Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, May 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Pellegrini delivers first State of the Republic address
President Peter Pellegrini during his state of the republic speech in the parliament. (source: TASR)
After 347 days in office, President Peter Pellegrini delivered his first State of the Republic address before parliament. You can read the full text here.
A large part of the introduction focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the fact that the years 2020–2022 preceded Pellegrini’s election as president. While he criticised the then-government for what he described as “chaotic” decisions that added to the confusion and hardship, he also warned against offering blanket compensation to individuals who breached pandemic restrictions. This was a reference to his recent veto of the so-called Covid amnesty bill.
Pellegrini urged MPs to ensure their decisions are based on facts and science—remarks that could be interpreted as a subtle distancing from Peter Kotlár, a known conspiracy theorist appointed by the government to investigate Slovakia’s pandemic response. This part of the speech drew applause from the opposition.
Pellegrini expressed support for the government’s policy of pursuing relations in “four cardinal directions”, but reminded officials that the western direction—towards the EU and NATO—is the most important for Slovakia. He urged the government not to damage relationships with the country’s closest allies, particularly in economic matters. In this context, the daily Sme noted that since the formation of Robert Fico’s fourth government in 2023, no senior representatives from EU or NATO countries have visited Slovakia, while the prime minister himself has travelled to Russia twice.
The president also offered both criticism and praise for current ministers, although he did not name anyone directly. Based on previous statements, it is believed that Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová (SNS nom.) was among those he criticised as being “a source of controversy rather than expertise”. For instance, following the resignation of former health minister Zuzana Dolinková (Hlas), Pellegrini remarked that he had expected another female minister to step down—an apparent reference to Šimkovičová. While Economy Minister Denisa Saková (Hlas) could also have been implied, Šimkovičová has faced more frequent criticism, most recently from folklorists.
Pellegrini reproached the government for failing to address the real problems of ordinary people. “But what we lack, above all, is a lasting vision and a shared perspective for the country,” he said.
He also touched on growing polarisation in Slovak society, which has intensified since the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Pellegrini emphasised the need for national reconciliation, appealing directly to citizens. He argued that the only real solution lies in “a personal decision by every individual to resist hatred”.
Coalition reactions
PM Fico described the address as a good attempt at a balanced speech, though he disagreed with the president’s remarks on foreign policy. He insisted that Slovakia is not turning away from the EU and NATO, calling the EU Slovakia’s “living space”, and accused Pellegrini of yielding to an anti-government mood. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer) expressed a similar view.
Speaker of Parliament Richard Raši (Hlas) welcomed the speech’s attempt to unite the country, while Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas) praised the president’s call for a national vision.
Opposition reactions
Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Šimečka said Pellegrini addressed the concerns felt by many Slovaks, thereby sending a clear message about the direction of Fico’s fourth government. SaS said the president appeared to side with the opposition’s view but failed to explicitly address issues such as corruption, attacks on democracy, the media, and civil society. KDH welcomed his comments about Slovakia’s lack of a clear national vision.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Emulating Hungary's premier and eyeing Donald Trump's orbit, PM Robert Fico's X strategy targets anti-EU fans.
MUSIC: In early June, an Irish sludge metal band will perform at a DIY venue hidden in parking garages on the banks of the Danube in Bratislava. For bassist Pavol Rosa, the show will be a belated homecoming.
TRAVEL: Bratislava is full of strange little wonders not listed in the tourist guidebooks. Here are some tips.
SLOVAK ROOTS: In the newest instalment, you will learn about a Slovak American's journey from feeling of being in the middle of two worlds to claim what he knew he had, travel across the Senica district, and find out how a small local marathon turned into a world-class event.
COURTS: One year has passed and Slovakia is still unable to deport an alleged terror suspect, instead he is repeatedly released and re-detained.
HISTORY: Archaeologists uncovered the remains of a small Iron Age hillfort in the Liptov region. The site may have remained unknown if not for a tip-off about nearby logging work that threatened to damage it.
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INTERVIEW
"I needed the power and authority to bring about change"
Nuclear physicist Martin Venhart. (source: ESET/Linda Kisková Bohušová)
Nuclear physicist Martin Venhart is studying the shape of atomic nuclei in order to answer the long-standing question of why matter in the atomic nucleus does not tend to form a round shape. In this interview with The Slovak Spectator, he talks about the reasons why we currently cannot answer the question of atomic shape, why his group is probably the last in the world trying to find the answer, and why he ran for the post of the Slovak Academy of Sciences chair.
EVENT FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS
French cinema in Slovakia
This year, the Crème de la Crème film festival once again showcases the best of classic and contemporary French cinema. From 28 May to 4 June, a selection of films will be screened in 43 cinemas across 34 Slovak towns. Audiences can look forward to biopics, coming-of-age stories, and political and social commentaries. Click here to find more information about the films and participating cinemas.
IN OTHER NEWS
The Constitutional Court will review the constitutionality of a recent amendment to the NGO Act, following a complaint filed by a group of opposition MPs. On Wednesday, the court agreed to consider the case in full. However, it rejected the proposal to suspend the amendment's implementation. (TASR)
On Wednesday, Specialised Criminal Court rejected extremist Daniel Bombic's request for release from custody. Also known as Danny Kollár, he has been detained for about a month. Nevertheless, he has been posting messages on social media, urging his supporters to ask PM Robert Fico, Justice Minister Boris Susko (both Smer), or General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka about his detention. (Denník N)
According to Eurostat data for 2023, Slovakia had 487 passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants, ranking 20th among the 27 EU member states. In comparison to 223 cars in 2004, the number has more than doubled. Regional disparities remain: central Slovakia recorded a 132 percent increase since 2004, while the Bratislava Region saw the lowest growth. Slovenská Sporiteľňa bank analyst Marián Kočiš noted that the highest relative increase was observed in Romania, followed by Slovakia and Poland—closely linked to rising economic levels. (SITA)
Slovak ice hockey player Tomáš Tatar has ended his NHL career and will move to Europe. Next season, he will play for Swiss club EV Zug under a two-year contract. While he played as a left winger in the NHL, he will take on the role of centre at EV Zug. Over 14 NHL seasons, Tatar appeared in 927 games, scoring 227 goals and contributing 269 assists, for a total of 496 points. He played for the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken franchises. (Sportnet)
The Eset Campus project, developed by software company Eset, has received final approval from the Bratislava municipality and will now proceed after several years of preparation. According to official documentation, the campus will feature 12 above-ground buildings, with four situated around the central square designated as Eset’s future headquarters. The plans also include short-term accommodation, an auditorium, and a multifunctional events and sports hall. Although a specific construction start date has not been confirmed, the previously announced target of 2027 will not be met. (Index)
For the 8th time, the Umbrella Street installation was put in place above Nedbalova Street in Bratislava's city centre. This year the installation is dedicated to the work called Maky (opium poppy) by Ester Šimerová-Martinčeková. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloudy to overcast skies expected, with showers, rain, and occasional thunderstorms. As the day progresses, cloud cover will begin to clear, particularly in the western regions of the country. Daytime temperatures will range from 18°C to 23°C, or between 13°C and 18°C in northern areas. A Level 1 wind warning is in effect for western and south-western Slovakia, as well as for the High and Low Tatras. (SHMÚ)
MAY 29 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Vilma
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