Good evening. Here is the Friday, 11 July edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Wish you were here! Minister posts condolences to storm-hit towns in eastern Slovakia – from Sardinia
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok. (source: TASR)
Stormy weather: Slovakia was hit by severe weather, including heavy storms, overnight from Sunday, 6 July, to Monday, 7 July. On Monday evening, a cold front reached the eastern part of the country as well. Across Slovakia, there was significant damage — from fallen trees to shredded roofs.
Eastern Slovakia was the hardest hit by the weather bomb. In the town of Gelnica, near Košice, a residential building had its roof completely torn off. Both kindergartens in the town were also damaged, and preliminary estimates suggested that nearly 400 residents had suffered property damage as a result of the severe weather.
Radio silence: In the first days following the natural disaster, there was a complete absence of statements from any senior government officials, including Prime Minister Robert Fico.
When an earthquake struck eastern Slovakia in October 2023, causing damage, members of the current government – then in opposition – criticised the cabinet of interim prime minister Ľudovít Ódor for not going directly to the affected areas, the Denník N daily recalled. Dial forward less than two years, and the prime minister and his ministers are now responding to the situation in the east by posting messages on social media.
Thoughts and prayers: On his Facebook profile Fico commented – in a video covering a variety of topics – on the storm that had swept across Slovakia earlier in the week.
"Wherever possible, the government will lend a helping hand in compensating for the damage. I also believe that the state humanitarian aid, managed by the Labour Ministry has been and continues to be effective," he remarked. The premier expressed his regret over the damage caused by the severe weather.
When I was a lad... : "As a young boy growing up in the countryside, I always experienced the four seasons distinctly. Torrential rains, severe storms, and strong winds were rare – but today, they’ve become a regular part of our lives," he added.
Rapid response? Other government officials were also in no hurry to visit the affected areas. One of those notable by their absence was Matúš Šutaj Eštok, whose role as interior minister includes responsibility for the emergency and rescue services. In the past, he has described other politicians' failure to respond to disasters as "heartless".
The Interior Ministry announced a press conference in Gelnica (eastern Slovakia) earlier today, 11 July. State Secretary Michal Kaliňák was in attendance, along with representatives from the Labour Ministry and the heads of district offices from the Prešov Region. But of Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok there was not a sign.
Where is Mr Šutaj Eštok?
Dialling it in: According to information from the news portal Aktuality.sk, the minister is currently on holiday on the Italian island of Sardinia. Like the prime minister, Šutaj Eštok posted his response to the storm via social media, on Facebook.
"And now, to those who are turning this misfortune into a headline story: when the earthquake occurred under Ódor’s government and the state did not act or provide any assistance, we said so openly. Today, we are doing everything to ensure that the ministries we lead operate at one hundred percent and that people receive the help they need. That’s the difference! We will not abandon people in their time of need!" he added, without explaining why his predecessors should have attended in person but he should not.
Opposition criticises
Shoe, meet other foot: Opposition parties have, unsurprisingly, torn into the government. Progressive Slovakia (PS) and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) criticised the government for not promptly promising aid after the storm in eastern Slovakia. They called for immediate support and compensation for those affected. The government pledged humanitarian help and damage assistance.
SaS MP Martina Bajo Holečková sharply criticised Šutaj Eštok’s actions. “Did you really fly abroad on holiday during a natural disaster in Slovakia? Did you really tell citizens that you wouldn’t abandon them, even though you knew you were going abroad?” she asked.
Related:
Damage caused by the storm: Insurance company Allianz – Slovenská poisťovňa said it had recorded over 300 reports of damage to private property and 10 of damage to businesses. In addition, ČSOB Insurance has registered 99 claims for damages. (TASR)
Storm damage aftermath: Due to the adverse weather conditions earlier this week, 34 states of emergency have been declared in municipalities and towns across Slovakia, with the situation now stabilised. This was announced by Michal Kaliňák, State Secretary of the Interior Ministry, at a press conference in Gelnica on Friday. The deadline for reimbursement of costs related to rescue operations has also been extended to 23 July. Humanitarian aid and assistance under the civil protection law have been activated. (TASR)
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Good news: Košice cyclists are donating bikes to support war-affected Ukrainians, Zvolen has unveiled a new city anthem celebrating local pride, and free hugs in the heart of Bratislava. Here's our fresh selection of feel-good stories to brighten up your day.
Weekend: There's no excuse for a dull weekend when you could be hiking to the ruins of Slanec Castle, taking a boat through the Gabčíkovo Dam, enjoying folklore and music festivals in Detva and Košice, or feasting on goulash at cooking competitions across the country! Learn more here.
Business: A strong employer brand boosts recruitment, retention, and employee loyalty, helping Slovak companies stand out in a competitive market by combining authentic internal culture with strategic external outreach.
Open-air pool: After a €500,000 renovation, the Morské oko open-air pool in Tornaľa has reopened, attracting over 30,000 visitors with new facilities and affordable entry.
Eggstraordinary machine: Slovakia’s Babičkin Dvor egg producer has launched an innovative egg vending machine in Bratislava’s Nivy Shopping Centre, offering fresh eggs 24/7 with plans to expand across the city and beyond.
If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, consider buying our online subscription with no ads. We'll mail a copy of The Slovak Spectator's monthly print edition to your home in Slovakia. Thank you!
PODCAST
Bratislava’s socialist-modernist playground: Architecture, history and hidden stories
The unmistakeable Slovak Radio building. (source: TASR)
Bratislava is a playground of bold socialist modernist architecture where architects were given free rein to shape a city like no other in former Czechoslovakia. From the iconic inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building to the vast concrete blocks of Petržalka and the striking Slavín war memorial, this era’s legacy blends monumental design with powerful history. Dive into the story behind these landmarks and explore Bratislava’s unique communist-era spirit in the latest Spectacular Slovakia podcast with expert guide Branislav Chrenka.
IN OTHER NEWS
Tennis talent Mia Pohánková has advanced to the girls' (i.e. under-18) singles final at Wimbledon, securing a commanding 6-4, 6-0 win over Czech Vendula Valdmannová in the semi-finals. Pohánková will compete for the title on Saturday against sixth-seeded American Julieta Pareja. The achievement marks a career highlight for Pohánková, who has improved her Grand Slam record since the Australian Open earlier this year. She has a chance to become the fourth Slovak junior Grand Slam singles champion, following in the footsteps of Renáta Jamrichová, Tereza Mihalíková and Kristína Kučová. Slovak Tennis Association Secretary-General Igor Moška and President Miloslav Mečíř both congratulated Pohánková on her impressive run and expressed their support ahead of the final. (TASR)
Slovaks increased their online shopping by about 25 percent in the second quarter compared to last year, according to data from Shoptet, which hosts over 7,600 Slovak e-shops. Total turnover rose from €114.2 million to €142.5 million. The number of orders grew by 15 percent, from 1.3 million to 1.5 million, while the average order value increased by 7 percent, reaching €92.99. The biggest growth was seen in food orders, up 51 percent, followed by health and medical products (+36 percent), cosmetics and perfumes (+30 percent), pet supplies (+27 percent), and sports and outdoor gear (+19 percent). The rise in sports goods is linked to better weather and the upcoming holidays. Conversely, military goods purchases fell by 20 percent. (SME)
The long-abandoned Handlová mines area is being redeveloped into an industrial park for low-energy, eco-friendly businesses. State-owned MH Invest, backed by over €16 million from the Just Transition Fund, will handle land clearance, remediation, design, and infrastructure work. Handlová city council approved the land sale to support the project, which aims to attract investors in industry, innovation, science and research. The new infrastructure will include utility connections and a new access road linked to main I/9 road to ease local traffic. Completion is planned by the end of 2026. (SME)
As of the end of this week, Slovakia had 158 artificial swimming pools and 479 pools with operating permits, along with 10 natural swimming areas open. Another 62 water sites met water quality standards. However, water quality worsened at Vinianske Lake and Jazero beach in Košice, posing health risks especially to children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers and those with weakened immunity. Swimming is also not recommended at Gazárka recreational area and Stará Myjava reservoir, where harmful parasites causing swimmer’s itch were detected, according to the Public Health Authority. (SME)
A scene from the second day of the 29th edition of the Pohoda Festival on Friday, 11 July 2025, in Trenčín. (TASR) (source: Jaroslav Novák)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It’s expected to be mostly cloudy, with overcast conditions particularly on Sunday. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors — whether hiking, exploring nature, or simply going for a walk — don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as scattered showers may occur. Daytime temperatures will range from 21°C to 30°C, with Sunday expected to be the warmer day. (SHMÚ)
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend Nina, Margita, and — last but not least — Kamil are celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes: to Nina on Saturday (12 July), Margita on Sunday (13 July), and Kamil on Monday (14 July).
WHAT TO DO IN BRATISLAVA: This weekend in Bratislava, escape the city hustle at the free ‘Symbol of the Countryside’ tinkering exhibition, dive into powerful stories of exile at Authors’ Reading Month, and catch folk vibes with Kuštárovci on Hviezdoslavovo Square — plus don’t miss the fierce Slovan Bratislava vs FC Midtjylland football match and the vibrant French Day celebration!
Thanks for reading and subscribing – it truly means a lot. Enjoy your Friday – it is the weekend!
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, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator). For news from Slovakia in Ukrainian, click here or follow Novyny on Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
Join our newsletter family and never miss a Slovak moment: Today in Slovakia | Last Week in Slovakia | Slovak Science| Spectacular Slovakia | Slovak Roots
