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Last refreshed: 27/07/2026 17:42 · 75 articles added
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Society

Two Rival Marches Draw Crowds to Bratislava Streets on the Same Day

Two competing demonstrations with contrasting messages took place simultaneously in Bratislava on Saturday, highlighting a deepening social divide over LGBTQ+ rights and family values in Slovakia. On one side, participants in the Pride march gathered to advocate for the rights of queer people, with speakers addressing themes of fear and the need for greater legal protections. On the other side of the city, the March for the Family drew crowds calling for the protection of what they described as the 'traditional' family. The two events unfolded in different squares in the Slovak capital, reflecting broader tensions in Slovak society between progressive advocacy groups and socially conservative movements. Slovakia does not legally recognize same-sex partnerships or marriage, and efforts to extend rights to LGBTQ+ individuals have faced strong resistance from religious and conservative civic groups, which have close ties to parts of the country's political establishment.

Aktuality
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Society

Drunk Man Armed with Hammer Threatens Woman and Paramedics in Central Slovakia, Subdued by Police Taser

Police in central Slovakia used a taser to subdue an intoxicated psychiatric patient who threatened a woman and emergency responders with a hammer. Officers were called to the scene after the man, whose psychiatric condition made him particularly unpredictable, began endangering those around him including paramedics who had arrived to assist. After being tasered, the man was taken into custody and placed in a police cell, where he awaits further action by criminal justice authorities. The incident highlights the risks faced by emergency personnel when responding to calls involving individuals with mental health conditions.

Aktuality
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Society

Drunk Drivers Cause Crashes Across Slovakia, Two Motorcyclists Injured

Two separate drink-driving incidents were recorded across Slovakia, resulting in injuries and multiple police interventions. In eastern Slovakia, a car driver with a blood alcohol level exceeding 2 promille — more than four times the legal limit of 0.5 promille — collided with two motorcyclists on the road between Štós and Medzev, a rural area in the Košice region. Both motorcyclists sustained injuries in the crash. In a separate incident in the Bratislava region, a driver blew an extraordinary 3.54 promille following a collision — nearly seven times the legal limit — making him the highest recorded case in the region. Police dealt with multiple impaired drivers in the Bratislava area surrounding the incident. Drink-driving remains a persistent road safety concern in Slovakia, where authorities regularly conduct breath-test checkpoints. Blood alcohol levels in Slovakia are measured in promille (parts per thousand), with any reading above 0.5 promille constituting a criminal offence for drivers.

KorzárBratislavak
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Society

Crowdfunding Campaign Launched to Buy 200 Air Conditioners for Slovak State Hospitals

A public fundraising campaign has been launched on Slovak crowdfunding platform Donio.sk to purchase 200 air conditioning units for state-run hospitals across Slovakia. The initiative came in response to a recent heat wave that exposed the lack of adequate cooling systems in the country's public healthcare facilities, where patients and staff are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. State hospitals in Slovakia are publicly funded institutions under government ownership, and their infrastructure budgets are often limited, leaving basic comfort and safety measures dependent on private initiative. The campaign reflects growing public concern about the readiness of Slovakia's healthcare system to cope with increasingly frequent summer heat events.

Bratislavak
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Society

Gold Panning Competition Brings Wild West Spirit to Slovak Village of Fulianka

Some 50 gold prospectors gathered in the Slovak village of Fulianka to compete in a traditional gold panning competition, evoking the atmosphere of the old American Wild West. Participants sifted through river sediment in search of gold flakes, with only the appointed judge knowing the exact number of gold particles hidden in each pan — ensuring a fair and impartial contest. Gold panning, once a genuine livelihood in parts of Central Europe, survives today largely as a recreational and competitive tradition. Slovakia's river regions, particularly in areas with historical mining heritage, occasionally yield small quantities of natural gold, making such events both a nod to local history and a popular community attraction.

Korzár
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Society

E-Cigarettes Raise Lung Cancer Risk for Former Smokers, Large-Scale Study Finds

Former smokers who turn to electronic cigarettes face a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who quit tobacco entirely, according to a large-scale analysis involving millions of people. The study found that ex-smokers who took up vaping experienced notably worse health outcomes compared to those who abstained from all nicotine products after quitting. The findings challenge the widespread perception of e-cigarettes as a safe or neutral alternative for people transitioning away from traditional smoking. Public health experts have increasingly raised concerns about the long-term effects of vaping, particularly among former smokers who may view electronic cigarettes as a harm-reduction tool rather than a health risk in their own right.

Aktuality
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Society

Thermal Camera Helps Catch Burglars Who Targeted Parcel Lockers — One Suspect Hid in Car Boot

Slovak police used a thermal imaging camera to help apprehend suspects involved in a series of break-ins targeting parcel locker stations, automated self-service units used to collect and send packages. One of the alleged thieves attempted to evade capture by hiding in the boot of a car. Investigators subsequently expanded the case beyond the burglary charges to include drug-related offenses after the arrests uncovered evidence of narcotics, resulting in additional criminal proceedings being opened against the suspects.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Customs Officer Jailed After Threatening Wife with Knife, Destroying Her Phone

A Slovak customs officer has been taken into custody after allegedly threatening his wife with a knife and attacking her in a domestic violence incident. The accused threatened to kill his wife during the confrontation and also destroyed her mobile phone, preventing her from calling for help. Following the incident, authorities charged the man and a court ordered him held in pre-trial detention pending further proceedings. Domestic violence cases involving law enforcement personnel are treated with particular seriousness in Slovakia, as officers are held to a higher standard of conduct given their professional responsibilities.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Woman Pursues Career in High-Risk Profession

A Slovak woman named Kamila has chosen to pursue a career in a high-risk profession, demonstrating strong determination in her vocational choice. Details about the specific profession or the circumstances of her story were not fully disclosed in available reporting.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovak Patient Battles Insurance System After Costly Drug Shrinks 13 Tumors

A Slovak woman's fight for access to life-saving medication has highlighted tensions between patients and health insurers in Slovakia. The woman, who suffers from multiple tumors, saw her condition dramatically improve after receiving an expensive drug that reduced 13 tumors — yet her health insurance company rejected her applications for coverage eleven times before she could access treatment. The case underscores broader concerns in Slovakia about the accessibility of costly innovative treatments within the public health insurance system, where insurers can repeatedly deny reimbursement requests for expensive medications even when patients show clear medical need. Such disputes are common in Slovakia, where the approval process for high-cost drugs can leave seriously ill patients in prolonged uncertainty while their conditions progress.

SME
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Society

Slovak MEP Speaks at Bratislava Pride: 'We Should Not Feel Our Own Country Is Against Us'

A Slovak member of the European Parliament addressed participants at the Bratislava Pride march, delivering a message of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The MEP, who previously worked as an activist before entering European politics, told the crowd that LGBTQ+ people should not have to live with the feeling that their own country is working against them. The remarks came against a backdrop of ongoing tensions in Slovakia over LGBTQ+ rights, where the ruling coalition — led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD, a socially conservative party — has shown little support for expanded legal protections for same-sex couples or gender minorities. Bratislava Pride is an annual event drawing participants from across Slovakia and neighboring countries to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and visibility.

SME
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Society

Weekend Reading: How Asking for Help Can Strengthen Relationships

A Slovak lifestyle feature explores how small, everyday requests — such as asking a mother-in-law to watch the dog or a neighbor to water the garden — can actually deepen personal relationships rather than burden them. The piece, part of a regular weekend series offering readers a break from political news, reflects on the social psychology of asking for help and its role in building community bonds.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Mayor Praises Relocation of Roma Families from Košice to Hungary

The mayor of a village near Košice has praised a scheme relocating Roma residents to Hungary, saying those who participate have "a beautiful future ahead of them." The relocation program has drawn attention as some residents have refused to leave, highlighting divisions within the community over the initiative. The program involves Roma families from the Košice region — Slovakia's second-largest city in the east of the country — being moved across the border to Hungary. While local authorities appear to support the scheme, not all affected residents are willing to relocate, with some choosing to remain in Slovakia despite the encouragement from local officials. Slovakia has a significant Roma population, estimated at several hundred thousand people, many of whom live in impoverished settlements, particularly in eastern Slovakia. Roma communities frequently face social exclusion, high unemployment, and poor living conditions, and relocation programs — whether domestic or cross-border — have historically been controversial, raising questions about voluntariness, integration, and the long-term welfare of those involved.

Korzár
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Society

Wide-Leg Trousers Spark Viral Fall Trend as Safety Experts Weigh In

A social media trend is drawing attention to the safety hazards posed by wide-leg trousers, as videos of people tripping and falling on stairs and escalators go viral online. Women are disproportionately featured in the clips, which show the oversized trouser legs catching underfoot on steps. Safety and fashion experts have commented on the phenomenon, explaining the physical reasons why the loose-fitting style increases the risk of falls in everyday environments such as shopping centers and public transit.

Bratislavak
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Society

Sailing Holidays in Croatia: How to Rent a Boat and What to Expect to Pay

Renting a yacht for a sailing holiday along the Croatian coast can work out cheaper than booking a traditional apartment, making it an increasingly attractive option for Slovak vacationers. Croatia, with its extensive Adriatic coastline and hundreds of islands, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for Slovaks. Boat rentals vary in price depending on the vessel size, season, and departure marina, but the overall cost when split among a group can compare favorably to conventional seaside accommodation. Prospective sailors can choose from a range of craft, from smaller sailboats to larger crewed yachts, with numerous charter companies operating out of major Croatian marinas.

SME
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Society

Slovak Restaurant Owners Close Thriving Business Debt-Free, Choosing Freedom Over the Food Industry

A Slovak restaurant owner has decided to close their establishment at the height of its success and without any outstanding debts, choosing personal freedom over continuing in the demanding hospitality industry. The story highlights the growing burnout among Slovak gastronomy professionals, who face long hours, constant pressure, and lifestyle sacrifices even when their businesses are financially successful. The owners cited the desire for a different quality of life as the primary motivation for walking away from a profitable venture.

Korzár
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Society

Doctor Warns: Childhood Sunburns Raise Cancer Risk, Last Year's Sunscreen Should Be Discarded

A Slovak dermatologist is urging the public to take sun protection seriously, warning that every sunburn suffered during childhood significantly increases the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. The doctor emphasized that there is no such thing as a safe tan from a tanning bed, as UV radiation from solarium devices carries the same harmful effects as direct sunlight and contributes to long-term skin damage. Among the practical advice offered, the physician cautioned against using sunscreen products left over from previous summers, as these creams lose their protective effectiveness over time and may no longer provide the level of sun protection factor stated on the label. The warnings come as warmer months approach and outdoor sun exposure increases across Slovakia.

Korzár
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Society

Small Pools Offer a Quiet Alternative to Crowded Beaches and Water Parks During Summer Heat

As summer temperatures rise across Slovakia, smaller local swimming pools are emerging as a peaceful and accessible alternative to busy seaside destinations and crowded water parks. These modest facilities offer clean water, a relaxed atmosphere, and relief from the heat without the stress of large tourist crowds. For many Slovaks, particularly in eastern regions, a local pool provides a practical escape during heat waves without the need for expensive or distant travel.

Korzár
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Society

Bratislava Pride Returns for 16th Year Amid Worsening Climate for LGBTQ+ Rights in Slovakia

Bratislava Pride, Slovakia's main LGBTQ+ rights demonstration and celebration, takes place this Saturday at Námestie slobody (Freedom Square) for its 16th edition, under the theme "Our Courage Is Stronger Than Hate." The event's new director, Lucia Horváthová, describes the gathering as both a celebration of queer identity and a protest, reflecting what she calls one of the most difficult years in recent memory for LGBTQ+ people in Slovakia. In November 2024, a constitutional amendment came into force that formally recognises only two genders, a change that rights advocates say entrenches discrimination and signals growing hostility toward the community. Horváthová noted that simply choosing to remain in Slovakia requires far greater courage from queer individuals than it should. Slovakia has long lagged behind many of its European Union peers on LGBTQ+ legal protections. The country does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriages, and successive governments — particularly the current administration led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, a left-nationalist grouping with socially conservative positions — have shown little appetite for expanding such rights. The constitutional amendment on gender, passed under the current parliamentary majority, was widely condemned by human rights organisations as a step backward. Against that backdrop, organisers say this year's Pride carries heightened significance as both a show of resilience and a public call for equal rights.

Dennik N
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Society

Survey Reveals Growing Institutional Trust but Deepening Social Divisions in Slovakia

A new opinion poll points to a contradictory trend in Slovak society: while public trust in state institutions is rising, social cohesion is breaking down, with personal relationships increasingly strained by political differences. The survey suggests Slovaks are becoming more likely to end friendships or distance themselves from family members over differing political views, a sign of deepening polarization even as confidence in the broader system grows. The findings reflect a broader pattern seen across Central Europe, where post-pandemic and wartime pressures have sharpened ideological divides within communities, making political opinion an ever more defining factor in personal relationships.

Aktuality
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