Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, August 20 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
New referendum push on invasion anniversary
A historical picture of streets in Bratislava occupied by Warsaw troops in August 1968. (source: TASR)
Slovakia may soon see another attempt to hold a referendum concerning relations with Russia. Unlike the previous initiative, which sought to prevent Slovakia from applying sanctions against Russia, this time the proposal takes the opposite stance, reports the Sme daily.
The civic association Streda is calling for Slovakia to sever bilateral diplomatic relations with Russia and to expel Russian agents and diplomats. The signature collection campaign is set to begin symbolically on Thursday, August 21, at events commemorating the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops.
An overview of the events that unfolded between late 1967 and 1969 can be found here. The invasion was followed by normalisation, a process during which the country fell back into its old totalitarian rut.
Although the association is aware of how most referendums in Slovakia have ended, it argues that “the road is the destination.” Its aim is to spark a debate that could serve as a wake-up call for politicians and the wider public. The association’s founding members stress the need to highlight the growing influence of Russian propaganda in Slovakia, warning that trust in European institutions is declining while receptiveness to disinformation from undemocratic regimes is rising.
They also point to Russian talk shows where the possibility of military attacks on the European Union or NATO member states is openly discussed, noting that Russia has officially listed Slovakia as an enemy state.
The group says it has consulted constitutional lawyers regarding the referendum question. It plans to collect 400,000 signatures within 18 months; at least 350,000 are required for a referendum to be held.
If successful, the proposed question would read: “Do you agree that the Slovak Republic should sever bilateral diplomatic relations for at least three years with a state that, in its public communication through institutions, elected representatives or state media, expresses the possibility of using military force against the Slovak Republic or against member states of the European Union?”
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
SLOVAKS ABROAD: As Slovakia continues to grapple with political volatility, democratic backsliding, and growing public cynicism, a parallel civic movement is quietly evolving beyond its borders.
UKRAINIANS: Children’s Commissioner Jozef Mikloško warns of a “lost generation” of Ukrainian children growing up without proper care in Slovakia as hundreds have no legal representative.
RENEWABLES: French energy provider Voltalia plans to build two solar plants in southern Slovakia, with one larger in size than the nearby village.
HISTORY: The air rifles known as Slavia became a legend among fans of sporting weapons, not only in Czechoslovakia but throughout eastern Europe. They even made their way beyond the Iron Curtain.
MOUNTAINS: On one of Slovakia’s coldest peaks, a rusting ski-lift station has become a soaring new attraction.
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FEATURE STORY
30 years and counting
The very first issue of The Slovak Spectator (source: Courtesy, D. S.)
In March 1995, something unusual happened on the media market in Slovakia. Four enthusiastic Americans full of blind courage - Richard Lewis, Daniel J. Stoll, Rick Zedník and Eric Koomen - started publishing an independent newspaper in a country which had no real history of free press. Back then, there were hardly any journalists willing to challenge authority.
That newspaper was called The Slovak Spectator. You can read about its beginning here.
EVENT FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Hear the sound of Dobro
The Dobro resonator guitars. (source: TASR)
Starting Wednesday and running through Friday, the town of Trnava is hosting another edition of Dobrofest, a festival dedicated to the iconic guitars created by Slovak immigrant to the United States, John Dopyera. Musicians from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Australia, and Slovakia will once again bring the sound of Dobro guitars to the stage. Admission to all concerts is free.
IN OTHER NEWS
The government has approved its official response to the European Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report, criticising it for using “inappropriate methodology” and “containing factual inaccuracies” regarding Slovakia. The government objects in particular to the reliance on non-governmental organisations it describes as politically engaged or in conflict of interest, and what it sees as the uncritical adoption of their statements. “Compared to previous years, we consider the report somewhat more balanced and factual. On the other hand, we perceive that it still contains multiple, even fundamental, inaccuracies and incomplete information, nearly all of which present Slovakia in a negative light,” the approved document states. (TASR)
Opposition Progressive Slovakia leads a new poll by the AKO agency with 22.1 percent, followed by coalition party Smer with 18.2 percent and Hlas with 11.3 percent. Compared to the previous poll, both Smer and Hlas dropped by more than one percentage point. The poll, reflecting the cancellation of the controversial €2 billion ambulance tender, also shows opposition SaS at 7.9 percent, Slovensko at 7.6, non-parliamentary Republika at 7.4, and opposition KDH at 7.1 percent. Coalition SNS fell short of the electoral threshold by 0.5 points, meaning the current coalition would not have enough support to form a government, even with Republika’s help. The poll was conducted between August 5 and 11 on a sample of 1,000 respondents. (JOJ 24)
On Wednesday, a brown bear attacked a man near the Stanišovská jaskyňa cave in the village of Liptovský Ján, northern Slovakia. The man sustained several injuries and was transported to hospital. A response team has been dispatched to the area. This is the second bear-related incident in the Liptov region in a week, following an attack near the village of Hybe. (My Liptov)
The Office for Combating Organised Crime (ÚBOK) is investigating the cancelled €2 billion ambulance tender, which drew criticism from both the opposition and coalition Slovak National Party (SNS). The General Prosecutor’s Office is also examining the case. (tvnoviny.sk)
The Fire and Rescue Service has issued an increased fire warning in up to 30 districts across Slovakia, mostly in northwestern, central, and southern areas. A ban is in effect on open fires, including on official firepits, as well as on burning bushes or trees, and lighting fires in areas where they could spread easily. (Fire and Rescue Service via Facebook)
Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati has signed Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Gidi from Slovak club MŠK Žilina. Since joining Žilina in 2022, Gidi has played in more than 100 professional matches in Europe. Last season, he was among the team’s leaders in appearances, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions. (MŠK Žilina)
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has announced the appointment of Cobi Yanovsky, Director of the Gulf States Department, as the country’s next ambassador to Slovakia. His name will soon be submitted for government approval. Yanovsky has previously served in Tokyo and Chengdu, China. (Times of Israel)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloudy to overcast skies are expected on Wednesday, with showers, rain, and storms occurring in many areas. A level 1 rain and storm warning has been issued for the entire country. Storms may bring stronger winds. Daily temperatures will reach between 20°C and 27°C. (SHMÚ)
AUGUST 21 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Tomorrow is Jana's time to get into the spotlight. If you happen to know one, be sure to wish her Všetko najlepšie!
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