Slovak Spectator

News digest: parliament’s ugly hour: Fico blames mother, Kaliňák fans HIV fears
A twist in the move to scrap the whistleblower watchdog, your weekend tips, and the government’s new energy-price and aid plan.

Living in Slovakia? Your 2026 energy bill depends on one thing: state aid
Households with support see small increases. Those without face far steeper costs.

Energy aid plan is here, and it comes with EU money, eligibility math and a whole lot of fine print
Up to 90 percent of homes will get cheaper power next year.

A mall deal was already under fire — then an influencer called it “slayáda”
Her offhand comment went viral.

Ski season in Slovakia kicks off with record early start
New features include fresh pistes, upgraded snowmaking and improved slope safety.

Weekend: Meet St Nicholas on mountain, tram, train or charity run
Here's what to do during the weekend of December 5-7.

Fresh trouble for interior minister as prosecutor defends police whistleblower
Decision questions the legality of reassigning investigator Peter Juhás, amid mounting disputes over the ministry’s handling of anti-corruption police officers.

News digest: How many Slovaks want democracy to prevail?
The ranking of hospitals in Slovakia, the new modern trains soon to operate on railways, and a short overview of the achievements of scientists in Slovakia.

3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
Explore capital’s festive season with international choir music or a sustainable clothing swap.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
Join St Nicholas for a run, explore the magical festive castle, and experience the Christmas vibe through the passion of tango!

From distant stars to living cells: Scientists in Slovakia continue to bring new knowledge
Researchers are earning international recognition.

As auto electrification advances, industry uncertainty looms
With new electric models and €1.2-billion ‘gigafactory’ battery plant under construction, Slovakia moves toward electromobility.

How bees dance, swarm and make honey: Slovak centre unveils interactive pollinator guide
A tablet-powered educational panel at Včelí kRaj in Liešnica brings the lives of bees into focus.

News digest: Bratislava blows the whistle, the coalition still won’t listen
Despite struggles, the coalition advances the whistleblower office bill in parliament.

New trains to offer 21st-century travel on Bratislava’s main international route
Already running between Prague and Berlin, ComfortJet units are set to expand to more Slovak routes in the future.

A German virus denier packed a Bratislava pub. Scientists were not thrilled.
Stefan Lanka was invited by a Slovak singer to a pay-to-enter, no-phones event where he told a crowd that viruses aren’t real.

Slovakia just invented a real-life ‘She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’
A former theatre chief can’t mention the culture minister at all — not online, not in print, not anywhere.

Innovation needs trust. Slovakia is running out of it.
The triple-helix model thrives on cooperation between government, industry and academia. Slovakia’s widening trust gap threatens to break that cycle.

Romance, spa, culture — what is your pick? Slovak hotels just won big at Europe’s heritage awards
Four Slovak hotels topped their categories, with a dozen awards recognising standout heritage stays.

Have a home solar system? The new €131 fee will not apply to you
Finance minister says households exporting minimal surplus electricity will not be hit by the new monthly social-insurance charge.