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PM Fico snubs President Zelensky’s Kyiv invitation
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) at a press conference on the conclusions of discussions regarding the state-supported rental housing programme in Košice on January 16, 2025. (source: TASR)
Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Moscow stance, held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last December and plans to return to the city in May. Yet Fico has shown little interest in travelling to Kyiv–a city he controversially claims is untouched by war–to discuss critical issues such as renewing gas transit through Ukraine and Slovakia, a move that could alleviate Slovakia’s financial losses.
Fico’s reluctance to visit Kyiv has prompted speculation. Does the premier fear a repeat of being kept waiting by Ukrainian officials, or are other factors at play?
Instead of heading to the Ukrainian capital, Fico sent a letter on January 13 to President Volodymyr Zelensky, asking for a meeting, inviting him to Slovakia and suggesting a direct train route from Kyiv to Košice. Notably absent from the letter is any explanation for Fico’s unwillingness to visit Kyiv.
Zelensky, who recently mocked Fico for a secret luxury trip to Vietnam, responded curtly on social media: “Ok, come to Kyiv on Friday.” However, Fico, who is “fed up with” Zelensky, announced on January 16 that he would spend January 17 in Prešov, eastern Slovakia, and that a new meeting date would be announced shortly. Where this meeting will take place remains unclear.
Earlier in the week, Smer MP and former police chief Tibor Gašpar told the Russian state 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. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, a steady stream of European leaders has made the journey to Ukraine, underscoring their support for Kyiv.
European Pravda: PM Fico’s recent trip to Moscow, coupled with his pro-Russian rhetoric, could signal preparations for snap elections, European Pravda reports. This scenario seems unlikely in the near future. Moreover, the current ruling coalition of Smer, Hlas, and SNS would fail to form a government if elections were held today, according to a January poll by NMS Market Research Slovakia. Even with potential support from voters of the far-right Republika movement, the coalition would still fall short of a parliamentary majority. Alexander Duleba, an expert with the Slovak Foreign Policy Association, told the outlet that Fico may be pursuing a broader strategy. By criticising the European Union and aligning with more radical and far-right voices gaining traction across the continent, Fico appears to be laying the groundwork for a different kind of political endgame–avoiding elections altogether.
Related: Robert Fico’s letter to President Zelensky has made headlines, but he wasn’t the only one reaching out. The Federation of Employers’ Associations of Slovakia (AZZZ) also penned a letter to Zelensky, urging a constructive solution to maintain the transit of natural gas through Ukraine. In the letter, AZZZ emphasised the critical role energy costs play in Slovakia’s competitiveness. “As representatives of the business sector, we can confirm that energy prices represent a significant expense affecting our competitiveness. Unlike households, energy prices for the corporate sector are not regulated, and a substantial portion of energy purchases for our consumption occurs on the spot market,” the employers noted. AZZZ also took a clear stance on the war in Ukraine, unequivocally condemning Russia’s aggression and expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. In stark contrast, Fico’s letter made no mention of Russia’s invasion.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
Stabbing attack: A tragic knife attack at a school in Spišská Stará Ves, a town bordering Poland, has left two dead.
Infamous pair: YouTubers Martin Daňo and Rudolf Vaský are facing charges for an astonishing 24 offences. The pair, known for their inflammatory content, have targeted a broad spectrum of public figures with incendiary rhetoric.
Cars: Slovakia’s car manufacturing sector has hit the brakes, producing fewer vehicles than this time last year.
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SLOVAK MATTERS
Honey on the tongue, poison in the heart
Extracting of honey. (source: Courtesy of Corwin)
What happens when an American family ventures a little too far in the Tatras, only to stumble into Poland before the Schengen days? A run-in with border guards, a language barrier, and a mix of cultural confusion ensue. Dive into this whimsical tale that weaves Slovak expressions with a reflection on guilt, from innocent mistakes to deeper societal dilemmas like corruption.
FREE EVENT
Helping the greenery at Sad Janka Kráľa
Transforming Christmas trees into fragrant and useful mulch. (source: Facebook - Dúbravka)
It is time to roll up your sleeves and learn how to mulch shrubs in the Sad Janka Kráľa park alongside experts from Bratislava’s Urban Greenery Department. Bring your old Christmas tree–or just yourself– and watch it be transformed into useful mulch to nurture the park’s greenery. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious, everyone’s welcome! Don’t forget to register if you’d like to volunteer.
When: Saturday, 10:30 – 12:00
Where: Sad Janka Kráľa, Bratislava-Petržalka
IN OTHER NEWS
All children of Ukrainian refugees are to be mandatorily admitted to schools from September this year, the Education Ministry has confirmed.
The year 2024 was a record-breaking one for Slovak e-shops, according to Shoptet, which manages over 7,000 online stores in Slovakia. E-shops on Shoptet generated €474 million in turnover, a 30-percent increase from €365 million in 2023. December, driven by the pre-Christmas season, was the strongest month, with December 10, a Tuesday, being the busiest shopping day.
By the end of December last year, Slovakia had utilised 3.05 percent of EU funds allocated for the 2021-2027 programming period. Out of a total budget of €12.79 billion, Slovakia had drawn €390.13 million.
British authorities are likely to extradite charged extremist Daniel Bombic to Slovakia by the end of January. The information was confirmed by the Specialised Criminal Court, as reported by the daily Sme.
MP Peter Kotlár, the government’s coronavirus pandemic investigator, announced that his report had been approved by the cabinet, though its contents remain undisclosed. Last year, Kotlár claimed the report suggests the coronavirus could have been artificially created, potentially as an act of bioterrorism, and raised doubts about the safety of mRNA vaccines. (Denník N)
All information on passenger rail transport in Slovakia is now available in one place on the new website Vlaky.sk.
Actor Michal Koleják during an open rehearsal ahead of the premiere of the new play "Judas" at the City Theatre in Žilina on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (source: TASR)
WEATHER BRIEFING: Friday will bring mostly cloudy skies with a touch of mist here and there. Daytime highs will hover between -2°C and 3°C, but if you’re lucky enough to catch some sunshine, temperatures could climb to a balmy 3°C to 7°C. Up in the mountains at 1,500 metres, it will be a crisp 5°C. Expect calm conditions, with barely a whisper of wind. A quiet day, weather-wise, but don’t forget your warm layers! (SHMÚ)
Sledging in Nové Zámky, western Slovakia, on January 16, 2025. (source: TASR)
PARTY TIME: January 17 is Nataša’s special day, so if you happen to know one, don’t forget to send her your warmest wishes. Všetko najlepšie!
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