Slovak Spectator

Last Week: The most complicated coalition Fico’s ever led
Amid petty haggling among his partners, the prime minister says he is even ready to go into opposition.

“I had to shave my legs”: Slovakia’s team masseur becomes an unlikely cycling hero
With no nominated rider able to start, the former cyclist got back on his bike at the world championships in Montreal.

January election? Fico says he is ready as coalition feud threatens to bring down his majority
Andrej Danko wants Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba out, but removing him could cost the government the votes it needs to survive.

Russian sabotage network operated from Slovakia, FAZ reports
German investigators link GRU team to attacks in Slovakia and Germany as Russian military attaché returns to Bratislava.

Above the crowds: A hike to the Pieniny’s lesser-known summit
A walk across sheep pastures leads to a rocky summit, Polish food and an unexpected queue.

News digest: Bratislava is trying to bring people back to the banks of the Danube
After yesterday's war of words, the PM and general prosecutor have both received bomb threats, the EC is launching legal proceedings against Slovakia, and the SNG is waiving entry fees one day a month.

The founders built them. Who will run them next?
Many Slovak family firms are approaching their first generational handover, with professional managers increasingly part of the answer.

What a garden in Slovakia taught me about family
I met relatives I had never known, and they welcomed me as though I had simply come home.

At 15, he dreamed of protecting the Ipeľ. He finally made it happen
The new 12.71-hectare reserve preserves one of the upper river’s last relatively untouched stretches.

Slovak cinematographer brings folklore into the TikTok era, wins Student Oscar
A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia.

A thermal camera caught an extraordinary sight in a cornfield
As many as 26 bears were feeding near the central Slovak village of Očová.

Three groups reportedly interested in Tesco’s Slovak stores
The companies behind Lidl and Kaufland, Biedronka and Albert are reportedly interested in Tesco’s Slovak and Czech businesses.

Viktória Chladoňová went to Montreal for the title. She is bringing it home
The Slovak teenager beat the Canadian favourite to become U23 road world champion.

News digest: PM Fico angry with chief prosecutor, wants to ‘give’ him to Ukraine
Family firms rethink innovation, Poland tightens security on its border with Ukraine, and science takes over five cities this weekend.

Slovak police investigate suspected lye in bottle of mineral water
Inspectors have checked more than 700 premises. No other contaminated bottle has been found so far.

Progressive Slovakia member vows to keep talking about gay Hlas MPs. Rights groups warn of the risks
David Púchovský says he will not reveal identities.

For generations, people have visited this forest spring in search of healing
Stories of cured ailments and improved eyesight surround Hoštecná, an hour’s walk from the spa village of Smrdáky.

Weekend: 7 ways to enjoy Slovakia this weekend
Here's what to do during the weekend of 25-27 September.

3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
From a city-wide science festival to a new celebration of Silk Road cultures.

News digest: Small towns top financial health ranking, Bratislava struggles
Half-price trains, a stolen €3,440 Pokémon card, and Almodóvar for your Thursday night.