News digest: Two years on, it seems no one has learned from the Zochova bus stop tragedy
A school memorial event for the victims of Tepláreň shooting is cancelled, a thriving Slovak family firm that was built during communism, and Spanish Film Days awaits you.
Good evening. Here is the Friday, October 4 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Calls for road safety reforms intensify following another fatal accident in Bratislava
Almost two years have passed since the tragic 2022 accident at the Zochova Street bus stop in Bratislava, where a drunk driver ploughed into a crowd of waiting passengers, killing five students.
Now, another pedestrian has lost their life in a collision on nearby Pražská Street, almost on the anniversary of the Zochová Street tragedy.
Despite their central locations, both Pražská and Staromestská Streets (Zochova Street bus stop is actually on Staromestská Street, but named after a cross street) resemble highways rather than ordinary city roads, which encourages excessive speed.
The 2022 accident saw Dušan Dědeček, who was under the influence of alcohol, lose control of his vehicle at high speed, hitting the crowded bus stop. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting guilt.
The city announced plans last year to narrow the lanes on Staromestská Street to reduce speeding, but no changes have been made, and multiple accidents have occurred since.
"The plan is still active," said city spokesperson Peter Bubla, explaining that they are awaiting approval from the Traffic Inspectorate after some adjustments to the road markings. Urbanist Ivana Nemethová suggested that narrower lanes or barriers could help slow drivers down, adding, "Designing roads to limit speed is essential to reduce accidents."
While the proposed changes are still in the project phase, the city stresses that one of the most effective ways to enforce speed limits is through speed cameras, a responsibility currently held by the police. The city is urging the government to allow municipalities to conduct speed checks and apply penalties independently.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
- LGBT+: A gymnasium in Trenčín has cancelled a planned memorial event for the victims of the October 2022 Bratislava terrorist attack on a gay bar after political pressure and widespread negative reactions, despite the school's stated intent to honour diversity and emphasise tolerance without promoting any "ideology".
- Business: The EHQ Multifunctional Complex is to be constructed by developer Immocap on Bottová Street in Bratislava after receiving construction approval by the city council. It will feature offices, apartments, and civic amenities, and incorporate a preserved historical locksmith's workshop.
- Good news: Another international visitor is wowed by the High Tatras, Slovak snacks are presented to a Slovak hockey star in Canada, and Slovaks become world champions in dog handling: a fresh selection of feel-good stories to brighten your day.
- Weekend: The Slovak Spectator's Matúš Beňo has prepared a list of events for this weekend, including the popular Biela Noc (White Night) multi-genre festival in Bratislava, which starts this evening.
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FEATURE STORY
From communism to Cabernet
The Aqua Maria guesthouse is a hidden gem in eastern Slovakia, highlighting the Rusňák family's enduring legacy. Serving as a gateway to the renowned Tokaj wine region and its legendary Tokay vintages. The family business was established during the communist era, and is thriving to this day.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Multicultural Spanish heritage
The Cervantes Institute in Bratislava and the Embassy of Spain in Slovakia invite you to celebrate Spanish Film Days and watch six contemporary Spanish films focused on the multicultural diversity of Spain. All the films will be screened in their original version (Spanish) with Czech subtitles at the Kino Mladosť for a symbolic entrance fee of €3.
IN OTHER NEWS
- The government has dismissed Marek Hargaš, the Secretary-General of the Statistical Office, who had held the position during several previous governments. The Statistical Office is now headed by Marek Nemky, a Smer party nominee. The reason for the change was not specified in the official statement. The government has yet to decide on a successor. According to his biography on the Statistical Office's website, Hargaš has been with the office since 2017, when a coalition comprising Smer, SNS and Most-Híd was in power.
- The trial of Štefan Žiga, a relative of the current Smer-nominated deputy speaker of parliament, continued at the Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok. Prosecutor Peter Kysel proposed a fine of €150,000 for Žiga, who is accused of bribery, along with a potential 15-month prison sentence if he fails to pay. The case revolves around Žiga allegedly bribing the former head of the National Criminal Agency's Financial Police, Bernard Slobodník, with €85,000, a claim Žiga denies. (SITA)
- The Supreme Audit Office of Slovakia (NKÚ) reported that the employment and remuneration of contract workers in public administration lacks clear rules, with many agreements made by ministries, including the health and environment departments, being non-compliant with legislation. The audit revealed that half of the reviewed contracts did not adequately demonstrate the work performed, and the Health Ministry had more contracted workers than permanent staff between 2019 and 2023. The NKÚ recommends establishing financial limits for contractors in the public sector and improving the evaluation of their employment to prevent misuse of the system. (TASR)
- A survey by Ipsos for Wood & Company found that the main advantage of going to work is personal contact with colleagues, cited by 39.5 percent of respondents, followed by quicker problem-solving (25.1 percent). Building relationships and connecting with others was seen as a benefit by 22 percent, with this factor more valued by the 45-65 age group, while Generation Z (18-24 years) highlighted reduced feelings of isolation. The survey was conducted between 6 and 10 September with 1,026 respondents, only 36 percent of whom worked in traditional office environments.
- Cycle bridges in the west of Bratislava Region, including Cyklomost Slobody and Vysomarch, have reopened to the public after being closed due to flooding. Inspections confirmed that the bridges are safe for use, with no significant damage found. The bridges, which connect Slovakia to Austria, were built through a cross-border cooperation program to promote regional development and cycling tourism. (SITA)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It will be overcast, with occasional breaks in the clouds, especially in the east. There may be light rain or drizzle, and patchy fog in the mornings. Sunday may even bring snowfall in the High Tatras. Daytime temperatures will range from 13°C to 18°C. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, October 5 - Viera; Sunday, October 6 - Natália; Monday, October 7 - Eliška.
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