Slovak Spectator

Last Week: A Czech journalist, a Slovak prosecutor and a sect from Ukraine
A peculiar criminal case shows what happens when a country fails to counter hybrid threats.

News digest: Central bank chief thought he was off the hook. The judge disagreed
Robert Fico is praised by Moscow, Slovakia can be proud of its manufacturers, and ex-minister Dolinková decides to quit parliament.

Fico's warning to Brussels prompts warm praise from Lavrov
The prime minister had mused about a missile attack on the EU capital and a visit to Moscow.

Debate over Vajanského Embankment cycle path: Minister Ráž vs. Mayor Vallo
Bratislava city will face a €33,000 fine if it fails to remove kerbs and narrow its cycle path.

Weekend: History and art buffs are in for a treat
Take part in a laser biathlon race, witness historic battles. What to do during the weekend.

A Mercedes among transformer stations. How a company from Záhorie built a successful business
The Haramia family makes most of the components on their own.

Kapustnica, veterník, rožok: A young British woman's Slovak-food TikTok goes viral
A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia.

News digest: New health minister, former basketball player, aims to score points with medical workers
Here’s a brief overview of Thursday's events in Slovakia.

Return of a lost Slovak daughter
Sometimes, the place you long for isn’t quite home after all.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
Tips for events between October 11 and 18.

Public rental options in Slovakia? Only 1.6 percent of homes say ‘welcome’
A lack of clear government responsibility and support leaves municipalities struggling to provide adequate housing.

Slovak prosecutor investigates Czech investigative journalist over reports on Ukrainian sect
Prosecutor Lucia Pavlaninová denies involvement with a sect that promises long life and predicts an apocalypse.

3 things to do in Bratislava for free in the next seven days
International music festival this weekend or sports match with special program the next week.

Kežmarok shaped by fire
The town hall of Kežmarok could serve as an illustrated guide to the history of European architecture, as it has been rebuilt so many times.

Another court questions terrorism classification in PM Fico shooting case
Assailant Juraj Cintula remains in custody.

The last original granary in Pribylina is heading to the museum
The Liptov Museum received a historic organ as a gift as well.

News digest: New survey shows first big 'earthquake' on political scene
List of richest Slovaks has some new faces, clinical death of Slovak healthcare, and popular statue going viral for wrong reasons.

Richest Slovaks get richer, shows new Forbes list
The Forbes list has a new man at the top spot.

Poprad airport with most successful year in half century, announces new flight
A third of passengers come from the UK.

Is the Slovak healthcare system at death’s door?
Its state threatens both Fico and us.

Bratislava icon goes viral for the wrong reason
Over 100,000 likes on a made-up story about Čumil’s origin story.

News digest: Pellegrini’s unforeseen warning to Fico, his former mentor
Reasons to visit Stará Ľubovňa, Fico and a hockey star criticise Slovak media, and boating on the pond.

The Athletic: In Montreal, Slovak hockey star finds anonymity—and a break from unwanted fame
In an interview, Juraj Slafkovský also shares his concerns for Slovakia’s hockey future.

Sip, savour, and soak: a tour of Stará Ľubovňa’s distilling and spa culture
You can cycle and raft along the Dunajec, a river that borders Poland.

National Theatre director pulls the plug on a Prague production over LGBT+ themes
A last-minute decision by the theatre’s new director halts Studio hrdinů’s performance, sparking accusations of censorship and discrimination.

Premier accuses critical media of being ‘possessed by the devil’, dismisses talk of coalition crisis
Robert Fico is open to establishing a national media authority and calling for qualifications for journalists.

Castle town’s culinary contribution: Stará Ľubovňa families deliver mineral waters and “brick” cheese
Local farmers and mineral water producers eye opportunities in Poland.

In a family of four brothers, an external CEO brings order to an Italian family firm
Emanuele Preve, CFO of rice producer Riso Gallo, reflects on being part of the sixth generation to lead a family business.

Bachledka's new cable car aims to rival Europe’s best resorts
The cable car will open in December.

News digest: PM offers 'Slovak hospitality' to lower level peace summit meeting
How a disinformation website fooled Facebook, return of the Be2Can film festival, and what a surprising find in southern Slovakia says about the spread of pottery.

Man succumbs to bear attack injuries, officials would like more bear shooting
So far, 71 bears have been shot this year.

Surprising find in south Slovakia highlights gaps in regional pottery knowledge
Analysis of shards revealed manufacture by hunter-gatherers.

Medical hoaxes website escapes prosecution by hiding in the Bahamas
Bádateľ spread alarmist news during pandemic.