Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 19/06/2026 05:38 · 27 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Society

View all2182 stories
Society

Slovakia Launches Specialized Portal for State Rental Housing Applications

Slovakia has launched a dedicated online portal for citizens interested in applying for state rental housing. The new platform includes a private user zone, electronic application forms, and a notification system to streamline the application process. The portal represents part of Slovakia's efforts to modernize public services and make government housing programs more accessible to citizens through digital channels.

SME
|
Society

Slovak Government Officials Meet to Address Hospital Crisis Following Audit Revealing Billion-Euro Debt

Slovakia's prime minister, parliament speaker, and president met for the first time to discuss the country's hospital crisis following a shocking audit that revealed state hospitals carry debts exceeding one billion euros. The audit, conducted by the Health Ministry and coordinated by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, examined five major state hospitals and documented severe financial problems. Health Minister Kamil Šaško warned of painful changes ahead as the government grapples with the healthcare system's mounting financial crisis. While the full audit results were not disclosed at the conference, details were later shared by opposition MP Jana Bittó Cigániková from the liberal Freedom and Solidarity party on social media. The unprecedented joint meeting of Slovakia's three top officials underscores the severity of the healthcare system's financial collapse, which threatens the stability of medical services in the Central European nation.

Dennik N
|
Society

The Disaster That Had to Be Hidden: Chernobyl and Regime and Society Reactions in Slovakia

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster brought serious consequences for people's lives and carried important political and social implications in both the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. The catastrophe, which occurred at the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in April 1986, had far-reaching effects that extended beyond the immediate radiation contamination. In Czechoslovakia, which included present-day Slovakia, the communist regime's response to the disaster reflected broader patterns of information control and public management typical of Soviet-era governance. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in managing both the physical consequences of nuclear contamination and the political implications of a major industrial accident in the communist bloc.

SME
|
Society

Multi-million euro reconstruction begins at two high schools in Tatra region

Construction work has commenced on the reconstruction of two secondary schools in the Tatra region, with the project valued at several million euros. The renovation will include modernization of workshops and laboratories at both educational facilities. The investment represents a significant upgrade to technical and scientific educational infrastructure in one of Slovakia's most prominent mountain regions, located in the northern part of the country near the Polish border.

Korzár
|
Society

Police Stop Drunk Scooter Rider Carrying Child Without Helmet

Police in Nitra stopped an intoxicated man riding an electric scooter while carrying a child without a helmet or other protective equipment. The incident drew officers' attention not only because of the safety violations, but also because the rider was using his feet instead of his hands to signal turns while driving. The case highlights ongoing safety concerns with electric scooter use in Slovak cities, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and proper protective gear for passengers.

Aktuality
|
Society

Slovak Healthcare Officials Discuss Reform Needs at Bratislava Conference

Slovakia's health minister Kamil Šaško opened a healthcare conference in Bratislava on Thursday, bringing together top constitutional officials to discuss the future of the country's medical system. The event, titled "Healthy Hospitals - Strong Healthcare," featured calls for fundamental reforms and the need for broader political agreement on healthcare policy. Discussions focused primarily on the future of hospitals, their financing mechanisms, and the stability of Slovakia's overall healthcare system. The conference highlighted ongoing challenges facing Slovak healthcare infrastructure and the search for sustainable solutions to ensure quality medical services.

Košice Dnes
|
Society

Pilot audit reveals major operational issues in five Slovak hospitals

A pilot audit conducted in five Slovak hospitals has revealed several significant operational deficiencies, according to Health Minister Kamil Šaško. The audit identified problems with operating room utilization, hospital occupancy rates, and service logistics that require improvement. The findings point to systemic inefficiencies in how Slovak healthcare facilities manage their resources and operations. The audit represents part of broader efforts to assess and reform Slovakia's healthcare system, which has faced ongoing challenges with capacity management and operational effectiveness.

SME
|
Society

Police Detain Woman Suspected in Child Abuse Case

Slovak police have detained a woman suspected of involvement in a child abuse case. Investigators are currently conducting necessary procedural activities with the detained suspect. The arrest represents a continuation of an ongoing child abuse investigation, though authorities have not released additional details about the specific nature of the case or the woman's alleged role in the abuse.

TASR/Teraz
|
Society

Health Minister Must Determine Budget for Hospital Construction Completion

Slovakia's Health Minister must establish a budget for completing construction of hospitals across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Drucker stated after a government meeting that finishing hospital construction projects will not pose a problem. The announcement comes as Slovakia faces ongoing challenges with healthcare infrastructure development, with several hospital projects requiring completion to improve the country's medical capacity.

SME
|
Society

Illegal Boarding House Operated in Uncertified Building, Owner Claims No Knowledge

A property owner has been operating an illegal boarding house in a building that lacks proper certification and permits. The owner claims the facility is housing construction workers and denies knowledge of any complaints or problems with the property. The case highlights ongoing issues with unauthorized accommodation facilities in Slovakia, where property owners sometimes circumvent licensing requirements by operating informal lodging for migrant workers or temporary residents.

Aktuality
|
Society

Slovak NGO founder challenges genetic myths about Roma children's intellectual capacity

Barbora Mistríková, co-founder of the Slovak organization Divé maky (Wild Poppies), which has worked for 20 years to help Roma children succeed academically, has spoken out against persistent genetic myths surrounding Roma intellectual capacity. The educator expressed frustration that even intelligent and educated people continue to believe unfounded stereotypes about Roma children. Mistríková recounted how one such person told her that Roma children are genetically born with lower intellectual potential, capable only of dancing and singing well. She dismissed these beliefs as "absolute nonsense." Slovakia's Roma minority, estimated at around 400,000 people, faces significant educational and social challenges, with many Roma children placed in special schools or segregated classes despite having normal intellectual abilities.

Dennik N
|
Society

Alternative Spirituality Movement Increasingly Aligned with Far-Right Politics, Slovak Journalists Report

Alternative spirituality movements, commonly known as "ezo" in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, have undergone a significant transformation from personal development focused groups in the 1990s to communities increasingly influenced by far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories. Religious studies experts estimate that up to half of the Czech population may be drawn to alternative spiritual practices. The shift accelerated during periods of economic crisis, increased migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic, when apocalyptic scenarios and disinformation began penetrating esoteric communities. The trend reflects a broader sense among ordinary people that they cannot influence how the world around them is changing, leading them to seek alternative explanations and solutions through spiritual and political movements that promise greater control and understanding of complex global events.

Dennik N
|
Society

Wealthy Slovaks Donate Tens of Thousands Annually as Philanthropy Grows Despite State Obstacles

A first-of-its-kind survey has revealed that wealthy individuals in Slovakia donate tens of thousands of euros annually to charitable causes, with some philanthropists maintaining their giving patterns for more than a decade. The research shows that philanthropy is growing in Slovakia, though the state continues to create barriers that limit the development of charitable giving. The findings provide the first comprehensive look at high-net-worth charitable behavior in the country, highlighting both the potential for expanded philanthropic activity and the regulatory challenges that constrain it.

SME
|
Society

Trial of African American Accused of Murdering Ukrainian Refugee Suspended Due to Mental Incapacity

A Slovak court has suspended the trial of an African American man charged with murdering a Ukrainian refugee after a state psychiatric institute determined he is mentally unfit to stand trial. The psychiatric evaluation concluded that the defendant is currently "unable to continue" with court proceedings, effectively halting the criminal case until his mental condition improves. The ruling means the murder case will remain in legal limbo while the accused receives psychiatric treatment, with no clear timeline for when proceedings might resume.

SME
|
Society

Sexual assistance for disabled people exists in Czech Republic, says Slovak woman with muscular atrophy

A Slovak woman living with muscular atrophy has challenged misconceptions about sexuality among people with disabilities, highlighting that the belief disabled individuals do not have sexual lives is a myth. Her comments come as attention turns to the Czech Republic, which provides sexual assistance services for people with disabilities. The Czech model offers professional support to help disabled individuals access intimate relationships and sexual experiences, representing a progressive approach to addressing the needs of this community. Such services remain uncommon in many countries, where societal taboos and lack of awareness often leave disabled people without adequate support for their intimate and sexual wellbeing.

SME
|
Society

State Hospital Authority Makes Major CT Scanner Purchase as Agel Healthcare Group Faces Potential Exit

Slovakia's University Hospital in Bratislava has purchased new CT scanners worth over 1.6 million euros for its Antolská facility, as part of broader efforts by the state hospital authority UNB to expand equipment procurement. The investment comes amid moves to potentially remove the private healthcare company Agel from operations at the Antolská hospital. UNB, which operates several major hospitals in Bratislava including university teaching facilities, has been increasing its medical equipment purchases as Slovakia's healthcare system continues to grapple with modernization needs and the role of private operators in public healthcare facilities.

SME
|
Society

Human Rights Coalition Calls for Commitment on International Roma Day

Slovakia's Human Rights Coalition marked International Roma Day by emphasizing that the occasion must serve as more than symbolic recognition, calling for concrete commitment to addressing ongoing challenges. The coalition highlighted that many Roma families continue to experience social exclusion, which shapes their daily lives and opportunities. The statement comes as Slovakia, like other European countries, grapples with persistent discrimination and marginalization of Roma communities, who represent the continent's largest ethnic minority and face widespread poverty, educational disadvantages, and limited access to employment and healthcare.

SME
|
Society

International Student Community Growing at Slovak Universities

Foreign students are bringing new impulses to academic life at universities across Slovakia, according to recent developments in higher education. The international student community at Slovak institutions continues to expand, contributing fresh perspectives and energy to campus environments. This growth reflects Slovakia's increasing attractiveness as a study destination and the universities' efforts to internationalize their programs and student bodies.

Korzár
|
Society

Slovak Family Shares Experience of Raising Children in Sweden

Jaro Rais and his family moved to Sweden two years ago with their three sons, originally planning to relocate to the United States before deciding on Sweden due to its superior education system, healthcare, and social services. The family had always planned to experience life abroad, with their decision not driven by current conditions in Slovakia. Rais describes notable differences in Swedish childcare practices, where children can have runny noses at daycare and spend time outdoors even in rainy weather, highlighting the cultural contrasts between Slovak and Swedish approaches to child-rearing.

Dennik N
|
Society

Slovak Television Network Violated Ethics Code with Report on Children Denied School Meals

Slovakia's TV Markíza violated journalism ethics standards in a February report about children denied lunch at a kindergarten in Žehňa village near Prešov, according to the Press and Digital Council, the country's media watchdog. The controversial segment showed a reporter questioning two young girls sitting at an empty table while their classmates ate lunch, asking them if they knew why they had no food - which they did not. The children were denied meals because their parents had not paid the required fees on time. While the report generated significant public attention and debate about children's welfare and school meal policies, the Press and Digital Council ruled that the television network prioritized emotional impact over the protection of minors. The decision highlights ongoing tensions in Slovak media between public interest journalism and ethical standards for reporting involving children.

Dennik N
|