Good evening. Here is the Friday, January 17 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Kyiv was expecting Slovakia's PM today, but his opponent showed up instead
President Zelensky received politicians from Slovakia's largest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, in Kyiv on Friday, January 17, 2025. (source: X/Volodymyr Zelenskyy)
Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS), met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv today, Friday, January 17.
Šimečka shared a photo from the meeting and stated that he had received an important message for Slovakia from Zelensky: “Ukraine values our support and seeks the best relations and cooperation, including in energy. Ukraine is ready to negotiate, and I now call on [Prime Minister] Robert Fico to do the same.” He added, “We in PS do politics differently,” urging Fico to visit Kyiv instead of pursuing confrontation. Fico has been engaged in a war of words with Zelensky since late last year.
Kyiv hosted PS representatives, including Šimečka and former diplomat Ivan Korčok, after Fico declined an invitation from Zelensky to visit Kyiv, citing safety concerns. Earlier in the week, Smer MP and former police chief Tibor Gašpar told the Russian state news agency TASS that Fico’s safety could be at risk in Kyiv. “I believe the prime minister’s life would be endangered,” Gašpar said during his own visit to Moscow.
Zelensky confirmed the meeting on social media, noting he had initially invited Fico for discussions following recent tensions. “I expected one Slovak leader on Friday but met another. It was a good meeting with Slovak MPs led by Michal Šimečka,” he remarked. Zelensky emphasised Ukraine’s readiness for a mutually beneficial dialogue with Slovakia, particularly on energy, but stressed that it must strengthen both nations, not Moscow.
"I am pleased that we can find common ground with our Slovak partners and provide adequate answers to questions of energy security and geopolitical stability," the president concluded at the meeting.
Ukraine's president also shared the information on his X account in Slovak.
Šimečka’s visit underscores the growing contrast between the government and the opposition in terms of their approach to foreign policy. He described it as a step to “reopen doors slammed shut by Robert Fico’s aggressive rhetoric.”
Meanwhile, Fico is facing criticism for aligning with Moscow and his government’s perceived shift away from Slovakia’s pro-Western stance. The opposition parties plan to hold a vote of no confidence in the government in parliament next week.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Opinion: Prime Minister Robert Fico does not get along with students because he tries to project a tough message of discipline, designed to appeal to his voters, instead of listening to the opinions of young people and focusing on their needs, writes Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of the Sme daily.
Weekend: This weekend is packed with excitement: marvel at ice sculptures in the High Tatras, relive the past with retro films in Starý Smokovec, cheer on biathlon stars in Osrblie, enjoy a festive concert in Košice, and explore dazzling Lego creations in Banská Bystrica!
Good news: Here are some feel-good stories to brighten your day! A female Slovak hockey player has become most valuable player at the Under-18 World Championship, find out which NASA image of the day was taken in Slovakia, and Bratislava gets ready to mulch its old Christmas trees.
Relaxing: Discover Bratislava’s newest sauna experience! The Bobor sauna, perched on the Danube near the SNP Bridge, opens this weekend with ceremonies, music and stunning riverside views.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovakia shines at “gastronomic Oscars”
Hotovky Food, a small family cannery, produces ready-made canned food without chemical additives. (source: Courtesy of Hotovky)
Discover the secret behind Slovakia's surprisingly large range of award-winning food producers, whose 63 products have won 81 stars against international competition! From hazelnut spreads to fermented vinegars, Slovak companies have been making their mark on the world stage at the highly coveted Great Taste awards.
MOVIE FOR THE WEEKEND
Everything old is new again
A scene from the new Nosferatu. (source: Kino Film Europe)
The highly anticipated new adaptation of the legendary horror film Nosferatu, a classic from the early era of cinema, is now in cinemas! Drawing inspiration from the iconic Dracula by Bram Stoker, this fresh take brings a chilling atmosphere to the screen. Get ready for a cinematic journey!
More info about when and where to watch in The Slovak Spectator's regular feature: Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners.
IN OTHER NEWS
Production at Lindenmaier Slovakia's production plant in Šurany has ended after more than 30 years of operation. The company, which made metal parts and employed over 200 workers, went into bankruptcy and ceased production at the end of 2024. The shutdown was due to financial difficulties, including debts to creditors and the state, amounting to a total liability of €445,000. The region now faces the challenge of attracting new investors and creating job opportunities. (Sme)
On January 17, rescue helicopters were called to intervene three times near Chopok, the highest peak in the Low Tatras. A 54-year-old woman with a chest injury was transported to the hospital after colliding with another skier, while a 55-year-old man who had collapsed sadly died, despite the efforts of rescuers to resuscitate him. The third intervention involved a 22-year-old skier who had suffered serious cuts, but was stabilised and taken to hospital in Banská Bystrica. (Sme)
The Defence Ministry plans to invest €600 million in the construction of a new military hospital in Prešov that will serve both the military and the public. Prime Minister Robert Fico attended a site inspection, emphasising the project's importance for health care and public finances. The hospital, set to be completed in 2027, will be the largest in Slovakia, featuring modern facilities and expanded departments. Although the construction has caused issues for nearby residents, the defence minister promised that interrupted communication links and pedestrian paths will be restored after the project is finished. (Sme)
Slovak motorcyclist Štefan Svitko finished fifth in the final stage of the Dakar Rally and secured a tenth-place overall finish in the Motorcycle category. Australian Daniel Sanders successfully defended his title as Motorcycle champion. Svitko, who moved down one position compared to last year's performance, completed his goal of finishing in the top 10. In the Car category, Brazilian Lucas Morales won the final stage, while overall competition winner Yazeed Al Rajhi of Saudi Arabia finished 13th. The Slovak team of Juraj Ulrich and Ľuboš Schwarzbacher placed 40th overall in the Classic category, after being ranked 65th in the final stage. (TASR)
A bizarre video has been circulating on the Slovak internet showing a camel waiting at a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Bratislava. The video was posted on TikTok on January 6, coinciding with the public holiday colloquially known as Three Kings. It appears the camel had been part of a Three Kings procession to commemorate the biblical story of the three wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus. (Refresher)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It will be mostly cloudy with low cloud cover and fog in places. There may be light snow or drizzle, with a risk of ice formation, so take care when driving. Daytime temperatures will range from -2°C to 4°C in the cloud, but up to 10°C in the sun. For once, no weather warnings are in force – so enjoy a calm and, if you're lucky, sunny weekend. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Mid-winter celebrations are in order for all you lucky Bohdanas, Mários, Dalibors and Sebastiáns this weekend. Saturday, January 18 - Bohdana; Sunday, January 19 - Mário; Monday, January 20 - Dalibor, Sebastián.
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