This week in Slovakia
Slovakia's political landscape is under intense scrutiny this week, with Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar warning of potential politically motivated assassinations amid a tense environment where the European Parliament is set to vote on the rule of law in the country. Domestically, headlines focused on a former Smer member receiving a suspended sentence due to government legal changes, alleged payments to a pro-government influencer, and internal coalition dynamics highlighting Prime Minister Fico's power. Meanwhile, Slovakia also engaged in discussions with China regarding investments and direct flights.
About Slovakia
Slovakia, a Central European nation, boasts a rich history, diverse landscapes from the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube River, and a vibrant cultural heritage. As a democracy, it upholds a free press, though the 2018 murder of journalist Jan Kuciak underscored persistent political pressures and media vulnerabilities. The country navigates its post-communist transition while integrating further into the European Union.
Visiting Slovakia
Media landscape
Slovakia's media environment is generally free, but faces growing political pressures and concerns over media ownership concentration. Television remains a primary source of news for a significant portion of the population.
Seek out a variety of news sources, including independent online portals, to gain a comprehensive understanding of Slovak perspectives and issues.
Severe Droughts Demand Stronger Water Protection, Says Fico
- Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that severe droughts necessitate more robust water protection measures. - Fico condemned a recent attack in Nitra. - The Slovak government is urged to take decisive…
Weekend selection: What growing up in a narcissistic family looks like
- This article is a regular weekend reading selection from SME, a Slovak publication. - The topic focuses on the experience of growing up in a narcissistic family. - It offers insights and reading mat…
Russian embassy calls drone found at German airport a provocation
- The Russian embassy in Germany described the discovery of a drone at an airport as a provocation. - Airport staff found the explosive-laden drone early Wednesday morning. - The incident occurred at …
Prominent Armenian cleric faces court order for reinstatement after removal
- Catholicos Karekin II, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has removed Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan from his posts. - A court has ordered the bishop's reinstatement, creating a legal and …
Group with Russian ties suspected of spreading fake video of Wagenknecht's resignation
- A group identified as Storm 1516, with alleged ties to Russia, is suspected of spreading a fake video depicting the resignation of German politician Sahra Wagenknecht. - This group is reportedly res…
Russian radars are only a symptom; the security risk is Šutaj Eštok
- The presence of Russian radars in Slovakia is seen as a symptom of a larger security risk posed by Interior Minister Šutaj Eštok. - The article suggests that the minister's actions or affiliations c…
Hungary Offers Regional Cooperation to Combat Extreme Weather Impacts
- Hungary's minister has proposed regional cooperation to combat the impacts of extreme weather events. - The initiative focuses on water management and involves contacting several neighboring countri…
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey sign mutual defense pact
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have signed a mutual defense agreement. - The pact stipulates that an attack against one country will be considered an attack against all three. - The agreement ai…
Slovak regional governments approved nearly half of subsidies without clear criteria, audit finds
- The Supreme Audit Office of Slovakia (NKÚ) found that regional governments (VÚC) approved nearly half of their subsidies without clear evaluation criteria. - Irregularities were also identified in t…
Aggressive Macaque Paralyzes Sumatra, Dozens of Schools Closed After Series of Attacks
- An aggressive macaque monkey caused disruptions in Sumatra, leading to the closure of dozens of schools. - Wildlife rescuers successfully trapped the monkey after a series of attacks. - The incident…
BMW M2 CS: A top sports car despite missing cup holders
- The BMW M2 CS is highly praised as one of the best sports cars currently available. - While it lacks cup holders, this minor inconvenience is quickly overshadowed by the car's performance. - The rev…
Trump Again Seeks to End Birthright Citizenship, Signs Executive Orders
- Donald Trump is attempting to end birthright citizenship for individuals born in the U.S. - He has issued executive orders aimed at achieving this goal. - The Supreme Court rejected a similar effort…
Foundation Led by Navalny's Widow Declared Undesirable in Russia
- The foundation led by Alexei Navalny's widow has been declared an undesirable organization in Russia. - Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, urged Russians to support the Yabloko party in the elections…
Uganda Approves Sending Soldiers to International Forces in Gaza Strip
- Uganda has approved the deployment of its soldiers to join international forces in the Gaza Strip. - The Ugandan soldiers are expected to serve within international stabilization forces. - This depl…
U.S. Senate committee labels immunologist Fauci as disrespectful to Congress
- A U.S. Senate committee has labeled immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci as "disrespectful" to Congress. - Fauci invoked his constitutional right to remain silent during a hearing with Republican senators…
School Visits Roma Homes to Tackle Skipped Classes
- A school in Jelšava is addressing student absenteeism, particularly among Roma children. - The school is implementing home visits to understand and tackle the issue of missed classes. - This initiat…
Slovakia's Heatwave Impacts Mental Health, Causing Stress and Irritability
- Prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects not only physical well-being but also mental health. - Heatwaves can disrupt mood, memory, and overall psychological state. - Slovak citizens are expe…
Most Poles view Nawrocki positively after one year in office
- A year into his tenure, the performance of Polish official Nawrocki is viewed positively by most Poles. - Supporters of the current government hold a negative view of his work. - Conversely, opposit…
Hiroshima marks 81st anniversary of atomic bombing, mayor urges nuclear disarmament
- Hiroshima marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, with the mayor calling for global nuclear disarmament. - The mayor criticized major powers for engaging in wars and urged them to reject …
Hungary's Deputy PM Discusses Danube Crisis Aid with Slovak Ministers
- Hungary's Deputy Prime Minister spoke with Slovak officials János Blanár and Tomáš Taraba regarding critical assistance needed for the Danube River. - The Danube River has reached a historic low due…
Smer Revives Mečiar's Political Style, Differences Blur
- The Slovak political party Smer is reportedly reviving the political style of former Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar. - Observers note a shift in Smer's leader, who has evolved from a critic of Mečia…
Israel to Continue Gaza Operations, Army Chief Says
- Israel intends to continue military operations in the Gaza Strip. - The Israeli army chief stated the country disagrees with a U.S.-backed plan for Gaza. - Details regarding the specific plan and Is…
New Mexico Sues Federal Government Over Epstein Case Investigation Obstruction
- The state of New Mexico is suing the U.S. federal government, alleging it is hindering investigations into the Jeffrey Epstein case. - New Mexico claims the federal government has consistently refus…
Iran and Oman Agree on New Shipping Route Through Strait of Hormuz
- Iran announced an agreement with Oman to establish a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. - The deal aims to enhance maritime trade and potentially ease tensions in the strategic waterwa…
Russia intensifies disinformation in Germany ahead of state elections
- Russia is intensifying disinformation campaigns in Germany ahead of state elections. - These campaigns often target political opponents of the far-right AfD party. - The goal is to influence the upc…
German Vice-Chancellor seeks probe into potential ban of AfD
- Germany's Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck wants to investigate banning the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. - The AfD is currently under investigation by German intelligence services due to its ex…
Mafia-Owned Villa Now in Vietnamese Hands is Being Dismantled; Police Have Not Yet Intervened
- A rare villa on Hlboká Street, a national cultural monument, is being dismantled by unknown men. - The building was previously owned by a mafia figure and is now in the hands of Vietnamese individua…
Minister Tomáš wants the state to organize discounts on diapers and clubs. Family Card still lacks budget and rules
- Slovak Minister Tomáš proposes state-organized discounts for diapers and extracurricular activities, but his plan lacks a budget and clear rules. - Critics argue the marketing surrounding the propos…
Is AI Out of Control? Experts Say It's Just Following Orders
- Experts state that artificial intelligence is not inherently malicious but follows instructions, and its potential for misuse lies in how humans deploy it. - In the era of AI-driven cyberattacks, or…
Slovenian Nuclear Plant Cuts Output to 80% Amid Heatwave
- Slovenia's Krško Nuclear Power Plant is reducing output to 80% due to heatwaves. - Critically low water levels and high temperatures in the Sava River are the cause. - The reduction is a precautiona…
Fico's gift to Putin: Europe's worst intelligence service
- The article criticizes Slovakia's intelligence service (SIS) under the leadership of its current chief. - It suggests the service is poorly managed and potentially incompetent, referencing tattoos o…
SME.sk introduces dark and light modes for personalized viewing
- SME.sk has introduced a new feature allowing users to customize their website appearance. - Readers can now choose between a dark mode, a light mode, or allow the system to automatically adjust the…
Mexican Influencer Fatally Shot During Live Broadcast in Culiacán
- A Mexican influencer was shot and killed during a live broadcast in the city of Culiacán. - The region is known for widespread violence associated with criminal gangs. - The incident highlights the …
UK Prime Minister Considers Public Inquiry into Epstein's Activities
- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering a public inquiry into the activities of Jeffrey Epstein in the UK. - The scandal surrounding Epstein continues to resonate nearly seven y…
Slovakia's Central Bank Warns of Unauthorized Crypto-Asset Operations by Vincitore Group
- The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) has issued a warning about the activities of Vincitore group. - Vincitore group is operating in the crypto-asset sector without the necessary authorization. - The…
Cynical Monster: Suddenly Such Touching Concern for Europe
This article is an opinion piece titled 'Cynical Monster: Suddenly Such Touching Concern for Europe.' It questions an individual's stated identification with Europe and its values. The piece appears t…
South Korean Students Attempt Air Base Infiltration, Citing Chip Project Fears
- A group of South Korean students attempted to infiltrate an air base in Gwangju. - They claim the presence of U.S. soldiers threatens a planned chip production project. - The incident highlights ten…
Swastikas Appear in French Town Governed by National Rally
- Swastikas have appeared in the French town of Hénin-Beaumont, which is governed by Marine Le Pen's National Rally party. - The symbols were found near significant sites, including a memorial for war…
Migrant Deaths in Ceuta Crossing Reach 77
- The death toll from a migrant attempt to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has risen to 77. - Approximately 72,000 people crossed into the enclave, with about 70,000 having already returned to Moro…
Digital data is a strategic raw material, we need European control over it
- Digital data is now considered a strategic raw material, necessitating European control. - Increased lobbying efforts by companies have accompanied the rise in regulatory attempts. - The article dis…
Houthi rebels claim attack on Saudi Arabian airport
- The Houthi rebels announced they launched an attack on an airport in Saudi Arabia. - In July, the Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. - The specific airport targeted and …
Spain Should Have Anticipated Consequences of Migrant Court Decision, Claims Morocco
- Morocco claims Spain should have anticipated the consequences of a court decision regarding migrants. - The majority of migrants have already returned to Morocco. - The dispute centers on Spain's ha…
Man arrested in Washington state suspected of starting wildfire that forced tens of thousands to evacuate
- U.S. police have apprehended a man suspected of starting one of the wildfires in Washington state. - Tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the widespread fires. - Th…
Ecuadorian president sends police and soldiers to capital in fight against organized crime
- Ecuador's President has deployed police and military forces to Guayaquil to combat rising organized crime. - The operation involves 100 vehicles, including motorcycles, and twenty drones. - This mea…
Politicians' partners step in when direct action falters
- The article discusses the involvement of politicians' wives or partners in public life. - It suggests that when politicians face issues, they may involve their spouses. - The piece touches on transp…
UK's NHS aims for 90% robotic surgery use by 2035
- The UK's National Health Service aims to increase robotic surgery usage to 90% by 2035. - A new robotic technology, da Vinci 5, was presented by a doctor. - This initiative seeks to enhance surgical…
ZMOS Council Demands Talks on Stabilizing Local Government Financing
- The Association of Towns and Cities of Slovakia (ZMOS) is demanding negotiations with the state regarding the stabilization of local government financing. - ZMOS considers it essential to begin thes…
Trump Condemns Iran's Denial of U.S. Talks, Vows to Continue Military Blockade
- Donald Trump condemned Iran's statements that it is not currently negotiating with the United States. - Trump stated that the military blockade by the U.S. will continue. - The remarks come amid ong…
Illusions of China's 'Golden Rain' (by Peter Weiss)
- A commentary piece reflects on the "golden rain" of Chinese investment and its potential illusions. - The author references Czech experiences as a cautionary tale. - The piece suggests a need for cr…
Fico's Rhetoric Targets Progressive Voters, Aims at PS's Moral Claims, SME Reports | Slovakia Politics News | SME (SK) | 01KZ3R0HY6NVVVQGFVJB9BN549
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's rhetoric appears to target the progressive voter base, potentially benefiting his political opponents. - Fico's strategy seems to involve criticizing the moral cl…
No need to swap cow's milk for plant-based if you have no medical reason, say nutritionists
- Nutrition specialists discuss alternatives to cow's milk, emphasizing that plant-based options are not necessary without a medical reason. - They highlight that cow's milk is a good source of calciu…
Moroccan government blames disinformation and smugglers for Ceuta migrant crisis
- Morocco's government blames disinformation and smugglers for the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta. - Spanish authorities are constructing sea barriers as a response to the influx of migrants. - The ar…
Greek police arrest suspect in murder of British woman found in suitcase
- Greek police have arrested a 26-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of a British woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Athens. - The suspect, identified by media as an Afghan nation…
Suicide attack on Pakistan police station kills seven
- A suicide bombing near a police station in Pakistan's Swat district killed seven people, including four police officers. - The attacker detonated an explosive vest in a busy intersection during a pr…
Italy Struggles With Algae Overgrowth Caused by Heatwaves
- Record heatwaves in Italy have caused significant temperature increases in both sea and freshwater, leading to massive algae blooms across many regions. - Authorities have deployed special intervent…
Drought in Serbia causes critical drop in Danube River, limiting electricity production
- Severe drought in Serbia has caused the Danube River to reach a historic low, impacting electricity production. - The country's two largest power plants, Djerdap I and Djerdap II, have significantly…
Hungary's Interim President Calls Meeting on Extreme Heat Measures
- Hungary's interim president called a meeting with parliamentary factions and the prime minister to discuss measures against extreme heat. - The prime minister announced the shutdown of another unit …
Moscow Mayor calls Saturday bombing a 'brutal terrorist act'
- Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin condemned a deadly restaurant bombing as a "brutal terrorist act" but did not identify a perpetrator. - The explosion killed three people: a security guard, a guest, and…
72 Bodies Recovered After Migrants Drown Trying to Reach Ceuta
- Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 72 people who drowned attempting to cross the sea from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. - Authorities continue searching the waters for more potenti…
Rescuers recover body of renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja from Broad Peak
- Rescuers have recovered the body of renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja from Broad Peak in Pakistan. - Purja and nine members of his expedition died in a massive avalanche earlier this week. - …
Two Dead in Chile as Storm Triggers Floods
- A powerful storm in central and southern Chile has caused floods, resulting in at least two deaths. - The extreme weather prompted evacuation orders and warnings across several regions. - Over 2,000…
Sri Lanka deploys troops to quell deadly prison riots
- Hundreds of soldiers and elite commandos were deployed to restore order at Sri Lanka's Mahara prison following riots that killed one inmate and injured six. - The unrest led to the destruction of se…
EU road freight transport volume hit 1,886 billion ton-kilometers last year
- Road freight transport volume in the European Union reached 1,886 billion ton-kilometers last year. - This figure represents the total weight of goods transported multiplied by the distance covered.…
Washington wildfires prompt thousands to evacuate near Spokane
- Wildfires are rapidly spreading near Spokane, Washington, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate. - Washington state has declared a state of emergency due to one of its worst wildfire seasons …
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill Eight Amidst Ceasefire Talks
- Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight killed at least eight people, hitting multiple residential buildings. - The Israeli military claims to have eliminated a Hamas member involved in the October 7th…
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Loses External Power for Nearly Two Hours
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine lost external power for nearly two hours on Saturday. - This marks the 23rd incident of external power loss since the start of the war, according to t…
Trump cancels planned attack on Iran at Tehran's request
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a planned attack against Iran, citing requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. - The cancellation is conditional on a swift ag…
European Capital of Culture: Tips for August events in Trenčín
- Trenčín, the European Capital of Culture, offers a variety of cultural events throughout August. - Visitors can explore a diverse program including exhibitions, performances, and workshops. - The ci…
Woman Hospitalized in Czech Republic with Suspected Dangerous Infection After Uganda Trip
- A woman returning to the Czech Republic from Uganda has been hospitalized with symptoms of a highly dangerous infectious disease. - The Ministry of Health stated there is a low probability of infect…
No migrants from Ceuta reached mainland Spain or EU, says von der Leyen
- Approximately 60,000 migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta recently did not reach mainland Spain or other EU countries, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. -…
Japan ends mall rescue operation after earthquake; searches continue elsewhere
- A five-day search and rescue operation at a collapsed shopping center in southwestern Japan has concluded. - Rescuers recovered five survivors and the bodies of seven others from the rubble. - Autho…
U.S. Embassies Urge Citizens to Consider Leaving Middle East
- U.S. embassies in the Middle East are advising citizens to consider leaving the region due to escalating conflict. - Warnings urge Americans to be prepared for potential flight cancellations and tra…
11 Injured in Bomb Attack in Colombia Ahead of President-Elect's Inauguration
- A truck bomb exploded near a police station in Cúcuta, Colombia, injuring at least 11 people. - The attack occurred less than a week before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriel…
EU Urged to Hold Emergency Talks on Ceuta Migrant Influx
- EU interior ministers are urged to hold emergency talks on the sudden influx of thousands of migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave. - Spain's prime minister criticized some EU countries'
Alpinist Nirmal Purja killed in avalanche under Broad Peak
- Renowned alpinist Nirmal Purja died in an avalanche under Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain. - Elite Exped, the agency Purja founded, confirmed his death along with two climbing partners…
Less than a third of Slovaks and EU citizens can afford a week's vacation abroad
- A Eurostat survey reveals that less than a third of Slovaks and EU citizens can afford a week-long vacation abroad. - The survey highlights significant disparities in holiday spending capabilities a…
Venezuela passes housing law to aid earthquake victims
- Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved a new housing law aimed at facilitating property rentals. - The law repeals previous restrictions on renting properties imposed by leftist governme…
Heatwave and Traffic Jams Plague Croatian Coastal Travel
- Extreme heat and long traffic jams are complicating travel in Croatia as tourists head to the coast. - The Croatian Auto Club reported heavy congestion on major routes, particularly near toll statio…
Slovak Firefighting Module Arrives in France to Combat Wildfires
- A Slovak module of ground firefighters has arrived in France to assist in combating ongoing wildfires. - The team has deployed its equipment and prepared for operations after arriving at their desti…
Second victim found in Sicily building collapse; four missing
- A second victim, a woman, was found in the rubble of a collapsed apartment building in Messina, Sicily. - Four people remain missing, and three others sustained injuries that are not life-threatenin…
SNS to Propose Stripping State Honors from Convicted Individuals
- The Slovak National Party (SNS) plans to propose stripping state honors from individuals convicted of serious crimes. - This proposal is inspired by a similar case in Poland, where a politician was …
Thousands Evacuated as Wildfires Rage Across Greece, France, Spain, and Turkey
- Greece remains on high alert due to widespread wildfires, with the highest risk declared for the Athens metropolitan area. - Thousands were evacuated in France as a wildfire reignited and spread rap…
Prehistoric hunters preferred female mammoths, new study reveals
- New research suggests prehistoric hunters in Eurasia and North America primarily targeted female mammoths. - Genetic analysis of mammoth bones from human hunting sites indicates a significant skew t…
African leaders push to extend Somalia mission as US withdraws support
- African leaders participating in the AU mission in Somalia announced their intention to extend the mission's mandate, despite the U.S. ending its political and financial support. - The U.S. cited in…
Houthis deny reports of charging fees for Bab al-Mandab strait passage
- Houthi rebels in Yemen deny reports that they plan to charge fees for passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait. - The rebels' Maritime Coordination Center stated that no such decision has been made …
Earthquake near Naples causes minor damage, power outages
- A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck near Naples, Italy, causing minor damage and power outages. - The quake's epicenter was in the Campi Flegrei area, a region with frequent seismic activity. - Train …
Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills at least nine, injures 23
- A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv killed at least nine people and injured 23 others, according to Ukrainian emergency services. - The attack caused fires and damage in five districts of the…
Good morning Saturday: Climate funds for hospitals appear 'miraculously'
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is campaigning to present a positive national image. - He aims to shift the public debate away from negative perceptions of the country's economic situation. - The …
UN chief calls Gaza disarmament deal rare positive news for Middle East
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called a deal for the disarmament of Hamas a rare and positive development for the Middle East. - The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, also …
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashes near San Diego base; pilot ejects safely
- An F-35B fighter jet belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps crashed near a military base in San Diego, California. - The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before impact and was taken to a hos…
Western nations warn against hiring North Korean IT workers
- Eleven Western nations warned against hiring IT specialists from North Korea, citing their use in funding illicit weapons programs. - North Korean IT workers use fake identities to secure remote wor…
England and Wales record driest July in almost two centuries
- England and Wales are likely experiencing their driest July on record, with less than a millimeter of rainfall in some areas. - The Met Office reported an extreme combination of heat, prolonged suns…
Pope Leo XIV enacts new constitution for Vatican City State
- Pope Leo XIV has promulgated a new constitution for Vatican City State, replacing the one issued by Pope Francis in 2023. - The update aims to accommodate new administrative requirements and legisla…
Greek authorities order partial evacuation of Athens suburb due to wildfire
- Greek authorities ordered a partial evacuation of the Athens suburb of Haidari due to a spreading wildfire. - Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts, particularly aerial operations. - Fires…
Iran claims it intercepted two tankers trying to cross Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have intercepted two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. - The tankers allegedly violated Iranian regulations by using an unauthorized route…
Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Nablus
- Israeli settlers entered the West Bank city of Nablus on Friday, clashing with Palestinians. - The Israeli army stated that Palestinians threw stones at civilians, prompting an Israeli to fire into …
Curfew Imposed in Southeastern Nepal After Religious Clashes Leave Three Dead
- A curfew is in effect in several southeastern Nepalese cities following days of religious violence between Hindus and Muslims. - The clashes, which began Sunday, have resulted in at least three deat…
Slovakia's Interior Ministry Cites Lack of Legal Basis for Same-Sex Partnership Registration
- Slovakia's Interior Ministry lacks a legal basis to register same-sex partnerships in the civil registry. - This legal gap means such registrations are currently not possible. - The ministry will in…
Iran Receives Bodies of IRGC Members Killed in US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq
- Iran received the bodies of five members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed in joint US-Saudi strikes in Iraq. - The strikes targeted Iran-backed militants, including members of …