Good evening. Here is the Friday, December 6 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
The Specialised Criminal Court will have a new head from December 15
Judge Michal Truban (source: Pavel Neubauer)
Michal Truban will become the new chairman of the Specialised Criminal Court, starting December 15, following his appointment by Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer). Truban topped the selection process, with current vice-chairman Igor Králik in second place. The Judicial Council approved both candidates in November, but the final decision rested with Susko.
Truban has led the court twice before, from 2007 to 2009 and from 2015 to 2020. He recently made the headlines by finding former Special Prosecutor Dušan Kováčik guilty in a corruption case, although he refrained from imposing a new sentence, arguing that the eight-year term he was already serving was adequate. Kováčik's case is currently subject to appeal.
Truban's decisions have raised questions in the past, particularly regarding his handling of cases involving individuals close to the Smer party such as oligarch Norbert Bödör. In 2020, Truban's refusal to remand Bödör in a corruption case was overturned by the Supreme Court. Truban has also been critical of former court chair Ján Hrubala and judge Pamela Záleská, both of whom have faced attacks from Smer party leader and current prime minister Robert Fico.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Christmas: Bratislava's magical Christmas tram returns today, December 6, with festive decorations, a public literary programme, and free rides until January 6.
Railway: Starting December 15, a direct railway service between Bratislava and Nitra will provide fast, regular connections every two hours. Find out why Nitra is worth visiting.
Weekend: Whether it's exploring the Christmas market in the High Tatras, experiencing how our ancestors celebrated the lead-up to Christmas, or enjoying public ice skating, pick your favorite activity for this weekend.
Good News: An American skiing superstar learns Slovak, Slovaks gather in Paris to celebrate Christmas, and a native of southern Slovakia is making Neapolitan pizza that's wowing even the Italians. Here’s our freshly curated selection of feel-good stories to brighten your day.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovak startups in 2024: Innovation, success and challenges
Amid challenges, successes continue to emerge in the Slovak startup world. (source: Pexels)
Slovakia is at the tail-end of the EU when it comes to building startups. But even though Slovakia is third from the bottom, some companies are still achieving success and attracting investment. The Slovak Spectator's Jana Liptáková has compiled the highlights among Slovak startups for 2024.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Swing into the holidays with hot jazz
The Fats Jazz Band (source: BKIS)
While exploring the Christmas market, make sure to stop by Františkánske Námestie to enjoy a performance by The Fats Jazz Band, an orchestra playing original hot jazz and swing music from the 1920s to the 1940s.
IN OTHER NEWS
Two surveys have highlighted the contrasts between the priorities of the general population and homeless individuals, as well as shared basic values and desires. Conducted by Focus and Depaul Slovakia, they reveal that for homeless people, essential needs such as housing (41 percent) and food (38 percent) are their top priorities, with mental well-being (21 percent) being crucial for survival. Their key wishes include having a home (56 percent), health (39 percent), and safety, reflecting their deep desire for change despite their hardships. (TASR)
Infrastructure reconstruction in national parks, ecosystem and biodiversity protection, and other projects have received €24.5 million in support through the Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme. Minister Richard Raši and Swiss Ambassador Peter Nelson signed an agreement to establish initiatives like the Slovak National Parks Alliance, aimed at improving park cooperation and promoting sustainable development. The agreement, which includes collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, will provide long-term solutions for protected areas and benefit local communities and future generations. (SITA)
The Donovaly mountain pass was closed to trucks over 10 metres long on Friday afternoon due to heavy snowfall, which is also causing traffic disruption in other areas. According to the Slovak Road Administration (SSC), fresh to slushy snow is covering roads, with up to 5 cm of snow reported in some regions, including Skalica and Senica. Additionally, the Príslop pass is closed to vehicles over 12 metres, and trucks are experiencing difficulties in Košariská and near Handlová, where significant delays are reported. (TASR)
Starting in the summer of 2025, a direct flight will connect Bratislava's M. R. Štefánik Airport to Copenhagen, operating twice a week. Norwegian Air Shuttle will resume the route, after an 11-year break, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Tickets are already available for flights beginning on June 28, 2025, which will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. (TASR)
St. Nicholas brought snow to Slovakia, with Bratislava experiencing its first snowfall of the winter on December 6. (source: FOTO Dano Veselsky)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: The weekend will be mostly cloudy or overcast, with drizzle or light snow expected in Banská Bystrica Region and the east of the country at times. The highest daytime temperature will range from -1°C to 4°C, with slightly warmer conditions on Sunday, when the highest temperature will reach up to 6°C. Be cautious while driving on Saturday, as the SHMÚ has issued a level 1 warning for black ice in Bratislava, Trnava, and Nitra Regions. (SHMŮ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, December 7 - Ambróz; Sunday, December 8 - Marína; Monday, December 9 - Izabela.
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