Slovak Spectator

Playing Perinbaba fairy-tale theme on highest placed piano in Slovakia
Pianist Erik Wittner's dream.

News digest: Police also to look into pandemic management, anti-vaxxer government official not on team
How to spot a comet, meet the Slovak AI expert poached by Mark Zuckerberg, and a tip on an unusual concert.

How to spot a comet now visible from Slovakia
Conditions are still good.

Mushroom picker attacked by bear with two cubs, basket saves his life
The attack didn't dissuade hikers following day.

European Union will probably suspend the new Slovak financial transaction tax
There are several problems with the legislation that will come into force in January 2025.

The alarming state of pensions in Slovakia
Pension expenses rising sharply.

Slovak AI expert poached by Zuckerberg for Meta
Michal Valko reveals machine-learning endgame.

Last Week: The investigation of assassination attempt is testing the integrity of the system
The prime minister has his version of the story, but the investigation is telling a different one.

How can the Small Carpathians awaken your adventurous spirit?
These hiking trails will take you through serene forests to dams, castle ruins and panoramic lookouts.

News digest: Consolidation package signed, but hospital crisis still looms
Visit Piešťany and enjoy a street theatre performance, a Slovak athlete gives up her Slovak citizenship, and Robert Fico slams the opposition on a visit to Brussels.

Bratislava loses its last all-night pharmacy
According to the head of the Slovak Chamber of Pharmacists, anyone needing life-saving medication after 22:00 must go to A&E.

How Putin punishes critics and why Blaha and Fico stay silent
What constitutes Russophobia and what does not.

Weekend: Fancy honey delicacies, beer specialities and urbex?
A sight unseen awaits ordinary people in the Gemer region. Here's what to do during the weekend.

Slovakia's Nessie? Tatras 'monster' mystery might have another explanation
A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
Tips for events between October 19 and 26.

Visitors to Piešťany walk in the footsteps of the spa’s visionary leader
Forget the brochures – this tour takes you deep into the life of Ľudovít Winter, the man who turned a sleepy Slovak town into a world-class spa destination.

News digest: The Foreigners’ Police booking system is so broken, even the president is fed up
The number of people at risk of poverty in Slovakia, which has a population of five million, has risen to over 940,000.

Premier League club forms partnership with Slovak cybersecurity firm
Evanilson, now a Bournemouth player, made his senior football debut in Slovakia.

As Europe revamps winter tire rules, Slovakia keeps its status quo
While Europe pushes for stricter standards, drivers in Slovakia can breathe a sigh of relief—at least for now—as old rules still apply.

In Moscow, Slovakia’s Tucker Carlson celebrates a “flourishing” Russia
MEP Ľuboš Blaha’s visit to Moscow plays out like a propaganda piece.

Expiring gas transit agreement poses a challenge for Slovakia
Slovakia is better prepared for uncertain Russian gas supply via Ukraine in 2025.

3 things to do in Bratislava for free in the next seven days
Celebrate the 24th Week of Italian Language and Culture or try yoga lesson before jumping into the day of work.

Slovak Matters: Sick as a dog, or under the dog?
The social aspect of being sick has changed since the pandemic, but the language is the same.

The Sachertorte creator’s former home in Slovakia gets a makeover
Franz Sacher's son who went on to found the hotel chain was born in Slovakia.

Police raid a club for drugs—then decide to check visas too
Foreigners at Bratislava’s Wax2 nightclub faced random visa checks in a controversial police raid.

News digest: Fastest trains between Bratislava and Košice may soon be cancelled
Where most of Slovak cross-border commuters work, iconic railway station reconstructed, and where you can visit a magnesite mine.

High Tatras’ railway station nears completion, showcasing Baťa’s architectural legacy
Iconic Svit railway station may also be used as cultural centre.

Hyundai Mobis to build electric car component plant in Slovakia
In a major boost for the region, South Korean auto parts giant Hyundai Mobis plans to create 281 jobs in Nováky after the local coal mine closure.

Germany’s economy may be stalling, but Slovak workers aren’t coming home yet
Slovaks are commuting in droves to countries like Germany and Austria, as local jobs fail to compete with foreign wages and benefits.

News digest: Fico orders secret service to prepare report on May attack against him
The interior minister confirms issues with the online booking system at the Foreigners’ Police.

Man with eight cats now charged with terrorism for endorsing attack on PM Fico
After allegedly supporting a failed assassination attempt on Robert Fico, the man claims his remarks were ironic—and that he'd had a couple of beers before letting them out.

Agriculture minister insists butter is not expensive. He might want to check again.
Slovensko leader and former PM Igor Matovič flew to Paris to compare butter prices.

Opposition MP exposes Smer-linked firm cashing in on umbilical cord blood in the Netherlands
MP Marcinková claims that Slovak umbilical cord blood is shipped to a private clinic in the Netherlands, even as European authorities warn against its collection.

A Prešov-based company welds truck trailers and develops airplanes for the entire world
The Tomark company is nominated for the FéliX Business Award.