Good evening. Here is theWednesday, May 15 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
PM Robert Fico shot and injured during government meeting
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) was shot and injured after an away-from-home government meeting in Handlová, Trenčín Region, the Denník N daily reported first.
Several shots were fired at the scene and the attacker has been detained by the police. The area in front of the Culture House in Handlová, where the government meeting was held, was evacuated.
According to witnesses, shots were heard when the PM came out to meet the people who welcomed him. Fico was then seen on the ground with blood stains. The alleged shooter was arrested on site.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
- OPINION: An unforgettable tragedy has transpired, we condemn the attack on PM Fico.
- BUSINESS: Innovative Slovak batteries to be produced in northern Slovakia.
- TRAVEL: Discover Poloniny, where Slovakia ends. Primeval forests, bison, and dark skies are all found in the national park.
- OPINION: The uneducated nationalist has yet to realise that they subscribe to Nazi cultural politics.
- TRANSPORT: The most photographed Slovak bus stop changes appearance several times a year. You will find no other one like this.
- ADVERTORIAL: Get a taste of Ireland in Bratislava. Local show Irish Elements is set to perform at the historical DPOH Theatre.
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FEATURE STORY FOR WEDNESDAY
Life in the Poloniny area
Poloniny National Park is the easternmost park in Slovakia. This preserve is known for its primeval forests. But unless visitors from abroad or western Slovakia have a car, it may be a challenge to reach. The railroad ends in the village of Stakčín. Then, only infrequent buses will take visitors to the village of Nová Sedlica, where many visitors start exploring the national park.
Locals also say that the region is hard to access, making it almost impossible to develop local tourism. Still, a handful of people are living proof that things can change for the better if there is the will to do so.
EVENT FOR THE COMING DAYS
Get a taste of jazz days
The spring edition of Bratislava Jazz Days will take place over two days, May 16 and May 21. Held in the Majestic Music Club venue in Bratislava, the first day will see the performance of The Wooten Brothers, while the Mike Stern Band will present their music on the second day the following week. Both will be supported by Slovak acts. Get the tickets here.
IN OTHER NEWS
- According to the Union of Towns and Cities of Slovakia, the state has underestimated the integration of Ukrainian children into the education system, resulting in them not receiving the necessary education, being unable to speak Slovak and integrating into society. Thus, they are more inclined towards problematic behavior and psychological disorders. The introduction of compulsory education is essential for their development. (SITA)
- Slovakia's gross domestic product in fixed prices grew by 2.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to a preliminary estimate published by the Statistics Office on Wednesday. (TASR)
- The government approved a plan to build a new nuclear reactor block with an installed capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts using the existing infrastructure at the Jaslovské Bohunice plant. Draft conditions to built the reactor, including deadlines for preparatory work, the construction schedule, financial coverage and more, are to be submitted to the government by October 31, 2024. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár, who is touring South Korea, the latter might be Slovakia's partner in the construction. (TASR)
- From Wednesday, M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava has a new regular flight connection with Istanbul, Turkey. The line is operated by the Turkish low-cost air carrier Pegasus, with flights lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, departing on Wednesdays and Sundays. (SITA)
- Smer MP and Defence and Security Parliamentary Committee Chair Tibor Gašpar met in secret with Russian Ambassador Igor Bratchikov in Parliament, said SaS MP Tomáš Szalay. On Saturday, Gašpar claimed that he will announce when the meeting takes place. Originally, he was supposed to meet the ambassador last week, but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute. (SITA)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Light cloud cover, skies becoming cloudy as the day progresses. Daily temperature will rise up to 25 °C. Level 1 ground frost warning issued for the night in districts around both the Low and High Tatras mountain ranges. (SHMÚ)
MAY 16 NAME'S DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Svetozár
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