and Instagram (@slovakspectator).
