Good evening. Here is the Friday, November 15 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Is democracy in Slovakia under threat?
People believe democracy is most threatened by corruption and weak politicians. (source: Joze Jakubčo)
A recent online survey by NMS Market Research Slovakia reveals that 57 percent of Slovaks believe democracy in Slovakia is at risk, with corruption and poor political leadership seen as the main threats.
Despite this concern, most people still prefer democracy over authoritarianism – albeit only 36 percent expressed full support, with 25 percent holding a more cautious view. The younger generations are the strongest supporters of democracy, while older age groups show a higher preference for authoritarian rule.
The survey found that the biggest risks to democracy were perceived to be corruption, inadequate political leadership, the spread of disinformation, and growing populism and extremism. About two-thirds of the population are concerned about declining trust in democratic institutions, and half view threats to media independence as a risk.
The findings suggest that older generations, affected by economic changes and uncertainties, may lean towards authoritarian leadership as a way to minimise these challenges. “People may feel disappointed and believe the current state of society is not what they fought for,” explained Denisa Lakatošová, one of the survey's authors.
The perception that democracy is in danger is particularly strong among younger people, those with higher education, and residents of urban areas. Voters of opposition parties are most likely to view democracy as endangered, while supporters of government parties, especially Smer and the Slovak National Party (SNS), tend to believe democracy is not under threat.
This weekend, on Sunday, November 17, Slovaks will commemorate the Velvet Revolution in 1989, and non-violent resistance against fascism and communism in Czechoslovakia.
Here you can find your city and check where and when commemorations will take place.
Remember that Sunday is a public holiday, so most shops will be closed.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Economy: Butter and egg prices in Slovakia became an European paradox, rising higher than in neighbouring countries. Read more here about why there are such big differences in VAT, what are the market dynamics, and the role of retailers in the rise in costs.
Installation: A memorial plaque dedicated to the victims of the communist-era Border Guard will be unveiled on November 16 in Bratislava’s Námestie Hraničiarov, marking a small but significant correction to the square’s legacy, whose name honours the force that enforced the Iron Curtain during totalitarianism.
Politics: A Soviet memorial in Košice, including its hammer-and-sickle symbols, will undergo restoration at a cost of almost €14,000, while in other post-communist countries such memorials are being removed.
Good news: Slovak company supporting men’s mental health, a young Slovak hockey star is picked for the United States Hockey League, and Slovak architects win a prestigious competition to renovate a cultural centre in the Czech republic. Here is our fresh selection of good news stories to brighten up these gloomy November days.
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FEATURE STORY
Big companies prepare to pay higher taxes
The logo of the German automotive group Volkswagen (VW) (source: TASR)
Who are the cornerstones of Slovakia’s economy, contributing €1.63 billion in taxes and levies in 2023? Some may be surprised, some not – but it’s German companies, with Volkswagen Slovakia topping the list. The state, however, is raising taxes on big companies – which some analysts worry will affect their ability to compete.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Theatre thrills or dazzling light show? Why not both?
The Nová Scéna theatre building in Bratislava. (source: TASR - Pavol Zachar)
This Saturday, around 60 theatres, cultural centres and art schools will take part in Noc Divadiel (Night of Theatres), a nationwide celebration of the arts. But there’s much more happening across the country, as our writer Matúš Beňo highlights in his Weekend newsletter – from a photography festival in Bratislava to an extraordinary light installation in Trenčín.
IN OTHER NEWS
Baterkáreň Trnava is collecting sweets, including chocolates, cookies and baby snacks, for children in shelters until December 4. Donations must be in unopened packaging and within their expiry dates. The initiative promotes sustainable living, with a focus on supporting eco-friendly products, especially certified chocolates from sustainable plantations.
Slovakia's national football team faces a crucial Nations League match against Sweden on Saturday, aiming for its first-ever win against the "Tre Kronor" to secure promotion to League B. Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who recently recovered from injury, is set to play after a successful return to action with Napoli. The winner will secure direct promotion, while a draw would favour Sweden due to their superior goal difference. (TASR)
In the 2022/2023 school year, 23 percent of primary schools in Slovakia were at risk of segregation, with most affected schools attended by students from marginalised Roma communities. A report from the Education Ministry identified 468 schools facing segregation risks. The monitoring also highlighted that such schools are often located in areas with high concentrations of marginalised communities. (TASR)
In October, Milan Rastislav Štefánik International Airport in Bratislava handled over 133,000 passengers, with the most popular destinations being London, Milan, Hurghada, Malta and Dublin. From January to October, the airport served 1.7 million passengers, a 6-percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Starting November 17, Slovakia will begin operating on debt as government revenues from taxes and social contributions will no longer cover public expenses. Despite record revenues of €53.5 billion this year, public spending has grown even faster and is due to reach €61.3 billion. The Institute for Economic and Social Analyses (INESS), a think tank, argues that the problem lies in excessive spending, not low revenues, with government expenditure as a share of GDP rising sharply in recent years. (TASR)
In the third quarter of 2024, Slovakia's economy grew by 1.2 percent y-o-y, marking a slowdown from earlier in the year. Adjusted for seasonal effects, GDP rose by 1.7 percent, up 0.3 percent from the previous quarter, representing the slowest growth in the last five quarters. (source: Slovak Statistics Office)
WEEKEND WEATHER: It promises to be mostly clear, though some areas may see clouds and fog. Isolated light snow showers or drizzle are possible, especially in the east, with scope for icy conditions. Saturday will be warmer, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 12°C; daytime temperatures on Sunday will will fall to 0°C to 5°C. (SHMŮ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, November 16 - Agnesa; Sunday, November 17 - Klaudia; Monday, November 18 - Eugen.
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