Good evening. Here is the Friday, April 25 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Foundation prepares protest against Russian opera singer’s SND performance
A protest is planned on Wednesday, April 30, against a performance at the SND by pro-Putin Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko (pictured left). The protest poster (right) says "We don't need Netrebko". (source: Benedikovič Tomáš , Černovka Foundation )
On Wednesday, April 30, a concert by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko is set to take place at the National Theatre (SND). Aktuality.sk reports that the cheapest tickets were priced at €119, and the most expensive at €419.
In 2014, Netrebko supported Vladimir Putin's aggression against Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea and violent incursions by pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk. A year before the current full-scale invasion, in 2021, she celebrated her 50th birthday with a grand gala concert at the Kremlin, BBC Ukraine reported. Ukraine has officially called for a boycott of her shows, designating her a promoter of Russian imperialist ideology.
The concert at the National Theatre, which is being paid for with €230,000 of public funds and is the most expensive single-night event ever to be held at the national theatre, has sparked outrage in Slovak society. For this reason the Černovka Foundation is organising a protest against Netrebko's performance, which will take place in front of the new building of the SND on Pribinova Street, adjacent to the Eurovea shopping centre.
Zuzana Ťapáková, the acting general director of the SND, defended the planned concert, despite criticism from actors at the theatre, according to Aktuality.sk. She dismissed the controversy, claiming that other countries, including the UK and Italy, do not have an issue with Netrebko's past support for Putin, while expressing her disappointment at the "closed-mindedness" of critics. She also criticised those calling for boycotts, saying it was unfair to judge someone based on their origin and encouraging public disruption, which she deems "primitive".
Actors from the SND's Drama Company have written a protest letter to Ťapáková, expressing their disapproval of Netrebko's appearance and citing her support for Putin and the moral conflict of hosting a pro-regime figure during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Slovakia, Myroslav Kastran, is also criticising Netrebko's concert in Bratislava. He has emphasised that organising a concert for such a person at a time when Russia is destroying Ukraine and systematically erasing Ukrainian identity supports Russian propaganda and downplays the tragedy of the war.
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Weekend: From hidden cellars and vintage trolleybuses to skateboarding lessons and pop culture fests, Bratislava City Days and events elsewhere promise an action-packed weekend across Slovakia.
Railway delay: Delays, floods and even a World War I-era bunker have pushed back the completion of a crucial cross-border rail project, which is now set to finish only later this year.
Travel: Hop aboard the nostalgic Hurvínek railcar for a journey through Slovakia's scenic countryside, with cycling trails, fire pits, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Good news: From a groundbreaking water-cleaning technique invented by a Slovak and Czech duo, to a viral TikTok star and a tech-filled library in Zvolen, this week’s feel-good stories and our meme of the week from Slovakia are designed to give you a lift!
Traditions: Explore Slovakia's maypole tradition and discover what towering trees, decorated with ribbons and alcohol, symbolise.
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FEATURE STORY
The British Film Institute shines a light on Slovak cinema
A still from the 1963 film The Sun in a Net (Slnko v sieti). (source: Slovak Film Institue)
Uncover the hidden gems of Slovak cinema with the British Film Institute’s list of 10 Great Slovak New Wave Films. Born from the political tension of 1960s Czechoslovakia, these films offer a unique glimpse into Slovak identity and history, and are a must-watch for any foreigner living in Slovakia.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Ride 1950s buses through modern Bratislava
(source: BKIS)
As part of the Bratislava City Days celebrations, historic trams, buses and trolleybuses from the 1950s will come to the streets of the capital on three special routes. Enjoy a free tour, passing by some of Bratislava's most iconic landmarks. Don't miss this unique opportunity to step back in time!
IN OTHER NEWS
Prime Minister Robert Fico has acknowledged, after weeks of criticism, the possibility of making changes to the controversial new transaction tax. In a speech at the annual meeting of the Employers' Union he said that it is necessary to review whether the tax can be corrected. Until now, the ruling Smer party had rejected any adjustments to the tax, with Fico insisting that his government has to consolidate the state budget due to the high deficit and debt. The leader of opposition party Progressive Slovakia, Michal Šimečka, commented that the pressure on the government is starting to yield results. (Sme)
The Red Army may have liberated Slovak territory at the end of the Second World War, but the Russian regime — still a "perpetrator of war" — has since invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, in violation of international law and therefore cannot be legitimised, said Slovakia’s Education Minister Tomáš Drucker. Speaking about Prime Minister Robert Fico’s planned attendance at celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, Drucker described the situation as a dilemma. (TASR)
Hauliers are protesting the fact that 38 percent of highway toll fees go to private companies, and are planning protests. From July, toll charges will rise by 40 percent, and older vehicles with higher emissions will face higher fees. The National Highway Company (NDS) and politicians have been criticised for setting up a system that benefits private firms like SkyToll and CzechToll. They are demanding talks with the Transport Ministry, warning of potential road blockages if no agreement is reached. They also argue that toll fees should be invested in maintaining roads, not lining private companies' pockets. (Aktuality.sk)
President Peter Pellegrini has vetoed the Covid-19 amnesty, calling it a dangerous precedent to compensate people who knowingly broke the law during the pandemic. He agrees only with compensating those who were forced into state quarantine. Pellegrini emphasised the need for respect for the law and state, and insisted that harsh measures taken in early 2020, when he himself was prime minister, had saved lives. He also pointed out that the government has yet to evaluate the effectiveness of its pandemic measures. (Denník N)
Slovak team captain Matúš Sukeľ (right) and the Czech Republic's Filip Pyrochta battle for the puck during the return leg of a friendly match between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in Ostrava on Friday, April 25. On Thursday, Slovakia lost 0-4. Both teams are preparing for the upcoming Ice Hockey World Championship in May, which will take place in Stockholm and Herning. (TASR) (source: Jakub Kotian)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Showers and thunderstorms are expected this weekend, especially on Saturday. There should be a slight improvement on Sunday. The highest daily temperatures will range from 15°C to 20°C. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 wind warning for Saturday in Banská Bystrica, Košice and Prešov Regions. On Sunday a Level 1 temperature warning will apply across the whole of Slovakia, except for the northwest and northeast, due to a potential frost affecting the growing season. (SHMÚ)
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend, Jaroslava, Jaroslav and — last but not least — Jarmila are marking their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes: Jaroslava on Saturday (26 April), Jaroslav on Sunday (27 April), and Jarmila on Monday (28 April).
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