News digest: Pro-Russian MEP goes to Moscow to open 'peace dialogue', apologise

Fastest ice-hockey player in NHL is Slovak, Bratislava ranks above Paris in public transport satisfaction, and what happens when the country fails to counter hybrid threats.

By: sme.sk

Oct 14 2024
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News digest: Pro-Russian MEP g

Good evening. Here is the Monday, October 14 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Smer sceptical of Ľuboš Blaha's trip to Moscow

MEP Ľuboš Blaha. (Source: TASR)

On Saturday, Slovak MEP and vice-chair of the Smer coalition went to Moscow, hoping to start a 'peace dialogue' with Russians, reports Aktuality news site.

The MEP, known for his pro-Russian views and spreading Kremlin narratives, talked about his intention already in September after he met with the Russian ambassador to Slovakia, Igor Bratchikov. Last week, Blaha mentioned his intention in the European Parliament while defending Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, who also visited Russia earlier this year.

Slovak PM Robert Fico (Smer) also expressed the intention of attending WWII commemorations in Russia next spring.

It is not certain what Blaha will do in Moscow. On Telegram, he said that he will be lecturing at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, known as MGIMO. In the past, many prominent Slovak diplomats studied there, including Miroslav Lajčák who is currently the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Maroš Šefčovič, a vice-president of the European Commission, and more.

"Russia is still beautiful, still wise, still advanced... And I came to thank you for freedom from fascism. And to apologise for Russophobia in the West. Slovakia wants peace," the MEP wrote on Telegram, as quoted by Aktuality.

Smer's head of the parliamentary foreign committee, Marián Kéry, is skeptical of Blaha's goals and doubts they would amount to anything. The Slovak MFA headed by Smer's Juraj Blanár did not respond to Aktuality's questions.

Former foreign affairs minister, however, were far more harsh.

"Mr. Blaha has about as much chance of establishing a peace dialogue with Russia as my dog, who is now basking in the sun with me," said Rastislav Káčer, who was minister during the Eduard Heger government.

Miroslav Wlachovský, who headed the ministry during the subsequent technocratic government, said that "[the visit] is intended for Slovak domestic consumption and for part of the electorate that is emotionally attached to Russia. The fact that it brings shame to us and makes us untrustworthy in the eyes of our allies is, unfortunately, an unpleasant side effect".

On street art, laying real grass indoors

Rišo poses at his first exhibition, "A ty chuje: zelená a biela". (Source: Jakub Čaprnka)

You may have to his works, especially if you're a cyclist; ironic pieces that read ATTENTION: THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION can be found near cycling paths. But that is not the only piece of street art by the graphic designer that goes by Rišo. He also created a little lizard saying 'A Ty Chuje'. Find out the meaning behind the phrase and more in this interview.

EVENT FOR THE WEEK

Bratislava Jazz Days

The Bratislava Jazz Days festival will take place on October 18-20. (Source: TASR)

One of the biggest events of its kind in Central Europe, the Bratislava Jazz Days festivals once again brings renowned jazz musicians to the Slovak capital. Expect three days full of concerts of musicians like Nina Kohout, Alfa Mist, GoGo Penguin, Steve Coleman & Five Elements and more. The event will take place on October 18-20 at the A4 Studio venue. For the programme and tickets, click here.

IN OTHER NEWS

Now ranking 53rd, Slovak tennis player Rebecca Šramková has improved her career maximum in the WTA Singles category. In September, the 27-year old tennis player won her maiden title at the 2024 Thailand Open Hua Hin, after several years of battling health issues. Learn more about her story here. (WTA Tennis)
On Monday, the Slovak Red Cross has launched the 30th edition of the annual Student Drop of Blood (Študentská Kvapka Krvi) campaign, especially aimed at young people, inviting them to donate blood. Last week, the National Transfusion Centre announced that stocks of the blood groups 0 RhD negative and A RhD negative are marginal. The campaign will last until November 8. Foreigners can also donate, the guidelines here.

Blood donors on the first day of this year's Student Drop of Blood campaign. (Source: TASR)

The consolidation measures approved by the government will influence the online shopping of Slovaks before Christmas, expects David Chmelař, CEO of Heureka Group, the biggest European price-comparison and advisor. "Although Slovaks will face the measures from next year, the concerns are already here today," he said, adding that the data shows that people are still seeking the best price, comparing a lot and thinking about making bigger purchases, as well as waiting for discounts. (TASR)
The Hlas coalition will try so that one of its own members is elected Speaker of Parliament by the end of the year. According to chair and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, the post belongs to the party that wants Investment Minister Richard Raši to be elected as Speaker. (TASR)

Danuvina Alacris, replica of an ancient Roman boat, during its visit to Devín Castle on October 13. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: Cloudy to overcast skies, occasional showers or rain. Daily temperatures will rise to between 7 °C to 12 °C in the northern areas and 12 °C to 17 °C in the rest of the country. (SHMÚ)

OCTOBER 15 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Terézia

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