Kiska slams health policy of government
Transcription
Kiska slams health policy of government
THE NETHERLANDS CONSTRUCTION LEGISLATION BELGIUM On sale sale now now On Vol. 21, No. No. 36 Vol. 21, Vol. 20, No. 41 Monday, March 9, 23,2015 2015- Sunday, - Sunday, April 5, 22, 2015 Monday, February February 2015 Monday, December 1, 2014 - Sunday, December 7, 2014 € benchmark as of March 19 SELECT FOREX RATES CANADA CAD 1.35 HUNGARY HUF 303.22 November as of CZECHbenchmark REP. CZK 27.42 JAPAN CZK 27 129.12 RUSSIA RUB 64.16 POLAND PLN 4.12 CANADA CAD 1.40 HUNGARY HUF 307.14 GREAT BRITAIN GBP 0.71 USA USD 1.06 CZECH REP. CZK 27.61 JAPAN JPY 146.67 4.18 RUSSIA RUB 58.66 POLAND PLN 1.25 GREAT BRITAIN GBP 0.79 USA USD of this issue Policemakes probe Kiska ex-MP over first address abuse claims to MPs NEWS NEWS Teen suicides Slovakia three suicides Eight issaw enough of teenage girls in a week, Slovakia has agreed to take withmore psychologists two detaineessaying from thatUS’s theyGuantanamo could have inthe Bay spired one another. prison camp. This brings pg 2 the total number up to eight since 2010, with a Yemeni and a Tunisian slated for Distribution arrival shortly. rows Book publishers are com-pg 2 plaining about the practices of the biggest book-selling network in Slovakia, alLucrative libel suits legingathat theycentury could result After quarter of in a monopoly. free press, Slovakia still struggles with onerous pg li- 3 bel laws. Excessive payouts to public officials can OPINION often serve to threaten journalists and lead to selfRecognising reality censorship. Slovakia still refuses to repg 3 cognise Kosovo as a sovereign country, despite a recent call by the European OPINION Parliament for the five EUmember holdouts to do so. Cautious optimism pg 5 Recent changes in the judiciary are a sign of positive change. At the same time, BUSINESS FOCUS the chance to reform public procurement cannot be Law lacks teeth missed. Despite the ambition of the pg 5 amendment to the law on public procurement to prevent companies FOCUS with vague BUSINESS ownership structures from participating in state Dutch directness tenders,inexperts say the Judges the Netherlands new legislation is toothless. make strong efforts to compg 6 municate and engage with the public. The Slovak judiciary might consider doing Taxsame, changes reviewed the says Dutch AmSix law firms active in bassador Richard Van Slovakia comment on leRijssen. gislative changes adopted pg 6 in 2014. They describe changes to tax law as the most controversial, and Presidential partners propose some revisions As Slovakia takes on the to other laws. European Council’s rotating pg 7 presidency in 2016, expect investment cooperation with Dutch companies to CULTURE grow even further. pg 7 Family drama in opera Romeo and Juliet, an opera by Charles Gounod, premiCULTURE eres at the Slovak National Theatre forinitiation the first time in Artistic its 95-years history, directed The top works by some of by Slovenian Brea. the country’sDiego mostde prompg 9 ising artists are on display at Bratislava’s Nedbalka gallery through December 21. SELECT FOREX RATES pg 10 € 1.20 .20 FOCUS FOCUS of this issue Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in person at the Gabčíkovo hydropower plant on March 9 to announce that the Photo: in Sme state was taking over controlgathered of the facility. Several thousands of people at SNP Square in Bratislava on September 25 to protest against corruption the healthcare sector. Photo: Sme Kiska slams health Smer’s Pellegrini policy of government takes up speaker role PRESIDENT Andrej Kiska is dissatisfied with the government’s apPRIME Minister Robert Fico has proach to is openly picked a health rising care star and of his Smer criticising Minister Viliam party, PeterHealth Pellegrini, to become Čislák. the speaker of parliament after Pais theresigned first timefrom that Kiska has vol It Paška the key publicly criticised memconstitutional post aoncabinet the heels of a ber. He says that Čislák has failed to scandal, and alleged corruption, respond to mounting scandals in surrounding overpriced medical the sector in recent months. Speakequipment. ing Pellegrini after a meeting with the health has changed jobs sevminister March months: 16, the presideral timeson in recent from a ent said that Čislák had failed to state secretary at the Finance Minprovide any clear istry he replaced Dušaninformation Čaplovič as about the measures he had taken or education minister, and after a brief was there planning take in order to stop he is to now moving to par“stop the speaker. ineffective and nonliamentary Pellegrini, who transparent spending of money started his career as assistant toin a healthdeputy, care”. earlier this year adSmer Kiska’s criticism alsochairmovanced to the post of was deputy man of Smer. BYAnti-corruption MICHAELA TERENZANI Spectator staff rallies intensify, CT scanner fallout on tivated by Čislák’s statements Slovak Radio on March 7, that the CT continues scanner case, a major scandal that forced the resignation of Čislák’s predecessor Zuzana Zvolenská and BY BEATA BALOGOVÁ speaker ofSpectator parliament Pavol Paška, staff and that prompted street protests, was a “pseudo-case” and “business as usual”. statements the The Such post of education make minister personnel that took state place now goes changes to the ministry’s four months agoDraxler, at the ministry secretary Juraj who in and the in parliament like an empty past worked forseem the Brussels-based gesture, according to Kiska. think-tank, the Centre for European When Kiska(CEPS), won the Policy Studies andpresidenfocused tialeducation election and run-off against Prime on science. Paška’s fall has not calmed pub- Minister Robert Fico one year ago, analysts concerned about the lic anger were over dubious deals in the quality of the relations between the the health-care sector while presidential office and governprotests organised by a the number of ment. However, Kiska’s first yearon in opposition deputies culminated office had until now approximately passed without November 25 when any major public clashes. 5,000 people filled the streets of In his critical comments, Kiska Bratislava. listed of issues he believes Thea number protesters demanded the require the attention of the ban of shell companies in governpublic ment: the in the tenders andbad the atmosphere recall of additional patient-doctor the people linked to arelationship, flawed computer non-transparency of the system, tomography (CT) scanner tender.and theLast absence of athe DRGgovernment (diagnosisweek, related group) system financing, pitched a revision to theofpublic pro“which would order, to greater curement law tobring parliament lock transparency, and more objectively out shell companies from the measurable information”. tenders; critics call the law toothless. Spectator staff PRIME Minister Robert Fico announced have that opted the state wasanother assumJUDGES for yet ing full to control over theailing Gabčíkovo change the country’s judihydroelectric power plant on March ciary, selecting pro-reform judge 9, and Čimo presented the change as toa Dušan over Štefan Harabin means to partially redress he fill a vacant seat on the what Judicial sees as the unfair privatisation of Council, a collection of judges that Slovenské Elektrárne (SE) incourt 2006.syshelp oversee the country’s tem.“I have good news for Slovakia because today the special cabinet Earlier thisatyear Harabin, who session carried out further legal has longwe been criticised for how he steps onthe whose basis while I can say that we guided judiciary operating are taking back full state ownership andboth full Supreme control ofCourt the Gabčíkovo hyas and Judicial dropower plant,” said, Council chair, alsoFico failed in as hisquoted bid to by the SITA newswire. get re-elected as Supreme Court The state terminated the Judiconchairman. Čimo was a former tractCouncil for operation of the cial member whoGabčíkovo was dishydropower plant in December par2014 missed by the Smer-controlled and theonly state takeover was the schedliament one week before key uled for mid16 March. September election of the SuState-run Vodohospodárska preme Court president and the Výstavbachair. took over management of council He returns to the the hydropower on country’s March 10 council after 342plant of the fromvoting the country’s largest electricity 1,119 judges supported him. producer, which is critics majority owned WhileSE, Harabin’s rejoiced by Italian firm Enel. over the results, the man who conMeanwhile the Regional Court in trolled the country’s judiciary over Bratislava March 9 that more than decided a decadeon said that “small Slovakia still Mochovce tops car budget hike production cleared B J L See SPEECH pg 9 Y ANA IPTÁKOVÁ Spectator staff BY JANA LIPTÁKOVÁ Spectator staff the contract for operation of the Gabčíkovo plant me is indefeats havehydropower always launched to valid because Harabin instead did of anotdirect big victories”. say agreementhewith SE, achallenge public tender whether would the should ofhave been in announced. SE, results the vote, which he finwhichthird. argues the contract remains ished valid, hasofsaid intends Regional to chalČimo theit Trnava lenge the and seek compensCourt saidverdict the results were better ationhis for expectations lost profits. and that they than expected that this legal dis“giveItais reason for optimism”, the SITA pute as well as others pertaining to newswire reported. Čimo is a White SE’s privatisation lease of Crow award winner,and an the honour that Gabčíkovo, which revengoes to Slovaks whohas tookannual personal risk ues whistleblowers of about €100 million and costs of as by challenging between €8-10 million, will continue. unethical or corrupt behaviour. SLOVAKIA remains the world leader in car production per capita, and planned investments and the launch of agreed new models mean THE ECONOMY Ministry to increase it isbudget likely on to keep thistwo position. Moreover, the building new reactors at another carmaker, Jaguar Land the Mochovce nuclearBritain’s power plant during a Rover is reported to be considering a new inSlovenské Elektrárne (SE) shareholder vestment. meeting on November 21. Costs will balloon “Slovakia first with the produca further €830ranks million to €4.63 billion, the tion owns of 183acars 1,000shares citizens,” state thirdper of SE’s with wrote ItaliUniCredit Bank Enel Czech Republic the andrest. Slovan conglomerate controlling akiaThe in athird memo. It calculated theisranking of block of Mochovce planned countries in production passenger cars to be put into commercialof operation in late based onthe preliminary 2016 and fourth onedata year from later, the bothInterfour national Motor Vehicle years later Organization than originallyofplanned. Manufacturers 2014. The Czech “There is no(OICA) other for possibility than to Republic followed in second, withMinister 118 cars complete Mochovce,” Economy per 1,000 citizens. Pavol Pavlis told the Hospodárske Noviny Slovakia’s carmakers – Kiamoney, Motors daily, referringthree to already invested Slovakia, PSA Peugeot Citroën, andblocks Volkthousands of people working on the swagen Slovakia – made 973,370 carssubconin 2014, under construction as well as 150 a decrease 14,348 are carsfrom compared tractors, halfof of whom Slovakia.with 987,718 cars 2013. Whilethe Kia While SEmanufactured will take out ain loan to cover and PSA revealed last year’s resultscomplein Januextra €830 million, the postponed ary, ofthe German carmaker tion theSlovak projectarm also of means less money in Volkswagen did so in mid March. the state budget as only SE dividends are used to Volkswagen Slovakia (VWAtSK) manufacfinance completion works. the sharetured ameeting, total of 394,474 automobiles in 2014, holder Enel agreed to 14 measures a drop fromproject 426,313management. manufactured in 2013. to improve See PLANT pg210 See OUT pg CARS pgpg 44 SeeSee NUCLEAR See HEALTH pg 2 See NEW pg 5 State takes of Gabčíkovo Harabin outcontrol of Judicial Council BY JANA LIPTÁKOVÁ BY BSpectator EATA BALOGOVÁ staff POLITICIANS can hardly keep convincing YR OMAN CUPRIK people thatBthe biggest problem of health care staffstate tolerates is the lack of Spectator money if the murky deals and waste of public funds in the healthcare sector, President Andrej Kiska said CHARGES relating to to thethe abuse of a close in his first key address parliament on person against November 26 – withex-lawmaker Prime MinisterVladimír Robert Jánoš have sparked a debate about new leFico notably absent. The president’s speech gislation onheels domestic violence, as experts came on the of a number of changes to cite gaps in theposts, existing law. that of the senior political including “There are someafter rules are not speaker of parliament thewhich resignation of complete,” Sylvia by Gancárová, a lawyer Pavol Paška provoked a recent scandal surwith Slniečko, a centre for abused women, rounding overpriced medical equipment and told The Slovak Spectator.rallies. “On first subsequent anti-corruption Ficosight did theyattend seemand to Kiska provide protection for the not spoke to a half-empty victims, butpresence in real of lifea single they are ineffecthouse in the cabinet offiive.”Finance Minister Peter Kažimír, the Sme cial, dailyJánoš, reported.who is also former vicechairman of the parliamentary human “Understandably, people in this case rerights committee, resigned a member of act especially sensitively to as profiting from parliament for the ruling Smer on illness and human misfortune,” saidparty Kiska in March 4. to a series of anti-corruption ralresponse came in the wake ofin a scandal inlies. That “There are few people who such a case volving transcriptions ofand audio recordings would remain indifferent would not be published onand theangry. internet in disillusioned ThisonisMarch how I 3see which he appears to verballythese abuse his wife protests and demonstrations days.” andThe issue threats. He also resigned as Smer protests organised by a number of party district chief in Prievidza.on Novemopposition deputies culminated ber 25 when approximately 5,000 people See pg 5 filled the streets of HOME Bratislava. 2 NEWS March 23 – April 5, 2015 Court supported rejected judges PRESIDENT Andrej Kiska breached the fundamental rights of selected candidates for the posts of the Constitutional Court (CC) judges to take up elected and nonelected public offices under equal conditions when he refused to appoint them last July, according to a March 17 ruling by the Constitutional Court’s third senate, the TASR newswire reported. The Court decided that Kiska violated the rights of judges Eva Fulcová, Juraj Sopoliga and Miroslav Ďuriš. The CC at the same time overturned the respective decision of Kiska to reject the three candidates on July 2, 2014 and obliged him to deal with the issue again. Furthermore, the Kiska’s Office is supposed to pay the three judges the costs associated with the court proceedings. Back in July 2014, Kiska decided not to appoint five out of six candidates for three vacant posts of judges at the CC that were elected by the Smer-dominated parliament. Following personal interviews with the applicants, Kiska decided to appoint only one judge – Jana Baricová. All five rejected candidates subsequently challenged the president’s decision with the Constitutional Court. The case of the two remaining judges – Ján Bernát and Imrich Volkai – is being dealt with by another CC senate, which has not come to a decision yet. The decision is confusing and does not explain when the alleged violation of the complainers’ rights occurs, according to Kiska’s legal representative and former CC head Ján Mazák. The most serious fact is that it appears that actually only one judge in the senate made the difference, said Mazák, adding that Kiska’s complaint against possible bias of senate member Jana Baricová, who was personally involved in the appointments last year, was rejected. Mazák pointed out that Senate Chairman Rudolf Tkáčik adopted a different stance as he does not agree with the verdict. “There was a judge who really lacked impartiality,” Mazák said, as quoted by TASR. “This means that one vote in this senate decided on the result of these proceedings. It’s a precedent that I can’t understand.” Police investigate Statistics Office THE NEW website of the Statistics Office (ŠÚ), sometimes fails to provide actual statistics and information promptly and users also say that it is chaotic and frequently freezes. The National Criminal Agency has begun examining the competition for the contract to build the website, which cost €22 million and was co-funded by the EU, public service RTVS reported March 13. The Finance Ministry also called on ŠÚ to return 25 percent of the funds, €5.39 million, which was allegedly spent in ways irrelevant to the project. However, ŠÚ refuses to pay, the office’s head Ľudmila Benkovičová told media March 17. The ministry demands 25 percent of funds from all 16 projects of the EU’s operational programme informatisation of society checked by the European Commission. The investigation shows similar results in all checked projects and are related to current legislation which changed since those projects were implemented, according to Benkovičová. It is an “unacceptable principle of retroactivity and introducing of legal insecurity”, Benkovičová said, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that during the creation of the website project nine inspections and an audit of ŠÚ did not find any violation of the law. Head of the ŠÚ IT section Štefan Tóth says that the new portal functions without problems. European Commission auditors pointed to mistakes in competition rules which could be beneficial for one specific participant. The Statistics Office only considered companies with an annual turnover of €20 million or experts with individual publication activities, according to the Denník N daily. Slovak Telekom and Microcomp Computersystém won the competition, while five firms participated. Tóth previously worked for the firm Vidos with Vojtech Lukács of Microcomp Computersystém company, between 1990 and 1992. Benkovičová told Denník N that she does not know about any personal connection between Statistics Office employees and the winning firm. Tóth did not answer a question on his personal connection. “Do not answer such questions, you are not a public employee,” Benkovičová told Tóth after the press conference, as quoted by Denník N. Compiled by Spectator staff from press reports Slovakia copes with a series of teen suicides BY ROMAN CUPRIK Spectator staff ON the first day of her school holidays Dominika, a 14-yearold living in Piešťany took her own life with her father’s rifle on 2 March. Even as the country’s parents were still asking themselves why, Zdenka, a 16year-old girl living in Nové Zámky, killed herself with a pistol the next day, and Nina, a 14-year-old, jumped from a balcony three days later. Three teen suicides in one week is an extraordinary situation, say psychologists pointing out that the suicide rate of children aged between 1-14 oscillates between zero and three per year. And though it is too early to say they are connected, it is possible the three girls inspired one another, according to psychologist Eva Pálová. “Young people have a tendency to follow their idols and it can happen that they will copy even self-destructive behaviour,” Pálová told The Three teenage girls took their lives in one week. Slovak Spectator. “Media should not report about particular cases with such detail.” In fact Slovakia has a low suicide rate. In 2013 there were just 2.5 suicides by teens aged 15-19 per 100,000 citizens. The average of 33 countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is 6.9. Furthermore, the number of teen suicide attempts has been falling. There were 10 children who were less than 15years-old and 68 people Photo: Sme between ages 15 and 19 that tried to commit suicide in 2013, the latest year for which complete statistics are available. To compare, in 2011 it was 18 people under 15 years old and 91 teens between 15 and 19 who tried to commit suicide, according to statistics provided by National Health Information Centre. Copycat suicides There are documented cases of suicides inspired by widely publicised suicides of notable figures. For example, Marilyn Monroe’s death caused by barbiturate overdose in 1962 was followed by a rise in the American suicide rate by more than 10 percent the month after. The phenomenon received the name the “Werther effect” linked to the series of suicides that occurred in 18th century Germany after the publication of Goethe’s novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” Many young men followed the example of the novel’s main character who shot himself over unrequited love. Authorities subsequently banned the novel in some regions. The Austrian Association for Suicide Prevention launched a campaign urging media not to report suicides by people who jumped in front of trains in the 1980s. After the media stopped reporting on them, or reported them only briefly, suicides halved, according to Pálová. See COPY pg 10 HEALTH: Kiska sees ‘avoidable deaths’ Continued from pg 1 “How is it possible that in all EU countries the DRG has been partially or fully introduced, and not here?” he asked in his speech. Slovak health care does not have normatively introduced standard diagnostic and treatment procedures, which are the norm in other countries, Kiska said, adding that their absence often leads to what he called “avoidable deaths”. Kiska also called on the ministry, the public health insurer and other public offices to put together the data they have at their disposal and use it to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of health-care providers. Experts on health care mostly agree with Kiska’s reservations towards the state of the health-care sector. “The president posed questions that the Medical Trade Unions Association (LOZ) has been posing for a long time,” LOZ President Peter Visolajský told the Sme daily. Čislák: we took steps Čislák rejected Kiska’s criticism of his department, saying that among other things the ministry has helped hospitals cope with debts that have accumulated over the course of years. He called Kiska’s speech a pre-planned media performance. “Regardless of the statement by the president, who in the health-care sector has no responsibility or competencies, the government will continue fulfilling its programme statement in this sector,” Čislák said as quoted by TASR. Čislák also insisted that in this election term the ministry has dealt with the salaries of doctors and nurses, started dealing with the lack of general practitioners, reconstructed several hospitals with the use of EU funds, and “abolished nonsensical fees” patients paid to doctors. Prior to becoming president, Kiska ran the Dobrý Anjel charity organisation, which works with mainly cancer patients. In his election campaign he stressed health-care-related problems as major issues that the government needs to deal with, and pledged that he would keep pushing for improvement. Past scandals The achievements listed by Čislák, however, are not what has kept the public focused on the healthcare sector in the past few months, starting in November 2014, when news of the flawed CT tender broke. This forced the resignation of Zuzana Zvolenská as health minister, as well as Renáta Zmajkovičová – a key Smer official, who also led the supervisory board of the Piešťany hospital which purchased the device – as deputy speaker of parliament. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of Pavol Paška, one of Smer’s top officials, from his longstanding position as speaker of parliament. Then state secretary at the Health Ministry Viliam Čislák was then appointed as the minister. The fall of Zvolenská and Paška did not, however, calm public anger over dubious deals in the health-care sector, and protests organised by a number of opposition deputies culminated on November 25 when approximately 5,000 people took to the streets of Bratislava. Kiska reacted to the scandal by going to speak to parliamentarians about health-care issues. In December, another scandal followed, when the Sme daily and Transparency International Slovensko (TIS) reviewed contracts at four large state hospitals and found that they would pay external caterers nearly €81 million including VAT over the course of 10 years. The overpriced contracts saw the heads of the state-owned hospitals forced out, along with the Health Ministry’s service office head. Smaller-scale corruption in healthcare made the news in February 2015, when famous cardiac surgeon Viliam Fischer was charged with taking bribes, and a well-known Bratislava-based GP, Peter Lipták, spoke about small informal payments he receives from patients as gifts, provoking massive criticism. Conflict with the government? It is the first time that Kiska has directly criticised the government and a specific cabinet member, but that does not mean the president and the government have been of one mind all through the first year of Kiska’s presidency. Kiska, however, has never directly criticised the government when expressing opinions that differed from the prime minister. That was the case in foreign and security policy, Institute for Public Affairs President Grigorij Mesežnikov told The Slovak Spectator. “Now the situation has reached the point where problems cannot be criticised from a general viewpoint any more,” Mesežnikov said, adding that Kiska now seems to be willing to contribute to solving the problems he sees in health care, by calling on the government to present some solutions. If the government does not want to enter into useless conflicts with the president, it should answer pragmatically, by proposing concrete steps in the healthcare sector, according to Mesežnikov. Though Kiska was unusually critical towards the health minister, it does not mean that he will now maintain a direct, critical tone towards the government in the year ahead of the elections. At the same time, Mesežnikov does not expect the president to remain silent. NEWS www.spectator.sk March 23 – April 5, 2015 Book publishers fear distribution changes BY RADKA MINARECHOVÁ Spectator staff MORE than two dozen publishers signed a joint statement in early March expressing concern about alleged attempts by the J&T financial group to control Slovakia’s biggest bookstore chain, Panta Rhei, and its biggest book distribution company, Ikar, in order, they allege, to eliminate competition. The publishers accuse J&T of attempting “to monopolise the Slovak book market”. “We do not consider the procedures Panta Rhei uses in this process to be fair and honest as they bring arrogance and dishonest practices into the book market,” reads the joint statement. The publishers referred to proposals concerning what they say are inappropriate and – for them – disadvantageous market and trading conditions, as well as proposals to distribute books exclusively via Ikar, which is owned by J&T. Panta Rhei dismissed the accusations as “the expression of feelings”. The bookstore chain stressed that it does not have a monopoly in the market, merely a share of about 30 percent. Nor will closer cooperation with Ikar result in the creation of a monopoly, it added in its official statement. “The market is undergoing natural development and the proposed changes are the result of standard efforts by Panta Rhei to improve the operation of its supply processes,” the company told The Slovak Spectator in a statement. It added that its aim is to have reliable logistics and to ensure that there would be the same broad range of books available in all its shops across Slovakia. It also rejected the claim that it is owned by J&T, stressing that it is only a client of J&T Banka, which has provided it with an operating loan. The Antimonopoly Office at first told the Sme daily that it had nothing to investigate, but later changed its position. It has now said that it will check the structure of the company and the areas in which it is active, as well as its position in the book market, Sme wrote in its March 18 issue. Daniel Kollár, head of the Association of Publishers and Booksellers in Slovakia (ZVKS), says that the distribution proposals recently received by publishers are not normal. According to him, the changes may affect smaller publishers who issue non-commercial books in particular. “Signing the commission agreement sent to publishers by Ikar will limit their in- Some book publishers warn against a monopoly. comes and they will become more dependent on distribution,” Kollár told The Slovak Spectator. He added that if they do not sign it, they will face problems placing their books, which together with other factors could contribute to them going out of business. Meanwhile, Culture Minister Marek Maďarič entered the discussion. Though it is true that the publishing, distribution and sale of books are economic activities which observe market rules, “the book market cannot be considered a purely economic sector”, he said in a statement, as reported by the TASR newswire. In this respect, Maďarič said that if there are any attempts to dictate “inappropriate and disadvantageous conditions which would threaten their [publishers’] existence and would eventually unify the Slovak book market”, there will need to be some response. “The current situation points to the need to adopt some kind of book law,” the ministry wrote, as quoted by TASR. Such a law may, however, be adopted only by the next government, he added. Photo: Sme “We do not consider it right to let one distributor, who will subsequently be able to dictate the conditions to publishers on one hand, and to booksellers on the other, take control of the Slovak book market,” the publishers wrote in their statement. Kollár told The Slovak Spectator that the proposed commission contracts contain nearly no rights for publishers and that they are disadvantageous and unbalanced for them. The publishers were horrified by these proposals, and as a result the ZVKS initiated meetings with Panta Rhei in October and November 2014 at which they expressed their disagreement, Kollár added. However, the bookstore said that the changes to its logistics should bring “more effective operation on both sides”. There were two factors which influenced the decision to extend and consolidate the cooperation between Panta Rhei and Ikar. First was “the high level of professional trust which we have been building since 1993”, while the second was “the high level of personal trust”, the company said, Problematic distribution pointing to the fact that both Panta Rhei sent publishers Ladislav Bödök and Igor Mrva a letter in September 2014 in serve on the statutory bodies of which it informed them that it both firms. was reducing the number of direct suppliers it uses, and miDispute over premises grating towards Ikar. Subsequently, Ikar sent a letter in Distribution was not the which it announced its basic only problem cited by the pubbusiness conditions and in- lishers. They also referred to cluded draft commission con- the activities of Panta Rhei, tracts with its general business which tried to get new conditions, Kollár explained. premises in the City Arena According to the proposal, Trnava shopping centre that is the bookstore plans to move the currently under construction. distribution of books, cur- According to them, “in an atrently made by several suppli- tempt to obtain commercial ers, only to Ikar. Moreover, Ikar space the company crossed the wants to increase its commis- borders of ethical behaviour sion to 53 percent of the cover towards its rival”. Though they did not name price, plus additional fees for various bonuses, maturity of the rival, several media outinvoices, damaged or lost lets mentioned its recent disbooks. The publishers will also pute with bookstore Martinus. have to pay more money for Its head Michal Meško wrote better placement of their books on the company’s blog on Febin the Panta Rhei bookshops, ruary 23 that they wanted to open a shop with café in the the Denník N daily wrote. shopping centre. Though they had been discussing the opening with the developer since 2012 and even signed an agreement in 2014, the developer terminated the deal in midFebruary 2015. “The letter reads that the project changes allegedly occurred in our planned premises, because of which our bookshop cannot be there,” Meško wrote. “And that regarding the actual state of pre-lease they cannot offer us any alternative space in the shopping centre.” Meško continued that they received the information in summer 2014 that they should terminate the agreement, as Panta Rhei wanted to sell books in the premises. The bookstore’s representatives subsequently confirmed the information they were interested in having a shop in City Arena. Panta Rhei denies the allegations. “It is natural that Panta Rhei, as the biggest network of brick-and-mortar bookshops, tries to get the best commercial premises,” the bookstore wrote in a statement, adding that for this reason it showed an interest in space in City Arena in Trnava. According to the company, it is up to the developer to whom it chooses to rent space. It stressed it does not consider competition over quality premises to be “unfair behaviour”. Next steps Since the sales of most of the publishers who signed the statement have increased in the past few years, Panta Rhei considers all accusations as “tendentious pressure from our competitors, trying to harm us”. The company told The Slovak Spectator that it had started intensive negotiations with all its partners and is seeking ways that will benefit them all. “As we wrote in our statement, during the past 20 years we have always succeeded [in finding a solution], and we hope we will do it also now,” the bookstore added. Kollár said that the ZVKS will continue its role as mediator of this problem and will try to “deepen the communication between the publishers and Panta Rhei or Ikar”. He is convinced that they will eventually reach a compromise over the issues. The publishers also claimed in their statement that the only solution for a functioning book market in Slovakia is “the way of mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation on the principle of mutual benefit.” 3 No decision on garages passed yet SOME 12 hours of discussion on March 17 failed to resolve the future of excavation and construction plans around Bratislava Castle. Though an expert commission agreed it is important to protect the site and ban construction equipment from the area, what will happen to the Celtic architecture found on the site as work on a planned parking garage got under way is still unclear. Parliament, which initiated the construction of the garages, says a final decision will be made after further talks. Experts consider the archaeological site on the northern terrace of Bratislava Castle to be of high quality, and they called for better protection via fencing around the area. They also agreed that the excavations should be exhibited on the site where they were found. The commission subsequently recommended to accelerate renovating the findings under the castle courtyard and the northern terrace, the SITA newswire reported. “These negotiations were certainly not easy,” said Daniel Guspan, head of the Parliamentary Office, as quoted by the TASR newswire, “there are different opinions among laymen and also experts about the exhibition of the excavations, the construction objects or the archaeological solutions of some parts of the reconstruction of Bratislava Castle.” The commission, however, did not agree on what to do with the planned underground garages, SITA wrote. It is necessary to complete the underground construction at the castle, Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini said. Only time and mutual agreement will show whether there will be garages or something else, he added. “It may have multifunctional use,” Pellegrini said, as quoted by TASR, adding that in case of need it may be used for parking, and otherwise for other purposes. He also said that the parliament will accept some of the experts’ recommendations, like adopting measures for better protection of the findings and their exhibition. However, he considers the proposal to halt construction at the castle to be unjustified, TASR wrote. The activists from SOS Bratislavský Hrad civic initi- Work at Bratislava Castle was discussed. Photo: TASR ative welcomed the outcomes of the commission. “It is important that the artefacts on the working site will be protected,” said Monika Kozelová of SOS Bratislavský Hrad, as quoted by TASR. What next? While there was no problem with preserving two of the excavated objects, there is still discussion over a third located under the winter riding school, a replica of an 18th century building which parliament wanted to use for public events. According to the latest plans, excavation was set to continue under the ballroom’s stage. During the day it will be open to visitors, while in the evening it will be used for various events, the Denník N daily wrote. SOS Bratislavský Hrad has made its own proposals, including turning the building into a concert hall and ballroom, or into part of the Slovak National Museum or the Slovak National Gallery. Another possibility is to create a new museum there. This idea was also welcomed by Austrian archaeologist Heinrich Zabehlicky who, as the first foreign expert, confirmed in the past that it was Roman architects who built the constructions at Bratislava Castle for the Celts, Denník N wrote. “The modern museum would not be much different from the plans for the Baroque riding school,” Zabehlicky told the daily. Zabehlicky visited the castle together with two other foreign archaeologists, Bojan Djurić (Slovenia) and Balász Komoróczy (Czech Republic). Though they agreed that the archaeological research met all standards and that the protection is appropriate, Zabehlicky told Denník N that he does not know any similar site abroad near which underground garages were built. One of the reasons parliament opposed any changes is that it would force delays, and the riding hall and garages are set for use starting next July when Slovakia’s presidency over the European Council begins, Denník N wrote. “As an architect with 25year experience I estimate that the architectural change of the project should not take more than two months if the investor knows what they want,” Ľubomír Boháč, deputy mayor of Bratislava’s Old Town district, who is also responsible for the building authority, told Denník N. According to him, the garages should not be situated on the site, regardless of what is found there and how it is protected. By Radka Minarechová with press reports 4 BUSINESS March 23 – April 5, 2015 Slovaks with HSBC accounts EARLIER in March the Slovak Financial Administration received a list of 25 Slovak clients of the Swiss branch of HSBC bank. The list, from which several names have since been leaked, includes names identical to those of high-profile businesspeople, athletes, doctors and models. The amounts in individual accounts were up to €3.5 million, Financial Administration (FA) spokeswoman Patrícia Macíková told the SITA newswire. The leaked names include Daniela Hantuchová, Igor Grošaft and Ján Sabol. While the tennis player Daniela Hantuchová has not commented on the presence of her name on the list, Igor Grošaft, co-owner of the SITA newswire, as well as Ján Sabol, a former state secretary of the Economy Ministry during the first Mikuláš Dzurinda cabinet, have denied holding accounts at the bank. Lawyers point out that having an account with a foreign banks is not illegal. “For example, athletes or productive artists, who practically do not have any income from Slovakia but from various events abroad, commonly open accounts abroad,” Radovan Pala, partner of the law firm TaylorWessing e/n/w/c told the Dennik N daily. The FA is now checking the list, while further steps should be taken within the Tax Cobra, within which the National Criminal Agency, the Financial Administration and the General Prosecutor’s Office collaborate. FA President František Imrecze asked for the list in mid February after involvement of Slovaks in the ‘Swiss Leaks’, a case in which the role of the Swiss branch of HSBC in assisting people from other countries to dodge taxes and change money into difficult-to-trace cash was revealed. The leaked list includes 60 people with links to Slovakia. Igor Grošaft owns through NAMAV a minority stake in Petit Press, the co-owner of The Slovak Spectator. Business environment index falls BASED on the perceptions of business people, the quality of the business environment in Slovakia continued to worsen during the final quarter of 2014. They objected especially to constant changes in legislation and an increasing tax burden caused by the revisions to the income tax law. The business environment index, which the Business Alliance of Slovakia (PAS) prepares based on a survey of business people, decreased by 1.71 percent to 61.2 points over the last quarter of 2014. The drop was less dynamic than during the previous quarter when the index fell 2.58 percent. PAS revealed the latest data on March 12. Out of all monitored parameters of the index, the item assessing comprehens- ibility, usage and stability of legislation decreased the most. This reflected the changes in several important laws for doing business which took place at the end of 2014. The main change was the revision to the income tax law changing the depreciation scheme. The low enforceability of laws and the functionality of the judiciary was the second item with the biggest drop, followed by inconsistent enforcement of the principle of equality before the law. The latter was ascribed to restructuring of the construction company Váhostav, which was disadvantageous for small and medium-sized businesses in particular. Compiled by Spectator staff ADVERTISEMENT Leading local Microsoft partner, with ERP solution Microsoft Dynamics AX2012 the first Microsoft Dynamics AX can help drive productivity because it’s so simple to learn and use, straight forward to implement, and quick to adapt. Implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX will drive long-term value for your business through a strong return on investment (ROI), lower cost of ownership, and quicker time to value. Dynamix Consult s.r.o. (associated with XAPT Group) GBC II, Galvaniho 7/B, 821 04 Bratislava, Slovakia tel.: +421 2 204 222 00 www.dynamixconsult.com / [email protected] SP013297/021 Students to get more experience with new law BY RADKA MINARECHOVÁ Spectator staff AFTER nearly two years of discussion, parliament has adopted a new law on vocational training which should meet the requirements of employers for more professional staffers. It will carry out the theoretical part of the education process at schools, while practical training will be entrusted to companies. Despite support from employers’ associations, there still remain some weak points that, they hope, may be removed after further negotiations. “Vocational education in Slovakia has a long and quality tradition which was interrupted to a certain extent in past years, so we have not built it on a green field,” Education Minister Juraj Draxler said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. He referred to the fact that there was dual education in the past, but it gradually faded Students will work directly in firms. after the fall of communism. An important part of the new law, approved by 80 MPs on March 12, is the implementation of the dual education scheme into vocational training, including the mechanism of verification of employers’ abilities to offer practical training, Education Ministry spokeswoman Beáta Dupaľová Ksenzsighová told The Slovak Spectator. In practice, employers who decide to join the project will enter into learning contracts with secondary school stu- Photo: TASR dents, who will undergo practical training at the company. The system is beneficial for students in that they will be entitled to receive remuneration for their work, while the companies will be motivated by tax relief. The government has allocated €26 million for this purpose up to 2018. The level of the granted tax relief will be the same for all participating firms. Employers who want to join the system but lack the required equipment and premises will be able to arrange for part of the practical training to be carried out on the premises of a different employer, the law stipulates. More powers within the certification process for employers will be assumed by the State Institute of Vocational Education (SIOV). The time spent in the company may be from 60 to 80 percent of the total number of lessons. After being signed by the president, the new law will become effective as of April 1, and become part of school curricula as of September 1. “We consider the adoption of the law positively, as a success of employers to legitimise their efforts for the transformation of vocational education and implementation of the dual education system in Slovakia,” Roman Conorto of the Federation of Employers’ Associations (AZZZ) told The Slovak Spectator. Foreign chambers in Slovakia also welcomed the law, though they say it is not ideal. See TRAIN pg 10 CARS: PSA Trnava faces labour unrest Continued from pg 1 The carmaker ascribed the drop to the launch of new production lines as well as the volatile car market, with declines in sales in some markets, notably Russia, affecting car production in Bratislava. Kia Motors Slovakia near Žilina produced 323,720 cars, up nearly 3.5 percent and PSA Peugeot Citroën in Trnava increased its production by 2.7 percent to 255,176 cars, a new record. New models to boost production All three carmakers introduced new products at the annual Geneva International Motor Show held March 5-15, hoping that new or improved models would boost car sales and production. “2015 will be a challenge for Volkswagen Slovakia,” Albrecht Reimold, the president of the board of directors of VW SK said at a press conference on March 16. “We are starting production of the new Audi Q7. Thus we will become the first plant in the world to start manufacturing a diesel-driven plug-in hybrid car – the Audi Q7 e-tron.” VW SK is also preparing for production of bodies for the new Bentley Bentayga SUV expected to be launched on the market in early 2016, while the Bratislava plant will, as of late 2017, also assemble the Porsche Cayenne. While VW SK has previously manufactured several of its parts, final assembly has been done in Leipzig. VW SK plans to invest €1.5 billion between 2012 and 2016, while investments between 2012 and 2014 amounted to €939.3 million. PSA Peugeot Citroën introduced a revamped 208 model in Geneva. “Out of all Peugeot 208 cars, 90 percent are manufactured in Trnava,” Peugeot Slovakia spokeswoman Ivana Orviská told the Pravda daily, adding that the remaining 10 percent are manufactured in the French town of Poissy. Peter Švec, spokesman for PSA Peugeot Citroën, specified that the Trnava plant introduced two new things in Geneva, with the second being a twotoned bodym the technology for which was designed by technicians from the Trnava plant, offered under the Black Top brand. Clients can choose the roof and covers of driving mirrors in black in combination with one of three colour tones for the body. But the biggest news for Trnava is that the plant should manufacture Citroën’s crossover model which should replace production of the Citroën C3 Picasso, Pravda wrote. While total investments related to the new model are calculated at €300 million, €80 million of this should go to Trnava. Originally the carmaker planned to make the announcement in a ceremonial way with the presence of Prime Minister Robert Fico on March 6, but Fico was unable to attend and no announcement was made. Nevertheless, even plans for production of a new model and thus actual guarantees that the carmaker would keep its labour force, have not calmed the tense situation in the plant, and trade unions are threatening to strike if they do not receive a pay raise. Unions have asked for a 9-percent salary hike, but the company’s management has thus far refused. They proposed a one-off contribution to the employees instead, which was rejected by the trade unions. The negotiations are now being led by a mediator. Two years ago the company management agreed with employees on a 24month salary freeze, because of lower production, for the years 2013 and 2014. The third shift was preserved even though production was below the plant’s annual capacity of 300,000 cars. This March several employees, mostly working on the lines, told the MY Trnavské Noviny regional weekly that the working conditions were not good. “People work a lot and at a tempo which is unthinkable in France,” one of the employees said, adding they have to work also on Saturdays. “And then they learn that they will pay €1,000 bonuses in France.” Korean-owned Kia Motors Slovakia, which produces cars in Teplička nad Váhom near Žilina, unveiled the sport line of its cee’d models under the GT Line brand in Geneva. “We will manufacture it in three body versions,” said Jozef Bačé, spokesman for Kia Motors Slovakia. Fourth carmaker? While car market watchers rather see space in Slovakia for more auto subcontractors, the media have reported that carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is considering opening a new facility here. “They are addressing construction companies for potential designs for their premises,” an anonymous source told the Hospodárske Noviny economic daily. “They are deciding between Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary,” he added. The question remains, however, whether this will be a logistics warehouse, additional production site, or even a plant for car production. Several things hint that the second option is more probable. Owned by India’s Tata Motors, the company is building at full capacity and needs to expand. Jaguar Land Rover officials did not comment for Hospodárske Noviny, but Slovak analysts point out that this region is a logical choice, due to its low costs, developed network of suppliers, flexible and highly motivated labour, and the country’s growth potential, plus other factors. OPINION / NEWS www.spectator.sk “This is the part of the film where Frodo, hungry and thirsty, wanders aim- QUOTE OF THE WEEK: lessly around swamps of Mordor.” “I wish our the education sector had the same efficiency as the exchange of QUOTE OF THE WEEK: education ministers has had in recent months.” Sieť leader Radoslav Procházka appears to compare the travails of his party, whose support has recently dipped opinion polls, those of aMinister hobbit. President Andrej Kiska said whileinappointing newtoEducation Juraj Draxler, the third to serve since July. HOME: Boost police power? NEW: Pellegrini named after Paška is forced out Continued from pg 1 Meanwhile, Jánoš announced he hasfrom filed pg a crimContinued 1 inal complaint concerning slanderThe andnew thespeaker infringement of the sanctity of intimate verbal expression, claiming Pellegrini said he would be that “many allegations, halfguided by tolerance, respect truths and untrue claims” and openness in his newhave parbeen published in the media liamentary job, and has drawn about case.a He also said praisethe from number ofthat ophe has a heavy heartwho when it position deputies said comes to his wife, they believe thatwith thewhom new he is in the process of confrontdivorce. speaker will be less ational than Paška. Release bailfor questioned “I am on ready constructive cooperation,” Pellegrini Jánoš spent four days in said, as quoted by the SITA custody he that was imrenewswire,before adding leased bail, whichculture was set provingonthe political in by the judgeand at the €20,000. The parliament credibility of the institution are a against task for prosecutor appealed bothrelease the ruling the but majority Trenčín and Rethe opposition. gional Court approved the deOf 136 present, 120 cision of deputies Prievidza District supported Court to letPellegrini him go. as speaker. Miroslav Číž wasthe elected to Ivan Katrinec, lawyer replace RenátaIveta Zmajkovičová, representing Jánošová, a key wife, Smersaidofficial, who Jánoš’ he respects stepped down in court, connection the decision of the even with the CT scandal, init.the though he disagrees with deputy post.the judge “Wespeaker hope that Chairmanto Béla has Most-Híd taken all measures enBugárthe said he hopes that and Pelsure safety of the wife legrini would respect said, the opdaughter,” Katrinec as positionby and make“By it possible for quoted TASR. releasing it to perform its controlling role. Vladimír Jánoš from custody, said ashe the Pellegrini judge has has de facto would listen to arguments of sumed responsibility over the opposition but he expects everything Vladimír Jánoš the same will do ininreturn. the following “People often view parliaweeks.” ment only as aProsecutor political General theatre,” Čižnár said Pellegrini, as Jaromír said he disquoted with by thethe TASR newswire. agrees decision. He Pellegrini’s pointed out that appointment on March 6, came asina Prievidza surprise, as many police charged expected Culture Minister two people with interfering in Marek Maďarič of Smerin to contake the process of justice up the post. nection with the case. According to unofficial reports, a lawyerPaška’s and a departure doctor issued a false medical certificate Paškathat resigned asnot speaker claiming Jánoš is fit to of parliament the same night testify before police. as municipal elections,evades over“When someone shadowingprosecution reports on itoutcriminal is comes to of at mayoral races across reason least consider cusSlovakia. Fico,said who been tody,” Čižnár in had an interbacking Paška since the view with the Sme daily. CT scandal broke, said Paška resigned to protect his family Recanting testimony government adopted legislation making it impossible to do so in 2002, according to the daily. and said he does not see it as a should, in signThe thatprosecutor Paška is necessarily this have launched a done case, in politics. criminal prosecution for false The scandal surrounding testimony, Čižnár said. Furthe CT device has also claimed ther would show headinvestigation of Zuzana Zvolenská as why Jánoš’ wife truly recalled health minister. her testimony. The Piešťany Hospital of “This did not purchased happen,” Alexander Winter Čižnár earlier told thisSme. year“The a CTquestion scanner is whether the silence was bewith a price tag approximneficiary someone, beately threefor times higher than cause don’t see any other similarI devices purchased in reason.” the Czech Republic. Medical Group SK won the criticised Avoiding tender after investigation facing a single competitor, the Nitra-based is a way for offered police firmThere Meditecon, which officers to avoid their duty to a price €300 lower. Fico cases. called The Paška’s dealWhile with such abdecision the files gesture of a used woman a criminal statesman, but which rare in complaint lateris amends Slovakia, opposition Daniel testimony instead ofMP recalling Lipšic claims CT scanit and she doesthat it inthe a way that dal must end withwill resigthe wholenot testimony be nations only, but it also negated, according to should Jozef continue atthe a level of criminal Šotkovský, lawyer cooperresponsibility, TASR wrote. Alating with Slovak Women The opposition put Paška liance. in hot water over whatis they Another option to say are the his whole ties tosituation. medical derogate companies, especially the For example, to say that conMedical Group, which won the trary to original testimony CT tender. They with also an claimed abuser hit victim open that Paška not publish his palm to thedid shoulder, not with income from the Police sale of shares fist to the face. therein private fore deal companies. with it as misdemeanour, not as criminal act. protests PoliceThe are authorised to investigate even such comMoreespecially than 1,000 plaints, whenpeople it apgathered in Bratislava to her depears a woman changed mand Paška’s resignation on testimony under duress, but November 14 during a rally many officers do not do so asorit ganised by independent is more convenient for themMP to Alojznothing, Hlina, following a similar do according to protest in Košice in front of Šotkovský. Paška’s house wherejust around 300 “Police officers shelve people gathered on November the criminal complaint and do 11, according to TASR. nothing further in the case,” Bratislava a rally on Šotkovský toldsawThe Slovak November 25 organised by Spectator. “Then it will be forHlina, Daniel Lipšic of opposigotten.” tion NOVA, Richard Sulík of Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) Expelled from the house and Igor Matovič of the Ordinary To People Independent fightand domestic violPersonalities (OĽaNO) swellence, police propose to extend ing to a gathering 5,000-strong, the power of police officers to according to the Sme daily.from to expel alleged abusers their households from the Commenting on the ver- current two days to a new limdict, Katrinec pointed out that it of ten days, Police PresidiJánoš faced domestic violence um spokesman Michal Slivka allegations as far back as 10 told The Slovak Spectator. Professionals dealing with years ago. In May 2005, his wife Iveta filed a complaint abused women welcome the with Prievidza police, but the idea. next day she came to amend “Two days are too short a her complaint, and claimed time for abused person to dethat she had fabricated the cide what to do,” Gancárová whole attack. said. “A woman has to decide if “My husband forced me to she wants to divorce or sue her tell police that I fabricated it partner and those decisions are after an hour of persuasion and not easy for a woman who is threatening,” Jánošová told psychologically and economSme. “I had to recant my testi- ically dependent on a man.” mony.” Police registered 312 exAs victims of domestic vi- pulsions in 2014, Sme wrote, olence often recant their testi- which is too low a number, acmonies because of fear of or cording to Čižnár. threats fromof Parliament abusers with When police officers come New Speaker Peter Pellegrini Photo: SITA whom they share a home, the to the crime scene, the violent attack is usually over and neighbours pretend that they did not notice anything, Šotkovský Along said. with a law to limit Gancárová, who in past shell companies in the public was a police officer dealing with tenders, the protesters also abused added that ofdemandwomen, a law on material reficers do not use this power as sponsibility of state officials they often committee frustrated by the and aare special overpoor of their efforts. seeingresults the investigation of the There intervention Gorilla are file, anotranscript purteams provide portinginto Slovakia originatetofrom conlegal and psychological for versations between help senior victims, so they passive and politicians and are Penta covertly abusers their homes recordedreturn by thetocountry’s SIS after 48 hours service as if nothing had intelligence between happened, 2005 and she 2006said. mainly about is, however, the There privatisation andanother sale of loophole in legislation which state property. complicates They alsothe callmeans for thean endabof used personnominations can be protected political in from violent As in healtha care and partner. the election of Supreme Audit Office head the Jánoš case, a court decides proposed an by the opposition. whether alleged abuser Moreover, they urgedand Fico to should be imprisoned how stepalleged down, according to Sme.be the victim should Ice hockey player Michal protected during a criminal Handzuš Zuzana prosecution. Itand may issue a ban Melicherčíková, decorated preventing the accused from with theclose White corrupcoming to Crow the house of tion whistleblower award,the as their accuser. However, well as ado number of actors, also victims not receive an offiaddressed the crowd. cial document saying this, because they are not partiCT proceeding, scandal cipants The in the according to Gancárová. The Piešťany hospital had “Even when the abuser has announced a tender to a pursome restriction, such as ban chase a CT Somatom Definition on returning to their home, AS produced Siemens 2012 the victim by does not in know for roughly €1 the million about it because court with does VAT; deliver however, officials not its after decision to from theGancárová ruling Smer party took them,” said. control over the hospital following New the legislation 2012 election, the management cancelled the dealThe andMinistry announced a new of Labour, tender Affairs for a more expensive Social and Family is device, TV Markíza reported on preparing a draft law on doOctoberviolence 30. mestic which should The winning bid by Medbe finished by the autumn. ical“It’s Group at to almost €1.6 too SK early comment million for a Philips Ingenuity on particular measures… but Core is128 CTtoscanner was there a need focus on situ€600,000 higher than the CT ations where there are redevice misdemeanours from the cancelled peated in one tender, Sme Labour reported. At the household,” Ministry time of the deal, Zmajkovičová spokesman Michal Stuška told headed theSpectator. hospital’s superThe Slovak visory board. Slovakia adopMeanwhile leadership of the ted The several measures to hosimpital announced on November prove the situation: it trained 6 that they are ways of to specialists for seeking these types cancel the contracttraining with Medcrimes, improved of ical Group SK. Yet, director of regular police officers and the hospital Mária Domčeková launched a hotline for abused in an interview with Sme on people on March 1, Čižnár said. November 12, insisted that the Slovak legislation is not purchase came after a legitimbad in itself, but the rules are ate tender. overseen by incompetent or In an unexpected turn, the poorly trained people, authorised representative of Gancárová said. Police ofMedical Group SK, Juraj Koval, ficers, prosecutors and judges sacked its director Erika Bilá for often downplay the seriouswhat he called damaging the ness of suchreputation. cases, which could company’s The sustem from the factof that some of pervisory board the comthem witnessed domestic vipany allegedly had not known olence as children and deal, conabout the €1.6 million sider violence as to some exsealed in the summer. A few tent daysnormal, earlier, she the suggested. company had are police officers said“There it was prepared to file lawwho of domestic suitswere over victims the claims that the violence are now CT scannerand wasthey overpriced. dealing with victims of domestic violence,” Gancárová Read more on pg 9 said. March 23 – April December 1 – 5, 7, 2015 2014 5 Recognise There is stillreality, a long and roadKosovo ahead WAR andHarabin a brutal campaign of ŠTEFAN failed in his ethnic leads to in a last shotcleansing at keeping power major refugeejudiciary crisis. Global the Slovak after powers intervene in attempt judges on November 25 said to quell the want bloodshed they do not to see and the implement an over imperfect man who lorded the secceasefire stalemate. Eventutor for much of past decade to ally, the Judicial ground have events a seat on the overtake status quo and a Council, the which oversees the new countryofunilaterally defunctioning courts nationclares independence. A mawide. The year 2014 is praised by manyofas aUnited year of change in jority Nations the judiciary, proving members, butand notisall, recog-a thorny for Harabin nise theone independence of who this also failed in his bid to others get renew country – while elected inasdenying Supreme persist theCourt new chairman and departed as reality for years. head of theisJudicial Council in as Israel the country well. question, but much as the Harabin, his above scenario true appliestoto the nature, East did not admit Middle of 1948, sodefeat, it corbut said with instead that Europe “small responds eastern defeats always launched of 2008 have and Kosovo. Slovakia me to big the victories”, staterecognises former,abut not ment which indeed suggests the latter. thatIthe takestohis role the in the is hard figure lojudiciary very personally. gic behind Slovakia’s contin“Have I lost? What are you ued reluctance to recognise talking Harabin the plainabout?” reality that Kosovoreis in has an already interview asponded country that exearlierfor this year years. after he isted seven Insaw rehis hopes to return to the Sucent days the issue has resurpreme Court evaporating. faced as voices from the Harabin indeed underEuropean Parliament have stands openly the current begun callingsituation for the as a European proverbialUnion lost battle, five memwhile– atCyprus, the same time Rohis bers Greece, rhetoric indicates an unwillmania, Spain and Slovakia – ingness surrender in the that havetostill not recognised larger war. Pristina as a sovereign capital is so. right in one thing. cityHe to do JustAmong becausethe he was removed squeamish, from have the concerns judicial that steering most porwheel does not mean that tions of their own country howsecede. the courts will Some ofwork thesewill are automatically, even legitimate,dramatically and in the improve. It does however case of Cyprus the island is mean that there is now already partitioned. Ina conthe siderably bigger the chance case of Slovakia idea for is letting fresh air into the preposterous. The concept country’s court system that the country must beand on for the atmosphere of fear and guard against ethnic Hunintimidation by garians thatto be arereplaced secretly transparency and accountabscheming to break away is ility. hallucinatory and leads to Still, Harabin is far from equally delusional public being the sole problem of policy. Slovakia’s courts. As TransThis manifests itself in parency International Slovany number of ways. Ignorensko (TIS) noted in a public people who seems lost their Slovak It also that the passport did making so because protests are the they govtook up nervous Hungarian citizenernment because last ship. significant weekAthe cabinetplurality pitched ofa those whotowere had revision thepunished public proCzech citizenship curement law to instead. parliament arguments against thatOther purports to eliminate the recognising Kosovo are even possibility that murky shell more problematic. goes companies can takeOne part in that Slovakia mustHowever, stay true toa public tenders. its Slavic roots of andthe support quick review law already seemsand to sisters show in it their brothers needs significant revisions to Serbia. A second alleges that actually make it effective. acknowledging Kosovo Thea precedent departure that of clears Pavol means Paškaway fromfor, the among post of speakthe other er of parliament is a strong things, Russian annexation of indicator of just how deep the Crimea. rabbit hole goes, and if the opSetting government position along truly ethnic cares orabout policies lintransparent procureguistic lines ispublic not only racist, ment, now ismore the time to press but causes harm than the ruling Smer partysupport and try good. Should Slovaks to come up with real propos20th century Soviet gulags out alsshared in parliament that would of Slavic identity? As actually induce progress. setting precedent, there is BY BBEATA BALOGOVÁ for Y BENJAMIN If thezero newindication speaker ofthat the literally staff CSpectator UNNINGHAM house Peter Pellegrini really Russia puts any stock in inSpectator staff means what law. he says, and are acternational Those tually will to argutanks, not listen attorneys, in ments by the opposition, then Čimo,party a pro-reform judge, in Ukraine’s Smer is incapable of adeastern provinces. is a chance regions where mitting when the theyso-called make there Slovakia need something not recoguseful Kosovo could come from this judge family stillmight flour- nise mistakes. Thatclans law, one because the situation. If this turns out to ish. According to TIS, every recall, was meant to discour- European Parliament wants it be It another way the opposififthethnic active Hungarians judge in Slovakia age from to. should recognise Kosovo tion triesit to make exists votersand revoted in of Harabin, taking up favour Hungarian citizen- because already member their names and dis-– and thus in some them way his ship by stripping of counterfactual realities tinguish their parties from world view too. if they did. never Slovak citizenship mind foreign policies one emanate another, from then them it will go Čimo in an years, inter- that In the noted intervening – are down as a missed opportunview with the Sme daily that just 6 percent of the 1,000 best left to science fiction. Harabin “still received relat- ity. Changes to the judiciary ively high support”. What can induce a mental shift in heads and public procurement laws of the 255 judges who still could of course work hand-inhand. If there was a watervoted for Harabin? Society does seem to be proof prosecution and welllosing patience with well- functioning court system, the connected public officials si- public could hope that anyphoning funds from the no- one who outrageously abused toriously cash-strapped their political connections to healthcare sector. A recent make a fortune would actu5,000-strong protest rally ally pay for it by losing more suggests that the scandal sur- than their political post. rounding overpriced medical While there may be some equipment hit a raw nerve reasons for tentative optimwith many who feel it takes ism about recent changes, the both excessive greed and list of high ranking public ofstrong political connections ficials convicted of graft and Kosovo celebrated the seventh anniversary of its independence to make a mint at the expense sitting in jail remains shamePhoto: AP/TASR in mid February. of the sick. fully low. ing is one, butwhen the post Kosovo on Facebook, most the comical judgesobvious electedistheir repres2010 citizenship that reentatives to the law 18-member mains the books because JudicialonCouncil, Harabin dethe leadership of the Dušan ruling feated his challenger EDITORIAL JÁN PALLO -- Publisher Publisher EDITORIAL EDITORIAL BEATA BALOGOVÁ - Editor - In - Chief MICHAELA TERENZANI - Editor-In-Chief BENJAMIN CUNNINGHAM - Senior Editor JANA LIPTÁKOVÁ - Managing Editor BRIGITTE MORENCY - Copy Editor BENJAMIN CUNNINGHAMSenior Editor RAUB WILLIAM WILLIAM MURRAY RAUB MURRAY --Copy CopyEditor Editor Writer JANA LIPTÁKOVÁ - Staff ZUZANA VILIKOVSKÁ - Staff Writer MICHAELA - Staff Writer ROMANTERENZANI CUPRIK - Staff Writer ZUZANA VILIKOVSKÁ - Staff&Writer RADKA MINARECHOVÁ - Staff Writer Project Manager ROMAN CUPRIK - Staff Contributor Writer BEATA BALOGOVÁ - Special RADKATOM MINARECHOVÁ Staff Writer & Project NICHOLSON - Special Contributor Manager PETERLAYOUT, ADAMOVSKÝ WEB -&Freelancer IT RÉDLI - Freelancer TATIANAERIK ŠTRAUCHOVÁ - Graphic Designer ROMAN KRÁĽ - IT LAYOUT TOMÁŠ PALLO - Online Publishing MIROSLAV ŠMIČKO - Graphic Designer SALES - FINANCES - FINANCES BEATASALES FOJTÍKOVÁ - Sales Executive BEATA FOJTÍKOVÁ --Sales Sales Executive Executive JOZEF HÁMORSKÝ JOZEF HÁMORSKÝ Circulation Manager & Sales Executive JÁN PESTÚN - Circulation & PR Manager Subscriptions: Inquiries The Spectator is independent an independent newspaper by The Rock, Inquiries to The Slovak TheSlovak Slovak Spectator is an newspaper publishedpublished every Monday by The Rock,s.r.o. s.r.o. 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Address: The Rock, IâO:commercial or ventures of by The s.r.o., Lazaretská 12, 811 08 Bratislava. 313 86 237. Spectator Rock s.r.o. ISSNor isenterprises the responsibility the Slovak advertiser andorisThe not a written implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such enterprises or ventures by The Slovak Spectator or The Rock s.r.o. ISSN 1335-9843. Address: The Rock, s.r.o., Lazaretská 12, 811 08 Bratislava. IČO: 313 86 237. 6 March 23 – April 5, 2015 BUSINESS FOCUS LEGISLATION Slovakia lacks law on cyber security Cabinet backs civil law re-codification New procurement law lacks teeth Opposition, watchdogs believe Smerbacked changes are cosmetic BY PETER ADAMOVSKÝ Special to the Spectator THE LATE-2014 scandal over an overpriced computed tomography scanner forced changes to public procurement laws. Since the beginning of March, the changes are meant to ban companies with unclear ownership or those owned by public officials from taking part in public procurements and also liberalise purchasing associated with the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in 2016. Though opposition parties as well as law experts have criticised the amendments, Prime Minister Robert Fico and his Smer party used their outright majority in parliament to overrule President Andrej Kiska’s veto and adopted the bill in late January. “It is better Management of state funds is at issue. to have such a law than to have nothing,” Fico said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Opposition parties MostHíd and Sieť perceive the new legislation as just a marketing solution by the Smer government and that it does not force firms to reveal the ultimate recipient of profits in practically any shell firm. “The official point of the amendment – to exclude firms with unknown ownership from public procurement – remained on paper and in reality it will fail,” MP Miroslav Beblavý of the Sieť party, told Photo: Sme The Slovak Spectator. The law bans companies that have residence in a country with laws that do not require the disclosure of all owners with a 10 percent or more share in a company from bidding on public contracts. It also places limits on companies in which public officials have a 10 percent stake or more. An exception is made for limited liability companies listed on stock exchanges in the EU, the European Economic Area or an OECD country. At the last minute the government also added an amendment that streamlines purchasing made in preparation for the EU Council presidency in the latter half of 2016, changes critics fear are open to abuse. Excluding certain companies from EU countries where shareholders’ anonymity is permitted by law from the public procurement process in Slovakia violates European law on public procurement, Andrej Leontiev, a partner at the law firm Taylor Wessing e/n/w/c, told The Slovak Spectator. “Such a legislative approach is not correct,” said Leontiev. Peter Kunder, an expert on public procurement from the non-governmental organisation Fair-Play Alliance, said that the rules can be easily bypassed and that companies with dummy owners can still operate. “It was only about passing the exception [for the EU presidency] and political PR,” Kunder told The Slovak Spectator. The government sought simplified processes to make purchases for the Council presidency, he added. Next issue: BUSINESS FOCUS TRANSPORT Institutions, organisations and useful links related to Slovak law Ministry of Justice Minister: Tomáš Borec www.justice.gov.sk Slovak Bar Association – an independent, self-governing professional organisation of attorneys www.sak.sk Chamber of Notaries – a self-governing professional organisation representing notaries in Slovakia www.notar.sk Public Defender of Rights – Ombudswoman Jana Dubovcová www.vop.gov.sk A website publishing some Slovak court verdicts (in Slovak): http://www.justice.gov.sk/Stranky/ Sudne-rozhodnutia/Sudne-rozhodnutia.aspx Collection of laws (in Slovak) http://www.justice.gov.sk/Stranky/Zakony/ Zbierka-zakonov.aspx Compiled by Spectator staff LAW FIRMS in Slovakia ADVERTISEMENT See FUNDS pg 9 New public information bill proposed Watchdog groups say changes are a step in the right direction BY ERIK RÉDLI Special to the Spectator THE PROPOSED amendment to the law on the free access to information, which still needs the approval of the Slovak parliament, is a welcomed step forward although most agree there is still more room for improvement. The Ministry of Justice, which oversaw the drafting of the bill, argues that Slovakia has some of the most liberal laws in Europe when it comes to public access to information and that the revision keeps the current standard while removing bureaucratic barriers. The aim is that the public administration does not need to prepare extensive documents or background research instead of somebody else, Justice Minister Tomáš Borec explained, as cited by the SITA newswire. “It is far from ideal, but nevertheless improves the current state of affairs,” said Peter Kunder from the Fair-Play Alliance, one of the organisations that consulted on preparing the draft law. The Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia (ZMOS) considers the law on the freedom of information to be one of the key tools in building the relationship between the people and the public authorities, ZMOS spokeswoman Marta Bujňáková told The Slovak Spectator. She said that there is a lot of leeway for abuse in the old law, valid since 2001. “The revision of the law is a result of not easy compromises and only its application in practice will show whether all powers and duties were clearly and comprehensively formulated and space for its abuse, either from the view of applicants as well as the obliged people, was eliminated,” said Jozef Dvonč, the ZMOS chair, as cited by SITA. Problems with current law In general, provisions of the existing law are not clearly defined, according to ZMOS, and open to ambiguous interpretation. It threatened the legal security of the members of the public that were seeking information from public authorities as well as those officials tasked with providing access. In order to prepare an amendment to the law, the Justice Ministry formed a group which included representatives from non-governmental organisations and ZMOS. It worked on the draft revision for two years. The revision to the law on free access to information amends the conditions, process and extent of the free access to information. It requires the government bodies, municipalities, higher regional units, and the authorised legal and civil entities to enable access to information on management of the public resources, administration of the property of state, municipality or higher regional unit; the environment and about services and activities arising from an agreement. As the main obstacles Kunder lists the limited enforceability of the law, and the larger incapacity or lack of willingness of the police, prosecutors and courts to reveal, explain and penalise corrupt behaviour. The law helped to uncover an overpriced purchase of a computed tomography scanner for a hospital in Piešťany which shocked Slovakia in November 2014. It resulted in the resignation of the speaker of parliament Pavol Paška and also other figures in top positions in health care. In reaction to the Piešťany purchase, but also other suspicious public procurements that followed, the parliament pushed forward a new public procurement law. SP015033/001 SP015034/001 See BILL pg 9 SP015036/001 BUSINESS FOCUS www.spectator.sk March 23 – April 5, 2015 7 Lawyers say tax changes problematic Spectator staff ners, Ľubomír Leško, attorney at Peterka & Partners, and Havel, Holásek & Partners law firm. THOUGH legal experts admit that some revisions adopted in 2014 will improve the environment in Slovakia, they also point to negative impacts brought by measures adopted by parliament last year. These concern, in particular, the changes to the Income Tax Act which most of them view as problematic. The Slovak Spectator spoke about these changes with Daniel Futej, partner at Futej & Partners, Allen & Overy Bratislava law firm, Tomáš Urban, attorney at Čechová & Part- The Slovak Spectator (TSS): Which legislative changes or new laws adopted in 2014 do you consider to be most important, and why? Daniel Futej (DF): The revision of the tax law, collective bargaining and amending the code concerning agency employees are pretty important. Furthermore a new law on energy effectiveness is important in identification of energy savings. Certain changes were made even in the area of immigration law related to double citizenship rules. In spite of the corporate tax BY RADKA MINARECHOVÁ ADVERTISEMENT Lawyers criticise some changes to tax laws. dropping from 23 percent to 22 percent it is still far from the original 19 percent. Unfortunately, the decrease made by Photo: Sme the government is compensated through the introduction of tax licenses. The newly introduced license fee is Daňové zákony v roku 2015 Iba Pravda vám prináša úplné znenie všetkých daňových zákonov platných na Slovensku v roku 2015 § Zákon o dani z príjmov § Zákon o dani z pridanej hodnoty § Zákon o spotrebnej dani z alkoholických nápojov § Zákon o spotrebnej dani z tabakových výrobkov § Zákon o spotrebnej dani z minerálneho oleja § Zákon o spotrebnej dani z elektriny, uhlia a zemného plynu § Zákon o miestnych daniach a miestnom poplatku za odpady § Zákon o správe daní (daňový poriadok) § Zákon o účtovníctve § Zákon o cestovných náhradách a navyše Postupy účtovania: jednoduché a podvojné účtovníctvo pre podnikateľov V unikátnej publikácii, ktorú denník PRAVDA vydáva každoročne, a už po dvadsiaty tretí raz, nájdete úplné znenie jedenástich najdôležitejších daňových zákonov platných na Slovensku v roku 2015, a to aj s vyznačenými zmenami a komentármi. UŽ V PRED AJI iba za 4,99 € Objednajte si už teraz za zvýhodnenú cenu 4,49 € + poštovné a balné. Pri objednávke nad 20 ks poštovné a balné uhradíme za vás. Objednávky: www.pravda.sk/dane alebo prostredníctvom e-mailu na [email protected]. V prípade e-mailovej objednávky je potrebné uviesť, o koľko kusov Daňových zákonov máte záujem a kontaktné údaje (názov firmy, sídlo, IČO, DIČ, IČ DPH, ak ste platcom DPH, a adresu, na ktorú chcete zásielku doručiť, ak je iná ako fakturačná adresa). V prípade ďalších otázok týkajúcich sa objednávok volajte na čísla 02/4959 6272, 02/4959 6270. Všetky ceny sú uvedené vrátane DPH 20 %. Daňové zákony 2015 si môžete kúpiť v novinových stánkoch, kníhkupectvách Elita, www.martinus.sk, www.gorila.sk, vo vybraných predajniach ŠEVT a v ďalších kníhkupectvách. SP015008/004 paid by enterprises irrespective of whether they make a profit or not. Even though such fees are tax deductible, they do not contribute to simplification of the business environment. Mandatory electronic VAT records introduced for VAT-payers will allow fighting of carousel fraud by accepting monthly and quarterly VAT records only in electronic form. Introduction of specific rules related to whistleblowers are very critical since it sends a signal to the public at large that the government is ready to fight corruption. The introduction of transfer pricing rules, even between two domestic companies, is a very important tool for the tax office to fight tax evasion. Under the new legislation, even domestic entities will be forced to demonstrate that the prices applied in their mutual business transactions, including prices for services, credit and loans; do not differ from the prices used by non-related entities in comparable business transactions. Allen & Overy Bratislava: In our view, two pieces of legislation governing arbitration and capital markets which were adopted in 2014 were particularly encouraging and will have a positive impact on the business climate. First, a major amendment to the Arbitration Act has aligned the Slovak framework with the modernised 2006 UNICTRAL Model Law and will, undoubtedly, facilitate the settlement of commercial disputes by arbitration. At the same time, an entirely new Act on Consumer Arbitration will regulate an alternative method for resolving consumer disputes. The clear separation between commercial and consumer arbitration will benefit both by introducing greater flexibility in commercial arbitration and more robust protection in consumer arbitration. These changes will send a strong signal that Slovakia wishes to be recognised as an arbitration-friendly and welcoming jurisdiction. Secondly, the Slovak capital markets have been modernised by an amendment to the Act on Bonds. Slovak legislation now expressly recognises established concepts such as bondholder meetings and joint trustees. The adopted measures may facilitate the development of the Slovak capital market and bond financing by Slovak issuers. Finally, an important piece of EU legislation was also adopted in 2014 – the Directive on Damages for Competition Law Infringements. Once implemented into Slovak law, this legislation will facilitate claims for damages brought by consumers or businesses on the basis of anti-competitive conduct, such as cartels or bidrigging. Tomáš Urban (TU): We believe that adoption of the Whistleblowing Act deserves to be marked as a breaking point and an important step in the corruption-fighting effort within Slovakia. Even though it has its shortcomings and it creates a number of obligations and administrative burdens for businesses, it has the potential to effectively protect and thus encourage potential whistleblowers. A whistleblower who reports one of the so-called “serious antisocial activities” to the authorities may be granted protection and even a reward and free legal assistance. Further, we appreciate the news that the Electronic Market Place, which was introduced by legislation adopted earlier in 2013, was finally created on July 1, 2014 and since March 1, 2015 is supposed to be mandatorily used by the public contracting authorities for all specified below-thethreshold-limit contracts. We believe that this may significantly increase transparency in the public procurement sector and allow a wide range of businesses to compete for public contracts. Ľubomír Leško (ĽL): We noticed several important changes to tax laws in 2014, especially regarding income tax, where we can mention the tightening of duties in the field of transfer pricing in the form of more precise anchoring of its content and extending the group of taxpayers on whom these rules apply (originally the rules were applied only on transactions between domestic and foreign related legal entities, while under the new rules they also apply on transactions between domestic related legal entities). We can also mention the changes to the depreciation of tangible property, introducing the rules of low capitalisation, or allowing reduction of tax bases by additional expenditures on research and development. Regarding labour laws, the amendment to the Protection, Support and Development of Public Health Act was adopted which introduced a mandatory health service to every employer, regardless of the categorisation of work from the point of evaluating health risks. As of January 1, 2015 employers, including those having only one person in an employment relationship (including working agreements outside employment), are obliged to secure health supervision by a working health service which can be implemented in two ways: either by having their own professional employees or by signing an agreement with an external supplier. Another important change is the amendment to the Labour Code effective as of July 1, 2014, which limited the duration of agreements other than those of employment to no more than 12 months. See LAW pg 8 8 March 23 – April 5, 2015 BUSINESS FOCUS LAW: Other changes spark emotions too Continued from pg 7 The amendment also changed the maturity and payments of salaries, which increased the administrative burden on employers, especially in relation to login and logout to the health and social insurers. As for businesses, also the amendment to the Law on Protection of Competition adopted in May 2014 was important. The changes pertain mostly to the field of agreements limiting competition, anchoring the institutes of settlements and commitments directly into the law, or their more detailed changes in the law, new rules for leniency and changes in the field of reporting concentrations which should simplify the access of participating parties when reporting and assessing the concentrations. Havel, Holásek & Partners: An amendment to the Public Procurement Act was adopted in 2014 whose aim is to prevent the participation of the so-called “shell companies” in public procurements. As a result, competitions can involve only business entities that can prove their ownership structure up to a natural person (demonstration of equity participation § 26a). The bidders who will falsely inform about their ownership structure will face a fine from the Public Procurement Office of up to €10,000 and ban from participating in public procurement for three years. Further, two important new tax changes were adopted: the amendment to the Income Tax Act and the amendment to the Value Added Tax Act which are expected to contribute to an increase in the state budget, to create a favourable and stable business environment, to increase legal certainty and to fight tax evasion. Unlike the amendment to the Value Added Tax Act, the amendment to the Income Tax Act negatively interferes into nearly every business sector. A significant legislative change is undoubtedly the adoption of the amendment to the Arbitration Act and the completely new Act on Consumer Arbitration, which became the only regulation based on which decisions can be passed in consumer disputes in Slovakia. TSS: Which legislative changes or new laws adopted in 2014 do you consider controversial or problematic, and why? DF: The amendment to agency employees may cause significant cost problems for businesses. Under the new law the user employer is obliged to pay the difference in wages if those of a temporary employee are lower than those of its own comparable employees. Such balance payment must be paid within 15 days from the payday agreed on between the user employer and the agency. It means that if temporary FOCUS shorts Slovakia lacks law on cyber security Changes to temporary employment are also seen as controversial. employees get a lower wage than a comparable employee of the user employer, it may mean that the temporary employees can enforce their right directly against the user employer before a court! Moreover, for the purposes of payment of the difference in wages, user employers shall be obliged to make all obligatory deductions (social security, health insurance, tax advance payments); for this purpose, the user employer is considered a regular employer of a temporary employee. It will not be possible to conclude the contract on providing other services if these services would basically mean that the user employer is giving the instructions to the employees of another employer or agency; the services would be performed on the premises of the user employer; and the scope of activities performed by employees belong to the scope of business of the user employer. Such employees would be considered as user employees and would be entitled to get the same wage as actual employees of the user employer. Finally, the conditions of temporary assignment are stricter. Allen & Overy Bratislava: Another consumer-related amendment to the Civil Code and the implementing legislation has underlined the often non-conceptual and idiosyncratic method of protecting Slovak consumers. Whilst consumer protection is certainly a legitimate policy, it is questionable whether it is really advanced by setting a minimum font size of 1.9 mm and, most importantly, by sanctioning all non-compliant contracts with nullity. At the end of the day, the nullity of contracts may even be detrimental to consumers. In any event, at least the legislator did not adopt the bizarre proposal tabled in the legislative process that all consumer contracts should be printed in one specific font (Times New Roman). Another problematic piece of legislation was the amendment to the Income Tax Act. In addition to headline changes such as the introduction of thin cap rules, extension of transfer pricing and restric- tions on tax expenses, we have encountered numerous problems concerning the practical application of the withholding tax on pharmaceutical companies, in particular regarding non-monetary benefits. TU: Probably 2014’s most controversial topic in Slovak corporate law was adoption and subsequent presidential veto of the amendment to the Commercial Code. The intent of the amendment, among others, was to make setting up a company easier (which should encourage new startups) by allowing creation of new private limited liability companies with registered capital as low as €1 as opposed to the currently required minimum amount of €5,000. At the same time the amendment intended to introduce new limitations in terms of operation of such “small” companies compared to the “regular” private limited liability companies with minimum registered capital of €25,000. The president vetoed the amendment arguing it is incomplete and insufficient, criticising for example the limitations applicable to the “small” private liability limited companies, inconsistency in the ban on returning the contributions to the registered capital or the ban on transactions between a company and its shareholders that would be applicable only to private liability limited companies but not to joint-stock companies. As the attempt of the governing party to overcome the president’s veto in the parliament was unsuccessful, the amendment has not become valid and effective. Also a new amendment to the Competition Act, which introduced the possibility to reward an individual who informed authorities on a horizontal agreement restricting competition and provided related essential evidence, raised some controversies. The reward may amount to 1 percent of the aggregate fines imposed on all members of the cartel with a maximum of €100,000. Critics of the amendment argue that it is rather a non-standard practice within the EU to reward whis- Photo: Sme tleblowing individuals in such cases, and they warn that this may encourage misuse of such an institute and false allegations raised by bitter exemployees of the accused corporations. ĽL: The amendment to the Collective Bargaining Act, which became effective on January 1, 2014, limited employers in regard to extending higher-level collective agreements in a given sector. According to the amendment, higher-level collective agreements can be signed for a whole sector or part of a sector. Their validity can be extended also to employees without their consent, after getting permission from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. The proposal to extend the higher-level collective agreements can be submitted also by only one of the contracting parties (for example trade unions). In 2014 higher-level collective agreements were extended in several sectors. Havel, Holásek & Partners: The controversial amendment to the Public Procurement Act does not reveal the final beneficiaries from public procurements, but contains the identification of people who have managing rights in companies. In this respect a public register should be created of final beneficiaries from the order which, however, still does not exist. In our opinion the amendment will not stop companies with secret owners from winning tenders, since it requires only the revelation of the formal owners of the bidders. Within the amendment to the Income Tax Act mostly the following problematic changes were adopted: prolonging the depreciations of some kinds of property; low capitalisation on connected business companies; transfer pricing of transactions between domestic related legal entities; extending the group of services on which the duty to register the revenues in electronic or virtual cash registers applies, etc. To read the whole survey, please see www.spectator.sk. IN SLOVAKIA, a law is lacking that would integrally solve the issue of cyber security, the Concept of Cyber Security filed by the Slovak Government Office for comments states. The lack of legislation in this sphere is “the gravest problem of cyber security in Slovak conditions”, according to the concept. The responsible institution for the preparation of the law is the Finance Ministry. The ministry’s press department confirmed for the SITA newswire at the beginning of March that they are preparing this law, but refused to disclose details. The draft should be filed by the end of 2015 for government approval. During the preparatory phase, all bodies of state administration and experts from academia have been approached. One cannot say that we, in Slovakia, would not solve cyber threats – it is a hot topic that arouses much interest, security analyst Marian Majer of the Center for European and North Atlantic Affairs (CENAA) told SITA. As there are several subjects and institutions involved, it is questionable, however, whether we are dealing with it in a sufficiently effective way, he said and added that already, it is too late to adopt the concept, a law and to elaborate other related issues. In Slovakia, the level of preparedness for cyber threats is different, the concept finds. As the networks and systems are interconnected, those lacking a sufficient level of protection weaken the overall security of the networks and information in the whole country. The issue of cyber threats is not considered enough of a problem yet. The concept considers a priority in protecting cyberspace not just by adopting the planned legislation, but also by increasing security consciousness, education and training in this sphere, as well as support for research and development in information and communication technologies and their security. According to the Concept, a cyber-security committee of the Security Council of Slovakia shall be established that would operate as a permanent working body for the coordination of measures of cyber security. More time to re-think EVERY woman will have two months to change her mind after giving so-called secret birth to a child – according to a draft amendment to the Law on Family. Currently, she can ask for her identity to be secret, but can revoke this decision within six weeks after the birth. The explanatory report to the amendment – elaborated by the Justice Ministry – proposes to handle cases of births the same as cases when parents fail to show an interest in ababy for at least two months after its birth. Anna Ghannamová, head of the civic association Chance for the Unwanted , who focuses on the issue of secret births, told the SITA newswire that she sees no logical reason for this change – according to their statistics, only six mothers out of a total of 238 returned to their babies by the end of 2013. In the 10 years since the Safety Nests (where mothers can leave newborn babies to be rescued by medical staff) have been in operation, six mothers returned to their children, out of 47 in all who left them in baby-boxes. Cabinet backs civil law re-codification THE SLOVAK cabinet has backed a proposal by the Justice Ministry to re-codify the civil law. The Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Suit Procedure and Civil Non-suit Procedure shall replace the Civil Procedure Code dating back to 1963. The proposed laws belong among the biggest and most important legal reforms since Slovakia became independent in 1993, each of them having around 500 paragraphs. Justice Minister Tomáš Borec stressed that the recodification of civil law “brings a whole complex of changes that shall speed up, simplify and improve civil proceedings to a completely new level. They should mean an important move forward,” he stressed, as quoted by the SITA newswire. He called the approved laws “a Christmas gift for citizens who can look forward to them”. Borec said that after the first reading in January 2015, the draft shall be commented upon and changed; until summer, the draft should be passed and become effective only in July 2016 – taking into consideration how crucial they are. To read the whole story, please go to www.spectator.sk. Compiled by Spectator staff CULTURE / FOCUS www.spectator.sk Romeo and Juliet staged BY ZUZANA VILIKOVSKÁ Spectator staff WILLIAM Shakespeare is an unfailing inspiration for many artists, including opera composers. His Romeo and Juliet is the basis for several operas, including one by Frenchmen Charles Gounod. The Slovak National Theatre (SND) is set to produce it for the first time in its 95th history. “Shakespeare is such apt material for musical works because of its structure, its composition – other writers in drama also used Shakespeare,” Diego de Brea, the Slovenian director of this staging, told The Slovak Spectator. “Because of the plot, the conflicts among the characters, just like Dostoyevsky… In contrast, modern texts are veristic and do not open ontological themes; they open just small cuts of life.” De Brea has previously directed two drama pieces for the SND and received the Slovak Dosky award for his staging of Coriolanus, also emphasised that in his view the plot of Romeo and Juliet is not as much a love story of those two as it is a conflict between her father’s power ambitions, including his selected match for her husband, and her free, unyielding spirit that desires for a love and a partner selected on her own. Moreover, de Brea likened the crucial conflict between two rival families to a fight for power and for keeping it – “imagine two families ruling the whole city state of Verona, something like Putin and Medvedev are in today’s Russia”, he said at the matinee on March 1. The SND’s Romeo and Juliet is conducted by Rastislav D. Čapkovič, J. Ďurčo and T. Kružliaková in Romeo and Juliet. Štúr. “I try to stick to the model and the score as much as possible, it should be played very sensitively, beautifully,” he told the SND’s monthly magazine. “It is an opera based on the solo parts to a great extent.” De Brea said that apart from the fact that the original story is one about family conflict, power, opportunism and political weddings, or about infatuation that lasts for only a few days – and not about love – it is the “smaller” characters like Father Capuleto, Thybault or Mercuzio who pull the strings of fate of the main characters, Romeo and Juliet. Unlike the big operas of Giuseppe Verdi, Gounod’s version is more intimate, more focused on the conspiracies, the relationships among the characters and the impossibility for the lovers to develop their relationship, or even to be alone and enjoy it fully. Gounod’s version has only been staged once before in Slovakia, at the Zvolen Castle Plays. “For me, it was interesting that the music is lyrical and romantic, the situation is dramatic,” de Brea said at at the press conference. “There are three crucial issues in it: war, faith and love.” The scenery made by Slovenian Marko Japelj, is sophisticated but minimalist, putting all the focus on the happenings and the actors. The complex cordage and the hanging balcony offer a great background for one of the crucial scenes. The costumes by Blagoj Micevski are also neutral and low-key. What is even more sophisticated is the lighting – “the lights and the fog alone took 60 hours to make,” de Brea said. “At a certain level, opera is even harder than drama,” he told the Slovak Spectator, “as it is more limited by music. Modern opera does quite the contrary to what the music says, but for me, it is impossible as you must follow the dramaturgy of the music. You cannot escape it, you must be very precise because music tells all the structure of the dynamics.” Opera singers often know where they are supposed to go and what they should sing, while not knowing what the conflict is and where it is leading, de Brea said, but he praised the Slovak cast and added that they were able enter the story, rather than to tell or approach it from outside. “This brings the crucial question of art and its performing – are we experiencing and living it, or just illustrating and showing it?” de Brea said. Romeo and Juliet premiered on March 6 and 8. The cast includes Eva Hornyáková, Kyungho Kim, Sergej Tostov, Denisa Šlepkovská, Aleš Jenis, Martin Gyimesi, Roman Krško, Ján Gallo, Monika Fabianová and others. This opera is sung in French and returns to the SND stage on April 2, May 17 and June 20 this theatre season. More details are available at www.snd.sk. Šlepkovská, Galla, Hornyáková, Tolstov Photos: Jozef Barinka Leontiev added he believes the change will not decrease the risks of corruption and non-transparent spending of public resources. “All goods and services should and could be purchased through the standard methods of public procurement,” said Leontiev. “There has been plenty of time to prepare for this situation.” Opposition proposals In January, Beblavý and MEP Lucia Žitňanská from Most-Híd presented their own proposals to change procurement laws. They proposed a registry of final beneficiaries at a meeting with officials from the Office for Public Procurement (ÚVO). The registry would be used in all cases of state spending including public procurement, sales and rental of state property, investment subsidies and incentives, EU funding and in handling of public resources in health insurance. ÚVO should submit the bill on registry of final beneficiaries by the end of March. But Beblavý and Žitňanská point out that the bill does not apply to handling with all public funds. “The office has been developing the registry of final benefit users only for the purpose of public procurement,” said Žitňanská during a press conference she held with Beblavý on March 5, as cited by TASR, adding that the ruling Smer does not want to prepare a comprehensive law. The law has to show the definitive recipient of benefits, offer a means to adjudicate doubtful cases and also offer public control, Gabriel Gilányi, spokesman for Most-Híd, told The Slovak Spectator. “Public control would not be left only to politicians and their nominees,” he said. Leontiev agrees that the registry would enhance public control, if it is accessible for all. The public registry will be managed by the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), according to the amendment. Gilányi of Most-Híd points out that extending of scope of NBS must be cleared by the European Central Bank (ECB). Further steps Experts from the Fair-Play Alliance think that the registry will do little to solve major issues. Beblavý perceives the establishment of the registry as a partial step. The real change will come with a new law on public procurement which will change the current system so that it stops being complicated, pretend competition. Kunder has suggested that future changes must define shell firms in a meaningful way and initiate effective steps to increase their transaction costs. According to Leontiev, it is essential to choose the way that does not discriminate any legal forms acknowledged in other EU countries and requires consistent disclosure of ownership structure as the requirement to be eligible for public contracts. He sees a possibility in extending laws that target money laundering to public procurement. “It has a foothold in European public procurement law,” Leontiev said. 9 Delight for body and soul THE SLOVAK National Gallery (SNG) tries, in its Nestex exhibition, to present old Slovak art in a very modern way. In March, this offer is being enhanced with a lecture in English. Art had a different function in the past, trying to divert the focus of people’s minds from everyday trivial issues to the more spiritual, elevating matters, or to present extraordinary grace and embellishments. People usually view Gothic and Baroque artworks in religious buildings or in the places where they have been created. Thus, it may seem something of a challenge to try to exhibit them in a modern gallery. However, the SNG has undertaken this challenge and on the 1st floor of its Esterházy palace in Bratislava, it presents the paintings, altars and statues from the 14th-18th centuries exhibited in a special, impressive design and lighting. It may seem that unlike modern art, old art needs no explanation or additional background information. This is not absolutely true for Nestex (Nestála expozícia, or Non-Permanent Exposition), as the selection of works from the SNG’s historical collections, as well as the design and work with architecture, space and light, are better clarified and illustrated. On March 24, all this will be offered – and in English – as both one of the curators, Dušan Buran (the other one being Katarína Chmelinová), and the architects and authors of the visual side of the exposition, Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec will lead the Nestex events of the Talking Art series of evenings in the SNG. The lecture will start at 18:00, with a glass of wine and more informal talks are planned for 19:15. More information on both the lecture and the Nestex exhibition can be found at www.sng.sk. By Zuzana Vilikovská Nestex: Gothic and Baroque at the SNG. FUNDS: New legislation in pipeline Continued from pg 6 March 23 – April 5, 2015 Photo: TASR BILL: No leeway for abuse Continued from pg 6 Kunder of Fair-Play Alliance considers the proposed changes as something that enables the state to guarantee access to at least the most necessary information. “To maintain correctness, it is necessary that the law states the rights and duties clearly and does not give leeway for abuse,” said Bujňáková. What to expect from the new law All the participating parties agree that corruption is a complex issue that cannot be solved by a single law. However, they hope that the proposed law can help. The original law on the free access to information was passed with an aim to enable the public to access the contracts, agreements and invoices of the state and regional administration. However, publicly owned companies could opt out of the law easily as uncovering their financial statements and transactions would give an advantage to their opposition. “The amendment brings more specific definition of the duties of the responsible people, including the responsibilities of the municipalities, and also addresses the application of the requirements up to the degree that they can be compelled legally,” said Bujňáková. “However, not all the requirements on the part of the citizen sector or from the representatives of the public administration can be evaluated as fully acceptable.” Access to information does not apply to information that is not available, including the opinions and unwritten viewpoints. Transparency International Slovakia (TIS) says the new law will deal with technical problems, but also admits continued reservations. 10 10December December1 1– –7,7,2014 2014 CULTURE CULTURE/ /FOCUS FOCUS CULTURE CULTURE//FOCUS FOCUS 10 10December December1 1– –7,7,2014 2014 Connecting with the classics JAZZ: Goe Connecting with the classics JAZZ: Go NEWS / BUSINESS NESS / NEWS 10 March 23 – April 5, 2015 November 24 – 30, 2014 9 CULTURE / FOCUS NESS / NEWS Connecting with the classics JAZZ: Goes round February 9 – 22, 2015 9 November 24the – 30, 2014 classics 9 members also had at their disConnecting with JAZZ: round members also had at theirGoes disContinued from pg 8 Continued from pg 8 Young Slovak Young Slovak November 24 – 30, 2014 painters compete, Young Slovak painters compete, Young Slovak painters compete, displayworks works painters compete, display Continued from pg 1 works eastern- display display works 9 posal whole portfolios, so that posal Continued whole portfolios, so 8that section of the Music Centre from pg members also had at their dis- they evaluate if the comCurrently, areCentre the section of thethere Music Continued from 8 members also had at their dis- theycan evaluate if the pg comCurrently, are the Slovakia – due tothere the composal whole portfolios, so that peting can painting is not a mere four already who are Slovakia – named, due to the composal whole portfolios, so that painting there is notare a mere four already who are position of thenamed, band, they the they can evaluate if the com- petingCurrently, position of the band, they they can evaluate if the com-stroke of Currently, there are the participating luck. (with prospects of luck.named, who are needed participating (with prospects a saxophonist,” four already peting painting is of not a mere stroke hydropower One these a saxophonist,” peting plant. painting is not a mere “When four already who are of needed lookingnamed, at a paintone Vienna-based and one born Amália Moskowitz (Anna is stroke “When looking at a paintof one Vienna-based and one Nikitin said. “We rehearsed participating (with prospects of luck. the expected overhaul of Nikitin said. jazz “Weclub rehearsed stroke of luck. participating (with prospects ing, it is always like this: one Munich-based joinIT IS difficult and challenging Les-nay is her artistic name) in and the seven tunes in total: two ing, it is always like this: one Munich-based jazz club joinIT IS difficult and challenging of one Vienna-based and one “When looking at a paintGabčíkovo’s turbines, with Gabčíkovo’s legacy tunes in total: two “When looking at an a paint-needsoftoone Vienna-based and one ingseven put the work and itsits in). Musicians have aoffree art, but there are Nižný Hrušov, lived much of estimated age thatIT IS difficult and challenging totoevaluate composition from each us, Munich-based jazz club joining, it is always like this: one needs to put the work and ing in). Musicians have a evaluate art, but there are take, Press Council head price tag of €80 milContinued from pg 2 ening Russian currency, the Continued from pgtread 4 composition from each offree us, ing, it is always like this: one Munich-based jazz club join- hand IS difficult and challengingcompetitions author into context,” inin choosing what toto that dare to her life in Budapest and later aims of the retailers pubat Brat-toITevaluate Continued from pg 7 ening Russian currency, the Continued from pg 4 with the exception of the ing in). Musicians have a free needs to put the work and its art, but there are author into context,” hand choosing what competitions that dare to tread Lőrincz said. lion. needs While to before The Gabčíkovo daily wrote. While with the exception of the put the the terminwork and its ing in). Musicians have aJúlius free play; to evaluate art, buthydroelecthere areon this thin ice – with the goal Pravda Skřivánek says. “The idea that but this changes if a moved to the US. lished by ZOCR are to mainry as partcompetitions Pravda daily wrote. 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While this is the best method, bigger band gets involved. the work speaks for itself and exhibiting and promoting that media should not report about this order, now it twin-dam project on for children in distress also that even a solitarily hanging “The result different every certain genres, styles or young less than three months ago, again, although maybe at a this is the best method, the work speaks for itself and bigger band gets involved. of exhibiting and promoting nearly 100three exhibitions producers and the retailers, 5. ofbethe market. original can the awe ofabout of course, because less than months where ago, willthat the Russian clientmaybe paid at a again, although “Household consumpwhile a of bigger musical “The result isof different every even a asolitarily certain genres, ororyoung such cases,” Lőrincz told body the state via VV. hanging the Danube. Itstyles was hoped that artists. cite the influence the media original canwin win the awe of time, time, course, because artists. it is RUB580,382. slower pace,for which is indicwhile adifferent bigger musical body that even solitarily hanging “The result is different certain genres, styles young the of modern and adequate protection of the It every n insightartists. “Our priority isthe to re-awe RUB484,324 a €10,000 car now most probably now works it is RUB580,382. slower pace, is which isninth indiceverybody is illusory. is there are temperaThis year’s the The Slovak Spectator. thetiontwo dams, a rose project on young people’s thinking, The recently established needs someone toto coordinate time, of course, because original can win of everybody is illusory. It is there are different temperaThis year’s is the ninth ated by a cooling down in needs someone coordinate original can win the awe of time, of course, because artists. avant-garde artists were introconsumer and objectivity and vivid launched vitalise original centres that less than three months ago, again, although maybe at a ated by a cooling down in rather the other way round – ments involved,” Torfs version of the Maľba/Painting council has not re- Torfs in 1977, work version Jana Šimončičová, who opposition SKOKis party, led byIt is said conduct them. there are different temperaeverybody This isiswould the ninth retailitsales andMaľba/Painting a drop in Employment grows rather the other way round – Theand ments involved,” the and conduct them. everybody isillusory. illusory. there are different temperaThisyear’s year’s the ninthcompetition, now issales RUB580,382. slower pace, which is indicduced. As a result, Košice ex- former towards the consumer pube of this together are historically close to the It is retailof and20a drop in Employment grows strong expressive atceived summed up. and artworks any complaints about to provide electrical works atartworks, the helpline. economy minister Juraj Nikitin said that each ments involved,” Torfs rather the other way round – version of the Maľba/Painting imports,” J&T Bank analyst strong artworks, expressive at summed up. competition, and 20 artworks Nikitin said that each rather the other way round –a first ments involved,” Torfs ofathe Maľba/Painting ated by cooling down tended its already abundant Miškov, lic. wo world version customers and designed for imports,” J&TitBank analyst sight, can absorb a perBut there is a change have made to the fiinsensitive reporting on the power, limit flooding and in im- that “Usually, if the media has called on Fico to concert was different, from aa summed up. strong artworks, expressive at competition, and 20 artworks Stanislav Pánis said. “NevEmployment also kept aThe first sight, can absorb a perBut there is a change have made it to “Nevthe fi- domestic retailthe sales and drop inthe thatStanislav Employment grows concert was year, different, from strongthat artworks, expressive at summed up. and a20 artworks and foreign trend ofasociety new retail f its past competition, everyday shopping,” said Pánis said. Employment also contacts kept latest suicides, according to prove navigability of open a topic and reguarantee VV carries out a son only for brief moment, planned: next a big nals can be seen until DecemThe Gabčíkovo hydropower plant increasing, by a seasonally Photo: Sme big Slovak jazz festival in But there is a change a first sight, can absorb a perthat have made it to the fiertheless, overall consumer son only for a brief moment, planned: next year, a big nals can be seen until Decemimports,” J&T Bank analyst in the art world. projects continue. Ľudovít that Marian presSlovak jazz festival in a first sight, can the absorb a perthere and is a changehim. 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Fico listed three main for Broadcasting Hungary pulled out of the young people may react senstender. this way, it says, Fico to today’s verdict of the and ignored quickly. Goodwith one artistic director in downtown Bratislava. consumer confidence is at pared to the previous Ormes (which looked like a band will be put together, and then they get overlooked ber 21 in the Nedbalka gallery ertheless, overall consumer increasing, by a seasonally on thetolocal cultural and on so- should haswill not be drained its Goodd as the ber they have opened centres in Slovakia andband ignored quickly. with one artistic director downtown Bratislava. consumer confidence is at pared the previous Ormes (which looked like a and then they get overlooked put together, 21 in Nedbalka gallery in reasons for doing so. He said SE Bratislava and Retransmission (RVR) project in the 1989, but Czechoslovitively,” Šimončičová told The rebut suspicions that the Regional Court its highest since the quarter, while it itgrew quality art requires people tofarming-cooperativearrange them. Juraj Florek won the conformer with one artistic and ignored quickly. Gooddowntown demand is Bratislava. still sound, since adjusted 0.3level percent comcial urban life, some showing full potential for new director rnism ininin Senec, Zvolen, Turčianske its highest level since the quarter, while grewby by1.41.4 quality art requires peopletowhich to hired hired to arrange them. Juraj Florek won the conformer farming-cooperativeand ignored quickly. 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Slovak musician favourable conditions for historically common at such a sue routine ofin city enSkřivánek said. The work (Poland), Music Centre from among nearly 100 plan for the reconstruction withinembourg, the lastThe five years was Slovak officials in2020 1993 the ists later this year order SE spokeswoman Children copyJan what known god than portrait sue the role of art our life,” tion wascomposed composed PawelJarodzki isation –standards. Music:LX Luxwhen selecting the finalRadio. The Slovak musician acommon common routine ofin city en-place Skřivánek said. Thethat work Jarodzki (Poland), JanSkřiSkřiembourg, Music Centre ists from among nearly 100 ies with zeroand inflation, and larger extent thanthe used toand be oftification,” loans.” a growth,” said Arady. moved out to try their luck ’’By opening a new books ists – case centres,” said Šufliarsky. a common routine of city enSkřivánek said. The work embourg, Music Centre Jarodzki (Poland), Jan Skřifrom among nearly 100 loans.” a growth,” said Arady. deemed the first concert “the vironment,” says exhibition communicates with the hisvánek (Czech Republic), Tibor Slovakia in Slovakia, contestants. general overhaul of the plant. related to suicide in media. InJazzlab was brought to the Interthe general overhaul can start in Janka Burdová said. “Our comhappens around them. Media ahistorically common routine ofatcity en- vironment,” Skřivánek said. The work communicates Jarodzki (Poland), Jan Skři- vánek embourg, Music Centre istsfavourable from among nearly 100 contestants. deemed the first concert “the conditions for common such says exhibition with the his(Czech Republic), Tibor Slovakia in Slovakia, Jazzlab Analysts concur that Over the last year there elsewhere or returned to Huncentre, the local entreprenappearedcontestants. Disabled facilities, new Analysts concur that Over the lastwith year there says exhibition communicates the hisSlovakia inin Slovakia, Jazzlab vánek (Czech Republic), Tibor most cautious and tentative, Finally, he alleged that Enel was October 2009 moderator Vilo national Court of Justice in The vironment,” 2015. Lazár criticised SE during pany is convinced that the should report on suicides less curator Alexandra Kusá. tory of modern painting, limSomorjassi Kiss (Hungary) and Series in Belgium and Jazzus “If someone paints like van vironment,” says exhibition communicates with the hisvánek (Czech Republic), Tibor Slovakia Slovakia, Jazzlab contestants. most cautious and tentative, loans.” a growth,” said Arady. apart from household conwere 25,800 new working curator Alexandra Kusá. tory of modern painting, limSomorjassi Kiss (Hungary) and Series in Belgium and Jazzus “If someone paints like van gary after a general pardon in eurs and sellers raise their scientific Hague, technologies, parking lots apart from household conwereof25,800 newas working curator Alexandra Kusá. tory modern painting, limSeries inin Belgium and Jazzus Somorjassi Kiss (Hungary) “If paints like van unfortunately”, complaining not fulfilling its Rozboril conducted what was which ruled that both a its discussion programme on the and frequently valid, confirmed and provide just obligation to contract ofofthe genre. Rudolf Sikora (Slovakia). Productions inin France – then did, isthe tricky, and Analysts concur that Over the last year there curator Kusá. torySome ofis modern painting, limSomorjassi Kiss (Hungary) Series Belgium and Jazzus “Ifsomeone someone paints like vanGogh unfortunately”, complaining sumption, GDP growth generated, which its the genre. Rudolf Sikora (Slovakia). Productions France – then Gogh did,itAlexandra it isvery very tricky, and places 1925. died. ofof standards, design and offer,” deo withGogh and glass elevators are a15, and sumption, the GDP growth places generated, whichon TA3Rudolf Konštantín Bauer – Odsúdená (1927). Photo: Courtesy of SNG its ofofthe genre. Productions in France – then Sikora (Slovakia). did, ititis very tricky, and also about the long pauses determined to be an insensitsides had breached the conconnews channel on March by the first-instance court brief stories about particular pay €5 million a year to “The result is an intelliThe chooses one performer toto the result is usually kitsch,” Runners-up exhibition, organised apart from household were 25,800 new working its the genre. Rudolf Sikora (Slovakia). Productions in France – then Gogh did, is very tricky, and also about the long pauses was also positively influ5,500 were created during “The result is an intelliThe chooses one performer the result is usually kitsch,” Runners-up exhibition, organised Before coming to the Nasaid Furman. “Moreover, the person-the must, he added, as well as was also positively influ5,500 were created during “The result ananintellichooses one to The result isisusually kitsch,” between the concerts that Runners-up organised ive interview with awithout young tract and that the contract was one saying that itexhibition, has nottests carried out November 19, 2013.”isperiod. cases, according toperformer psycholoSlovenský Vodohospodársky sumption, the GDP growth places generated, of which gent picture that the limparticipate, disof four members ofofthe bybythe VÚB Foundation, is is free “The result isperiod. intelliThe chooses one performer to the result usually kitsch,” between the concerts that Runners-up exhibition, organised enced by a stream more intense gent picture that tests the limparticipate, without disone ofthe the four members the the the VÚB Foundation, free tional Gallery’s Esterházy new centres and retail parks coffee houses and children European of SymbolThefour East-Slovak Museum enced by acreated more intense theJuly-September July-September boy about an attempted suistill valid. The dispute between needed repairs even though this gist Štefan Skokan. Podnik, which manages the gent picture that tests the limparticipate, without disone of the members of the makes jazzmen lose contact by the VÚB Foundation, is free was also positively influ5,500 were during its of contemporary paintcussing the choice with the Painting 2014 jury, Jan in the Nedbalka Gallery on NedSecond place went to Matej gent picture that tests the limparticipate, without disone ofby theinspiring four members of the Painting consolidation of public finmakes jazzmen lose contact by the VÚB Foundation, is free Photo: Sme Palace the exhibition also attract international conmpact ofPainting corners for the shopping ism with expression form, led and creative its of contemporary paintcussing the choice with the 2014 jury, Jan in the Nedbalka Gallery on NedSecond place went to Matej consolidation ofproject. public fincide during theTorfs Modré z neba Slovakia and Hungary continwas ofNedbalka itscommented. duties. The over“This issuethe has received Gabčíkovo SE Fabian Consequences Photo: Sme whole itsits ofof contemporary paintcussing choice with the 2014 jury, Jan and the “common drive”. inone the Gallery onon NedSecond place went todaily. Matej enced by a2014 more intense the July-September period. ances and growth in investOutlooks ing,” Kusá concluded that told the Sme balova Street daily from 13:00 with a alarge-sized mocontemporary paintcussing the choice with the others. Painting jury, JanSkřivánek and the “common drive”. in the Nedbalka Gallery NedSecond place went to Matej showed at the East Slovak Galcerns that offer employment is appar-Skřivánek families. curators Bartošová, Alexandra head Josef Polák, young lawances and growth in investOutlooks ing,” Kusá commented. others. Torfs concluded that Skřivánek told the Sme daily. balova Street daily from 13:00 Fabian with large-sized moues. haul is planned to take sixfrom years,13:00 too much space in the media that denied all the show on TVAsked Markíza. The RVR Kusá commented. others. Torfs concluded told the daily. what was the balova daily Fabian with aallegations. moconsolidation of Sme public fin- “But to: Sme Skřivánek cancel the contract with Medments by the public eand coming,” Kusá commented. others. Torfs concluded that there told the Sme daily. Asked what was the balovaStreet Street daily from Fabian with alarge-sized large-sized mo-tifing,” are ongoing discuswith Florek, ititallsector holds and 19:00, except Mondays, of skiers – or are they ghosts? lery. The Bratislava version of he and opportunities.” nate one“But ahead, the main13:00 Homoľová and Michal Burdzyer and art lover, a tif ments by the public cancel the contract with Medcomthere are ongoing discus“But with Florek, allsector holds and 19:00, except Mondays, tif of skiers – the or are they ghosts? Based on valid contracts the said.Looking recent days,” Skokan tolddiscusThe Meanwhile, the Public Profined the broadcaster €20,000. Following termination ances and growth inallinvestOutlooks there are ongoing with Florek, itrepresented all holds project’s ultimate asset forfor 19:00, except Mondays, of skiers – or are they ghosts? ical Group SK. Yet, director of and companies. Paška Slovakia’s economic there are ongoing discus“But with Florek, it holds project’s ultimate asset and 19:00, except Mondays, tif of skiers – or are they ghosts? sions between musicians, together. He works with this through December 21. “This painting surprised us Work and its background the exhibition is smaller – tors Zuzinski write in the exhibition kind of refuge for artists fleeand companies. ical Group SK. Yet, director of yh Paška Slovakia’s economic sions between musicians, together. He works with this through December 21. “This painting surprised us Work and its background Gabčíkovo hydropower plant Slovak Spectator. curement Office (ÚVO) has also of the contract, SE is preparing The opposition Freedom Medments by the public sector sions between musicians, together. He works with this him, Nikitin said that the through December 21. “This painting surprised us Work and its background the hospital Mária Domčeková “[Companies] are carryperformance in the next sions between musicians, Underlying He works thisform, him, Nikitin said thatisthe through December 21. “This painting Work and its background and soso the first concert but his artworks are very closer Skřivánek said. a in mere onefew floor, ,idence in of the together. brochure. ing the aftermath ofwith Hungari“[Companies] are carrythe hospital Mária Domčeková nfidence performance the next few should have remained state Children often actconcert without alleged that the leasesurprised contract tocomprising ask theview,” state for compensa(SaS) questions reasons and the first concert is form, but his artworks are veryusin in closer view,” Skřivánek said.and Solidarity ector and companies. Slovakia’s economic and soso the first is is but his artworks are very interesting thing was toto finein closer view,” Skřivánek said. Aupark retools image inin anan interview with Sme onon ing out hitherto postponed used totoform, months will bebe mainly in-inand the first concert form, but his artworks are very interesting thing was finein closer view,” Skřivánek said. with some of the paintings of Koloman Other notable names of this an revolution. He founded an usually quite different than up-to-date. His painting of the “It is very sculpted, pasty, even The exhibition of indiCompiled by Zuzana ing out hitherto postponed interview with Sme efused months will mainly property and was excluded from grasping the conwas invalid, and challenged it in tion, asvery theexhibition original pasty, contract whether itCompiled is necessary toindi-fully usually čeková “[Companies] are carryperformance in the next few usually quite different than up-to-date. His painting of the “It is sculpted, even The exhibition of Compiled by Zuzana quite different than up-to-date. His painting of the tune the different styles and “It is very sculpted, pasty, even The of indiby Zuzana November 12,His that modernisation projects and enfluence ofofthe fluenced byby the slowdown usually quite different thanThe painting ofthe the tune the different styles and “It ismachine very pasty, evenawas The exhibition ofin indiCompiled by Zuzana graphic artworks different period insculpted, Košice include art school atinsisted the museum, or-teller the last one. is a very inrelief painting. It is a very vidual artists can be slightly using Sme Vilikovská modernisation projects and November 12, insisted that the me the up-to-date. fluenced the slowdown in assets of SE allocated for privatsequences, psychologist Gabcourt as early as in 2007, arsigned for a 30-year term. overhaul the turbines so main reasons behind Sme on ing out hitherto postponed months will be mainly inthe last one. of the partimachine is Ita is very in- the a relief painting. Itongoisslightly a very vidual Vilikovská artists can using be slightly using Sme temperaments Vilikovská the last one. teller machine isisa aavery inateller relief painting. adevery vidual artists can Sme purchase came after capacity expansion, bybythe eurozone and the the last one. machine very in-teresting temperaments of the partiafluenced relief painting. Itacontract aour verygood vidual artists can be slightly using Sme Vilikovská than those shown inbe Košice. an modFrantišek Foltýn, Gejza Schilganised 200 exhibitions. visual adjustments, but also THE BRATISLAVA shopping capacity expansion, adepurchase came after alegitimlegitimed the teller the eurozone the ongoThis year, Ruben ofis picture –toand inin how confusing forfor people. The jury report by Jana Németh isation. When Enel acquired 66 Herényiová said in an guing thattestimony when the According Fico, the fact Karol Galek from SaS suicides are not related to mehat the modernisation projects and by the slowdown in This year, Ruben teresting testimony of our good picture –already already howquickly. confusing people. The juryriela report by Jana Németh This year, Ruben teresting testimony of our cipants, “but wewe have found aa good picture – already in how confusing for people. The jury report by Jana Németh ate tender. velopment that is indicated ing Ukrainian crisis. Based The exhibition is open ler, Konštantín Bauer and AlOne such artists-immiby attracting new brands centre Aupark is launching Thisthe year, Ruben ourworld.” cipants, “but have found good picture – regulations already in of howwell confusing for people. The jury report by Jana Németh velopment that is indicated ate tender. ing Ukrainian crisis. Based Machtelinckx from Belgium he has mastered such a percent of testimony SE assets, aitofdealso interview with Nový čas was signed, some that the court ruled that the recalled that the start of the dia coverage. All the recent egitim- teresting capacity expansion, the eurozone and the ongoMachtelinckx from Belgium world.” well he hasfar, mastered Machtelinckx from Belgium common language and I I well has mastered such a aon InInanan unexpected turn, the bybyahe gradual recovery in data thus SLSP es-es-such a reconstruction – more than he short-world.” exander Bortnyik – although grant was Eugen Krón who that have not been represendaily, except for Mondays, Machtelinckx from Belgium world.” common language and well he has mastered such a gradual recovery in unexpected turn, the on data thus far, SLSP velopment that is indicated ing Ukrainian crisis. Based signed a 30-year contract to op- the daily. law ona public procurement lease contract was invalid en- overhaul is planned for the cases happened inNikolaj western (guitar), Nikolaj Nikitin from Florek, graduate from the format.” (guitar), Nikitin from Florek, aloans graduate from format.” authorised representative of long-term provided timates the GDP growth forfor (guitar), Nikolaj Nikitin Florek, a agraduate from the think that wewe managed to format.” the last stayed only fortothe six later went on toThis run his ted on the Slovak market so from years since originally bebetween 10:00 18:00 until long-term loans provided to ables authorised representative ofBanská timates the GDP growth lt Repub(guitar), Nikolaj Nikitin from Slovakia Florek, graduate from the think managed to format.” urn, the erate by aGabčíkovo. gradual recovery in own on data thus far, SLSP esmeant “During puberty children were violated. The Regional the state to and ask for all revan election, TASR Slovakia and thethat region had (saxophone), Charly Bystrica Art Academy, Nonetheless, the motif isisyear10before Medical Group SK, Juraj Koval, companies,” said Pánis. Slovakia (saxophone), Charly Banská Bystrica Art Academy, 2014 at 2.2 percent. VÚB esNonetheless, the motif Slovakia (saxophone), Charly Banská Bystrica Art Academy, create something new and Nonetheless, the motif is eftistof in- Banská months, between his stays in graphic school (Krón’s School far. ing built. The goal is to renew March 15. Admission is free, as companies,” said Pánis. Medical Group SK, Juraj Koval, 2014 at 2.2 percent. VÚB esSlovakia (saxophone), Charly Bystrica Art Academy, create something new and Nonetheless, the motif is tive long-term loans provided to timates the GDP growth for that the plant remained state selects cannot fully comprehend the Court in Bratislava decided on 9 important, enues SE received fromto wrote. He further pointed out schoolVilmart holidaysfrom during that (double France for his paintings unaccording sacked its director Erika Bilá timates year’s economic tal had Juraj Valachy, senior Vilmart from France (double selects for his paintings unimportant, according Vilmart from France (double for his paintings uninteresting”. important, according totoGabčíkovo. Weimar and Budapest. ofcompanies,” Graphics), while also one year, several mall withhas a new design it is forthis all SNG exhibitions sacked its director ErikateachBilá timates this year’s economic pital hadselects Juraj Valachy, senior jcountry, Koval, said Pánis. 2014 at 2.2 percent. VÚB Vilmart from France (double selects for his paintings uninteresting”. important, according property, but was operated by attractive, fatal“Within consequences of their March this year that the esconHe announced inintothatthe Gabčíkovo eight turweek. bass) Therefore most proband Jeff Herr from ignored places and Skřivánek. “It gives the viewfor what he called damaging growth at 2.4 percent, while o puranalyst with Tatra Banka bass) and Jeff Herr from attractive, ignored places and bass) and Jeff Herr from Skřivánek. “It gives the viewignored places and He added that found Skřivánek. “It gives the viewthe newattractive, During a guided lecture, ing and forming art personalnew novelties will appear,” and adapt it to current Bratislava this year. Apart from for what he called damaging growth at 2.4 percent, while to Bilá puranalyst with Tatra Banka ka timates this year’s economic Juraj Valachy, senior SE – which ignored also soldplaces the elecdecision,” Herényiová told the tract for operation of the parliament on March 12 that the bines, but out of these only two was combination ofthey bad bass) and Jeff Herr from ably itLuxembourg attractive, andfinds He added that they found Skřivánek. “It gives the view-er (drums) played certain poetry in them. a disquieting, provoking the company’s reputation. The next year it may accelerate Definirecalled that monthly data Luxembourg (drums) played finds certain poetry in them. a concord and understanding er a disquieting, provoking Luxembourg (drums) played finds certain poetry in them. er a disquieting, provoking ecame a the curators mentioned as an ities like Július Jakoby andThe the Gabčíkovo Arnaud Burlin, CEO of the trends. anext bulletin English (available the company’s reputation. year in it€350 may accelerate Defini- finds recalled that monthly datais state maging growth athydropower 2.4 percent, while analyst with Tatra Banka tricity generated by it.in daily. “They want to deal with played plant wants million from or four are actually operating relationships with family or Luxembourg (drums) certain poetry them. a concord and understanding er a disquieting, provoking in Bratislava, in Ormes; near “He has acquired a techimpression; forcing them to supervisory board of the comto 2.6 percent. emens based on which analysts esin Bratislava, inin Ormes; “He has acquired techalso on the human level, innear forcing them outstanding example, maybe aforementioned Sokol. Unibail-Rodamco company at thepercent. box newswire office), cata-tobecauseThe reconstruction in Bratislava, in Ormes; “Heyear has acquired athem techimpression; forcingthethem on. The supervisory next may accelerate recalled that monthly data of athe comtothe 2.6 Siemens based onitwhich analysts esSE sent 65board percent the impression; their problems radically. They near invalid, because instead of atotoSE, TASR reporNagymaros, that the friends and a lot of free time, in Bratislava, Ormes; near Reims, “He has acquired aof techalso on the human level, in impression; forcing pany allegedly had not France inin midis tricky, and Valachy that the million timate the economic develreact. And we looking roup differing from other artists, Another central figure which operates Aupark is already underway last want logue accompanying the ex- second, Reims, inin midnique which is tricky, and and mentioned react. And we looking emillion com-of to 2.6which percent. based ontowhich analysts es-ofnique pany allegedly had notknown known Reims, France mid- even nique which iswere tricky, and Valachy expects that the timate the economic develreact. Andexpects wewere were looking revenues Vodohospodárska toReims, drawFrance attention somidthat Skokanhumour direct agreement with SE, a ted. Hungarian part will of the says. France nique which is tricky, and humour and mentioned even react. And we were looking about the €1.6 million deal, upcoming months will coner offiopment, worsened compared October; inin Abbaye deoutside ititpaintings with banal city exactly forfor that can ld otherAnna Lesnay, local artist who Košice Modernism isthe Anton Bratislava, said. “For exuntil October 2015 andnever will hibition ispaintings also available in known Valachy expects that the timatethe the economic develOctober; inin Abbaye itit€1.6 with banal city anOctober; ambition to meet exactly for that can about deal, upcoming months will confter offi-combines opment, worsened compared Abbaye deoutside combines with banal city exactly paintings that cantwin-dam Výstavba (VV) andmillion kept re- combines everyone will keep that indede public tender should have been On the other hand, the state project, was “The media could be an October; Abbaye combines with banal city an ambition to meet exactly for paintings that cantinue sealed in the summer. A Ato few tocompensate be under the influSmer totothe quarter. Neumünster in the capital of of – previous apeople. soda machine, the activate people. With many ofofcompleted. pn in Cze-corners collected folk embroidery, deJaszusch who returned thecorners ample, the US brand of luxcost €15.5He million. ReconEnglish. Ibe comprises 140 pages deal, upcoming months will conopment, worsened compared sealed in the summer. few tinue to under the influng Smer the previous quarter. Neumünster in the capital of – a soda machine, the the project – which is rather activate With many of maining 35 percent. From this mind.” announced. should SE for opcalculates the initiator [of suicides] in such Neumünster in the corners – a soda machine, the activate people. With many Neumünster in the capital of the project – which capital corners – a soda machine, the activate is rather people. With many ofence of the Russo-Ukrainian days earlier, the company had er the “The most important A few tinue to be under the influto the previous quarter. Luxembourg and again in corner of a parking lot, the wall them, we said that they are ved there signed patterns and organised city after five years’ imprisonury clothing Ralph Lauren or struction will not limit and costs €10. days earlier, the company had ence of the Russo-Ukrainian ver thecorner “The most important Luxembourg and again in of a parking lot, the wall demanding, though, espethem, we said that they are money ofita parking financed According Fico,that the the verdict lawyer Andrej Le-arecosts of overhauling one turcases butLuxembourg the main reason andisagain in offor a parking lot, wall them,costs, we said that they Luxembourg and again in corner lot, repairs, the wall corner demanding, though, espethem, we said they areerating was prepared totofile conflict, further gement inhad ofsaid ence ofdepartment the Russo-Ukrainian most important asector commercial manufacment Russia, to develop hisofwell-mastered Italian brand Sylvia Heach.” operation in anyof rnyyears,” Slovakia, athim, the FOR Sale asmall store,” but somewhat said itin was prepared file conflict, “which further agement sector forour oureconomy, economy, in- well-mastered maintenance and paid the ofwell-mastered the invalidity of somewhat the conontiev, a “which partner with Taylor- bineAupark’s at €15 million, so repair personal andfor family life,” Avoid sensationalism Slovakia, atat the Jazz FOR Sale a ait“The department store,” cially him, asJazz he lives but Slovakia, at the Jazz FOR Sale of a department store,” well-mastered but somewhat Slovakia, the Jazz FOR Sale of department store,” cially for as he lives but somewhat lawsuits over the claims that means increasing rate nd andustry, only atwe the to daily. file conflict, “which further sector for our economy, inture of grew embroidery. Les-nay, own combining theSkřivánek The first mono-brand way. would cost €120 milvda By Zuzana Vilikovská lawsuits over the claims that meansan an increasing rate of and an-Skřivánek dustry, grew only athalf half the academic: festival inSlovak Košice, ataway. the becontinued. “The well-painted, but wages ofstyle Gabčíkovo’s employtract “enables us, and will do told the Dennik N.ofLeSkokan told The Specfestival inin Košice, atat the becontinued. “The 1,500 kilometres away. “But academic: well-painted, but festival in Košice, at the beSkřivánek continued. “The academic: well-painted, butall eight festival Košice, the beSkřivánek continued. “The 1,500 kilometres “But academic: well-painted, butWessing, the CT scanner was overrisk and uncertainty”. Tatra rerfor a pace compared with the first ms that means an increasing rate of dustry, grew only at half the shop of Pandora jewels will Thetator. ginning Analysts say the SECTalso scanner wasmillion over-painting risk and Tatra for apainting pace compared with the first the ees. paid €5 it,the to demand from [SE’s ownalsouncertainty”. indicated that since thatthe SE,reconbased The Worldof Health Organoffrom November. The ofofdoes the teller maartists does risk and ginning November. ofof the teller maJeff Herr Luxembourg the artists risk and ginning of November. The painting thenot teller mathe artists doesnot not risk andlion. SaS recalled ginning of November. The painting theawith teller maJeff Herr from Luxembourg artists does not risk andontiev priced. Banka does not ce, TV and second quarters ofof this overrisk and uncertainty”. Tatra pacefee compared firstchine, be opened here, too. of the centre is inpriced. Banka does notcount countinhad initsitsto on astruction ice, TVchine, and second quarters this rental to VV and anthe addier] Italian company Enel all it was the state which special general assembly Moreover, two children isation has guidelines for the last concert took place onon too, reminds me of the provoke.” last concert took place on too, reminds me of the even proposed two concerts provoke.” last concert took place chine, too, reminds me of the prognosis provoke.”with a further eslast concert took place on chine, too, reminds me of the even proposed two concerts provoke.” Medical Group SK was coOctober year,” Valachy wrote in his Banka does not count in its and second quarters of this Drahovský that evitable. is one of Group was co-painting prognosis a further esOctoberpainting year,” wrote infrom his announce tionalMedical €5ofmillion to SK Slovenský money that ita has ‘drawn’ a with public tender for attended also“Aupark by representathad access to a gun, both media on how toopined report sui- BelgiNovember 26and in Gent, BelgiofValachy by van Third went toto András November 26 inin Gent, aPaška chair byby van forNovember next year, and I would bebe Third place went to András 26 in Gent, Belgipainting of achair chair by van calation Third place went András the oldest shopping centres November 26 Gent, of aPaška chair van for next year, and I would Third place to András founded by before he ofplace the conflict, and analysis. “Retail sales was co- painting prognosis with awent further esyear,” Valachy wrote ineach his presenting new brands is the Belgifounded by before heGogh; calation of the conflict, and analysis. “Retail sales reporVodohospodársky Podnik Gabčíkovo”. According toreporhim, operation of Gabčíkovo, the ives of the Economy Ministry fathersum. could have problems cides without inspiring others um. Gogh; it is a similarly banal glad if we can make it,”it,” Cséfalvay who usually works it is a similarly banal Cséfalvay who usually works um. Gogh; it is a similarly banal glad if we can make Cséfalvay who usually works um. Gogh; it is a similarly banal Cséfalvay who usually works ore he entered politics. The speaker of calation of conflict, and analysis. “Retail sales reporthus it does not predict any yby Medted during the third quarter only to stand out among with the authorities, accordBratislava, and so it reentered politics. The speaker ofmotif, thusvideo, itparty doessound not any onlyinlast Med-motif, tedalthough during the third quarter year. every year Enel has supposedly second in predict the conflict November, planned to actway similarly. Reports “I“I was selected by the jazz although itit was aquarter Nikitin concluded. with video, sound and “I “I was selected by the jazz it was aductor more and music. eaker of personalitthus it any ted during the third was selected jazz motif, although was amore more Nikitin concluded. with video, sound and music. parliament claims that heheFebruary further deceleration ofand €1.6 the of was selected motif, although itpredict was amusic. more with with video, sound music. the growing competition. quires renovation to continof Bratislava Boys’ Choir and awarded on 1does at growth anot ceregst Slovak parliament claims that further deceleration ofthe the ost €1.6 theslowest slowest growth ofthis this Fico has at been criticising the gained €35-€40 million through might be compensated for the overhaul for the first ing Ľudovít Miklánek of Legisby the jazz should focus solely on facts,by the radical step the end of the This time, the music is radical step at the end of the This time, the music is hat he further deceleration of the the slowest growth of this ended his activities with Medgrowth dynamics. But it will enuity year while construction radical step at the end of the This time, the music is radical step at the end of the This time, the music is While, “Bratislava is already ue being attractive and inMagdaléna Rovňáková for music, the quarter mony stake inwith thein Slovak National Theatre al Wings every ended hismajority activities Medgrowth dynamics. But it will ngenuity year while construction sale ofyear the SE present, operation of the powerinplant. of 2016. Telum, the civic association of without emotions, they say. damages caused. 19th century to paint aThe but rather 19th century to paint ain chair present, but rather inof Medgrowth dynamics. But will year while construction ical Group SK aEnel decrease its prognosis rhernames was even deepened its century toas paint achair chair present, but rather asymsym19th century to paint aait chair present, but rather inaof2.7 asymsym- triguing filledshould with shopping centres, for customers,” band Korben Dallas for rock-pop-jazz, building. Crystal Wings 2014 winwere anical Group SK as aminority minority decrease its prognosis 2.7 was 19th even deepened itsfall.” fall.” for €840 million to as well Fico recalled that his cabItaly’s Enel is seeking to owners. They not report every Michal Hudec, CEO EnSOZA prizes given SOZAweapons prizes given SOZA than totopaint a years teller machine bolic way. The painting shows SOZApriz pr inority decrease its of 2.7 bolic even deepened itsago. fall.” to aprognosis teller way. The shows shareholder 13 percent. Slovakia’s automotive paint teller machine bolic way. The painting shows and with new brands, Drahovský, Olympic winner Anastasia Kuzmina for sell Ľubomír ners were selected by expert juries due than topaint paint ain teller machine bolic way. Thepainting painting shows 13a years percent. nthe theCTCT than Slovakia’s automotive asshareholder SE’s contract to ago. operate than inet has reiterated thatmachine the conits 66 percent shareanalyst in SE “Each weapon is legally detail of the process, the ergy Analytics, added that today. But there is a certain two men in period clothing o. percent. Slovakia’s automotive today. But there is a certain two men in period clothing Meanwhile, Paška admit“Our basic scenario is ncelled industry is also feeling a today. But there is a certain two men in period clothing Aupark strives to make the of the sport, Peter Káčer for philanthropy (he is categories, followed by the Big Jury of the or, and architect, a Terno agency, told the today. But there is a certain two men in period clothing Meanwhile, Paška admit“Our basic scenario is ancelled industry is also feeling a Gabčíkovo for 30 years. He por- tract is invalid and that the lease apart from 100 percent of rev- and the loss of Gabčíkovo, connected with only one spescene, or family issues, acadmit“Our scenario is to isthe also feeling aheaded would like toof beating a–demand third man, and the hop band the THE Performing ted knowing boss of that apolio, transitory reporlower demand of Russian would like beating a only man, THE SLOVAK Performing similarity –who who would like tosimilarity impression of being unique – cific owner disabled battling butand collecbeating abasic third man, and theafter Crystal Wing by Gabriel Csollár. aindustry scientHospodárske eco- 7 hop Kontrafakt the THE SLOVAK Performing ted knowing theformer former boss thatit’s it’sonly a transitory ynthropist, repor-similarity lower of Russian trayed the– lease contract as inhas damaged the economic and generatesNoviny more than ofband theKontrafakt [firearm] li-forfor cording toSLOVAK Darina Sedláková, enues of Gabčíkovo, the state isthewhich similarity –who who would like to beating athird third man, andthe THE SLOVAK Performing boss of that it’s only a transitory lower demand of Russian have a teller machine hanging text overhead says: most sold soundtrack mediand Mechanical Rights SoMedical Group SK, Bilá, oriweakness, which might be ehedeal, clients, when European cars have a teller machine hanging text overhead says: and Mechanical Rights Sobut this is a long-distance ted money crossing Slovakia on a special Štefan Polakovič got the award for arete, an aero-mobile nomic daily. have a teller machine hanging text overhead says: most sold soundtrack mediand Mechanical Rights SoMedical Group SK, Bilá, oriweakness, which besays: deal, valid and harmful to Slovak in- have clients, when European cars also financial interests of Slovakia. told the Rights Sothe head of the WHO Country cense,” Miklánek taking over 100might percent of percent of Slovakia’s annual a teller machine hanging text overhead and Mechanical lá, ori-of weakness, which might be when European cars of aclients, “Wolfgang, the music inin your um for their Navždy (Forever) (SOZA), a non-profit ginally a The physician from Snina. followed by he hosbecoming too expensive run”,ciety Drahovský said. bicycle), Juraj Pechan for medicine, chitecture, founder Decodom reates the award Aupark wants tomay differaare wall today?” the in ciety (SOZA), aNavždy non-profit on awall wall today?” the music your“Wolfgang, um for their (Forever) ciety (SOZA), a non-profit ginally atoday?” physician from Snina.on followed reacceleration,” the hos-on becoming too expensive terests. situation culminSEwall says itVladimír will challenge the energyCourtesy consumption, reNový čas. “Only that person Office in Slovakia. the costs ofbyreacceleration,” operation, mainon“Wolfgang, aare today?” “Wolfgang, themusic music inyour your ciety (SOZA), a non-profit M. Fabian: Ghost Riders. Photos: ofof VÚV Foundation m Snina. followed by reacceleration,” are becoming too expensive M. Fabian: Ghost Riders. Photos: Courtesy of VÚV Foundation M. Fabian: Ghost Riders. Photos: Courtesy VÚV Foundation It is a common city view on head is superfluous for us!” According to daily Sme, Bilá album. The most sold audioassociation of authors and Pánis wrote. d. for them due to the weakHenrieta Moravčíková for a book on arŠrámek for business, founder and conment were selected entiate itself from its comM. Fabian: Ghost Riders. Photos: Courtesy of VÚV Foundation It is a common city view on It is a common city view on head is superfluous for us!” According to daily Sme, Bilá head is superfluous for us!” album. The most sold audioassociation of authors and Pánis wrote. rd. association of authors and for them due to the weakated last December when his verdict. duce the selling price of Encan manipulate the weapon On the other hand, not retenance and other activities It is a common city view on head is superfluous for us!” association of authors and me, Bilá manages Pánis wrote. for them due to the weakhe hosvisual track medium 2013 publishers musical works chitectwith Freidrich Weinwurm, Compiled by staff manages additional additional firms the hos- government terminatedfirms the CLASSIFIEDS share innot SE.just through and nopublishers one else canof get to it.” for porting suicides isofSpectator also a misoperation of the el’s petitors “Slovenské Elektrárne with linked visual track medium for 2013 publishers of musical works musical works publishers of musical works firms CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS where vember CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS became the DVD Spevankovo which protects their copyand actor Juraj Vajda, who just wherePaška Paškaappeared appearedasascoco-ADVERTISEMENT ovember CLASSIFIEDS became the DVD Spevankovo which protects their copyCLASSIFIEDS which protects their copyADVERTISEMENT as cowhich protects their copyPuppet theatre ADVERTISEMENT ways Puppet theatreawarded awarded (the Song’s World) by Mária rights, granted forfor the 17th popped in from his performPuppet awarded owner. waystoto owner. (the Song’s World) by Mária rights, granted the 17th rights, Puppettheatre theatre awarded granted forfor the 17th RELIGIOUS SERVICES rights, granted the 17th RELIGIOUS SERVICES ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP ance in a drama staging next RELIGIOUS SERVICES ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP Podhradská and Richard time the awards to artists ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP Podhradská and Richard time the awards to artists time the awards to artists ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP time the awards to artists Bratislava International Church Bratislava International Church Bratislava International Church door; allLANGUAGE clad in Puppet a Puppet nice attire. ENGLISH WORSHIP has already been awarded atat hassuccessful Čanaky. inin the Slovak BRATISLAVA Theatre Bratislava International Church Bratislava International Church ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP has already been awarded Čanaky. inin successful the Slovak BRATISLAVA Theatre BRATISLAVA already been awarded atat successful the Slovak Puppet Theatre International Church ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP has already been awarded Bratislava International Church successful the Slovak BRATISLAVA Puppet Theatre Sundays, 10:00 at historic Sundays, 10:00 atBratislava historic Štefan Klein, the designer of Bratislava International Church several international competThe award for the highest musical scene who are placed among 10 financially Sundays, 10:00 at historic Small Lutheran Church Bratislava International Church several international competThe award for the highest musical scene who are placed among 10 financially Sundays, 10:00 at historic Small Lutheran Church several international competmusical scene who are placed among 10 financially Small Lutheran ChurchSmall Lutheran Church Small Lutheran Church Sundays, 10:00 at historic Sundays, 10:00 at historic several international competmusical scene who are placed among 10 financially Sundays, 10:00 atat historic Sundays, 10:00 at at historic Small Lutheran Church the break-through aero-mobile it may not be enough for small companmany, Austria and Switzerland, said Július Continued from pg 4 (Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava itions. share of Slovak music inin forming the profile of music awarded pieces the interSundays, 10:00 historic Small Lutheran Church (Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava (Malý evanjelický kostol) inin central Bratislava itions. share of Slovak music forming the profile of music awarded pieces at the inter(Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava (Malý evanjelický kostol) central Bratislava Small Lutheran Church itions. forming the profile of music awarded pieces at the interSmall Lutheran Church (Malý(near evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava itions. forming thewent profile of music awarded pieces at the interhybrid transport means, re(near (Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava ies, Krišková deputy chair ofMarthe Slovak Automot(near Hodzovo namestie); ItIt isHron, directed byby Ivan Marbroadcasting toto Radio culture. It It awarded eight national festival, Harmony Hodzovo namestie); (nearHodzovo Hodzovonamestie); namestie);ononLycejna Lycejnaat at (near (Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava is directed Ivan broadcasting went Radio awarded eightsaid.culture. national festival, Harmony Hodzovo namestie); ononLycejna at at (Malý evanjelický kostol) in central Bratislava Itculture. is is directed byby Ivan MarIt It awarded eight national festival, Harmony (near Hodzovo namestie); Lycejna (near Hodzovo namestie); d Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains. intersection with Panenska 26/28. It directed Ivan Marculture. awarded eight national festival, Harmony ceived the award for visual art. on Lycejna at intersection (near Hodzovo namestie); on Lycejna at intersection Kokorák added that some companies ive Industry Association (ZAP) and co“The law is, however, a step in the nd Slovenské Rudohorie Mountains. intersection with Panenska 26/28. (near Hodzovo namestie); tinka and Andrej Kalinka and Modra, SITA wrote. musicians altogether, with World Puppet Carnival, held s. intersection with Panenska 26/28. on Lycejna at intersection tinka and Andrej Kalinka and Modra, SITA wrote. musicians altogether, with World Puppet Carnival, held intersection with Panenska on Lycejna at intersection Children's Sunday with Panenska 26/28.26/28. and Andrej Kalinka and altogether, with World Puppet Carnival, held with Panenska 26/28. €260 on Lycejna at intersection Priest Anton Srholec whoits Children's SundaySchool Schoolprovided. provided. and Andrej Kalinka and amusicians musicians altogether, with World Puppet Carnival, held tinka would welcome higher share ofgranted prac-three ordinator for employers attinka the governright direction since it increases the edatatalmost almost €260million. million. with Panenska 26/28. translated byby Katarína SOZA also granted two Slovak composers ininin Bangkok, Thailand, with Children's Sunday School provided. with Panenska 26/28. translated Katarína SOZA also three two Slovak composers in- two Bangkok, Thailand, with itsinshare Children's Sunday School provided. with Panenska 26/28. Children's Sunday School provided. Children's Sunday School provided. translated by Katarína Slovak composers inBangkok, Thailand, with its Children's Sunday School provided. ged 12,600 hectares of forests when it has helped the homeless and Everyone Welcome. tical training in education. ment’s council for vocational education. of practical training in education, is fotranslated by Katarína two Slovak composers inin Bangkok, Thailand, with its Children's Sunday School provided. maged 12,600 hectares of forests when it Children's Sunday School provided. en it Everyone Welcome. Jánošová. honorary awards. Vašo Patescribed into the SOZA play called Aaahr!! performed Everyone Welcome. Everyone Welcome. Jánošová. honorary awards. Vašo Patescribed into the SOZA play called Aaahr!! performed Everyone Welcome. Everyone Welcome. Everyone Welcome. Everyone Welcome. ubic ofoftrees the Information atwithin Everyone Welcome. Jánošová. scribed into the SOZA play called Aaahr!! performed people living on the margin, as the Moreover, Club 500, which unites cused on demand and improves coThe Education Ministry is now precubic metres treeswithin theterterInformation at02-5443-3263 02-5443-3263 Information at 0918 828 156 Jánošová. scribed into the SOZA play called Aaahr!! performed Information at 0918 828 156 r- metres Information at 0918 828 156 nglish The play, intended for jdl received the award for in English. golden book, the SITA Information at 0918 828 156 Information at 02-5443-3263 The play, intended for jdl received the award for in English. golden book, the SITA Information at 0918 828 156 Site: www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org Web Information at 02-5443-3263 nal Foresters have www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org Web Site: Web Site: Web Site: well Itaswas wine-breeder Dorota The play, intended forfor with more inchildren English. golden book, the SITA Web Site: companies than 500 employoperation between schools and companparing the regulation, which newswire should be isonalPark Park(TANAP). (TANAP). Foresters have Web Site: The play, intended in English. golden book, the SITA toto Web Site: Site: www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org Web younger than 5 years significant contribution the only Slovak reported. Site: www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org Web ble children younger than 5 years significant contribution It was the only Slovak newswire reported. www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org er the www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org Pospíšilová who bred 24 new www.bratislavainternationalchurch.org ees, criticised moving the competences ies,” Ján Kokorák from the Germansued in April. In June it will publish the children younger than 5 years It was the only Slovak newswire reported. SP013235/041 over thelast last1010years years. . children younger than 5 years It was the only Slovak newswire reported. SP013235/041 of age, describes the world of a introducing Slovak music theatre to attend the festival Musician Ivan Tásler, SP013235/022 SP015023/002 SP015023/005 of age, describes the world of a introducing Slovak music theatre to attend the festival Musician Ivan Tásler, SP013235/022 SP013235/022 SP013235/042 SP013235/041 eadwood taff SP013235/042 vine cultivars, got the Crystalandtheatre SP013235/041 and responsibilities ofMusician the state toTásler, 12 Slovak Chamber of Industry Comcurricula and for the prodeadwoodwas wasexcavated, excavated,while whilefallen fallen ofof age, describes the world ofof a a abroad. allen tomodel attend the festival Musician Ivan age, describes the world theatre to attend the festival Ivan Tásler, creative child who tries toto syllabi Two composers of of the where 116 plays from 6464 counfrontman ofof IMT Smile creative child who tries abroad. Two composers the where 116 plays from counfrontman IMT Smile ed parts of the National Park were left Wing for life-long achieveprivate whichofwill check merceREAL (SNOPK) told The Slovak Spectator. fessions in which the creative dual education ESTATE National Park were left eted leftparts of the REAL child who tries toorganisations where 116 plays from 6464 counfrontman IMT Smile REALpresented, ESTATE REALESTATE ESTATE REAL ESTATE creative child who tries to where 116 plays from counfrontman of IMT Smile catch what is real and what is last century Alexander Altries were the TASR band, received the award for catch what is real and what is last century Alexander Altries were presented, the TASR band, received the award for REAL This ment. whether employers are competent to ofscheme will be implemented, and will also Martina Krišková, project manager of REALESTATE ESTATE k of has . This hasled ledtotoa amassive massiveoutbreak outbreakofof what is is real and what is is band, tries were presented, the TASR received the award forfor catch what real and what tries presented, the TASR catch band, received the award not. brecht and Štefan Németh newswire reported. the composer of the most not.were brecht and Štefan Németh reported. the composer the most fofthis parts Tatra They were selected out at of the a Austritraining to students. update the state vocational education pro- ferofpractical the newswire commerce department rests For RENT: For RENT: thisinsect insectinto into partsof of Tatraforests forests For RENT: For RENT: For RENT: not. newswire reported. the composer of the most not. newswire reported. the composer of the most It gradually reveals the Šamorínsky were inscribed The theatre was nominplayed songs in 2013, while graduallyDupaľová reveals the Šamorínsky were inscribed The32 theatre was nominplayed in The 2013,law while For storm. The bark total of The the law a Itgrammes, will bring more administratKsenzsighová said.songs an Embassy to nominees. Slovakia, called ForRENT: RENT: ndstorm. The barkbeetle beetledamaged damaged Itthe gradually reveals the The theatre was nominplayed songs in 2013, while APARTMENTS APARTMENTS APARTMENTS It gradually reveals the The theatre was nominplayed songs in 2013, while relations ofEmployers’ anan ordinary faminto the SOZA golden inin ated inin three categories: the the lyrics writer ofburden the most APARTMENTS APARTMENTS relations of ordinary faminto the SOZA golden book ated in three categories: the lyrics writer of the most dministered bybythe forest award, its 18th year, aims tosolution”. ive to all participants in the sys-book “compromise and an inevitable representatives and foradministered thestate state forest - in Ružinov – Drotárska in Ružinov – Drotárska APARTMENTS -APARTMENTS in Ružinov –your Drotárska relations of an ordinary famated in three categories: the the lyrics writer of the most Take in Ružinov – Drotárska in Ružinov – Drotárska ily, its problems and also joys memoriam. best artistic performance, the played songs became Kamil relations of an ordinary famated in three categories: the the lyrics writer of the most Take your NAP. ily, its problems and also joys memoriam. best artistic performance, the played songs became Kamil search for and bring to the foretem, including businesses, schools and eign chambers of commerce, however, ANAP. (Bôrik) (Bôrik) – Karadžičova (center) - (Bôrik) in – Drotárska – Karadžičova (center) (Bôrik)– –Karadžičova Karadžičova(center) (center) Take your (Bôrik) – Karadžičova (center) - inRužinov Ružinov – Drotárska its problems also joys best artistic performance, the played songs became Kamil Take your with searching for The award for lifetime best actress (where Adela ily, its problems and also joys best artistic performance, the played songs became Kamil llen chance ground outstanding Slovak connected with searching for ily, The award for lifetime best actress (where Adela Peteraj. rfallen by trees students, said Tibor Gregor, executive point to some weak points ofPeteraj. the new le- and Further discussion expected connected (Bôrik) – chance Karadžičova treesand andhelp helpnature naturerecover recoverbyby (Bôrik) – Karadžičova(center) (center) with searching for best actress (where Adela Peteraj. and place your your own self, asas reported byby connected work went to Slovak writer, Mojžišová was nominated) The award for the most connected with searching for best actress (where Adela Peteraj. FAMILY HOUSE personalities FAMILY HOUSE leave trees they FAMILYand HOUSE place your doto alin their fields who your own self, reported work went to Slovak writer, Mojžišová was nominated) The award for the most director of Club 500, as quoted by the SITA gislation, citing especially the lack of mochance FAMILY HOUSE FAMILY HOUSE leavefallen fallen treesas as theyare areand andal-alclassified advertisement classified advertisement and place your –of inthe area –and in castle area own self, reported byby Mojžišová was nominated) –FAMILY in castle area The award forfor the most FAMILY HOUSE TASR. and dramaturge Boris the most perplayed song for 2013 went toto lyricist and place your azine he windstorm ins aimpactof –the incastle castle area remains –and in castle area your own self, as reported Mojžišová was nominated) The award the most are sometimes lownewswire. for firms to joinyour in. Though theas The new laworiginal israther based on the experiFor information call: HOUSE TASR.tivation lyricist and dramaturge Boris the most original perplayed song for 2013 went theimpact windstorm remainsa a For information call: classified advertisement classified advertisement 02 / 59 233 312, – in castle area 02 / area 59 233 312, TASR. and the most original perplayed song for 2013 went toto Filan. formance. It won the last catsts. Peter Bič Project for Thinking – in castle resters environmental activists. profile. For information call: To read the whole story, law contains several motivational factors, ences of countries which already use the TASR. and the most original perplayed song for 2013 went Filan. formance. It won the last catPeter Bič Project for Thinking orestersand and environmental activists. For information call: oror e-mail: www.madison.sk, 0905 - 659156, www.madison.sk, 0905 - 659156, www.madison.sk, 0905 659156, e-mail: www.madison.sk, 0905 - 659156, www.madison.sk, 0905 - 659156, 0202 / 59 233 312, [email protected] / 59 233 312, formance. ItIt won the last catPeter Project forfor Thinking egory, receiving $1,000. by Spectator staff from [email protected] please go toBič www.spectator.sk. like ways tothe decrease company tax You. bases, dual education scheme, especially Ger-Compiled [email protected] formance. won last catPeter Bič Project Thinking [email protected] [email protected] egory, receiving about You. Compiled by Spectator staff from about or e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.madison.sk, 0905 - 659156, or e-mail: $1,000. www.madison.sk, 0905 -SP013223/023 659156, SP013230/038 [email protected] rSP015007/002 staff SP013230/039 SP013223/023 SP013230/041 SP013230/038 SP015019/001 SP015019/004 Compiled byby Spectator staff Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská Aupark will undergo refurbishing. Photo: Sme egory, receiving $1,000. about You. Compiled by Spectator staff from The Aaahr!! performance SOZA also awarded hipCompiled by Spectator staff press reports [email protected] SP013230/039 SP013230/041 SP013230/038 Compiled Spectator staff SP013223/023 [email protected] egory, receiving $1,000. about You. Compiled Spectator staffhipfrom The Aaahr!! performance SOZA by also awarded Compiled by Spectator staf press reports [email protected] SP013230/039 The Aaahr!! performance SOZA also awarded hippress reports SP013230/039 The Aaahr!! performance SOZA also awarded hippress reports dal ndal heads heads PLANT: Questions still unanswered COPY: Suicides GDP: Economy to G features Košice modernism GDP: Economy to RETAIL: Shopping GDP: Economy to down can prompt others slow habits changing slow down slow down ystal Wings awards conferred ffwindstorm windstorm TRAIN: ‘Some weak points remain’ chance CULTURE CULTURE 11 www.spectator.sk ULTURE www.spectator.sk althhants for l the the from r exngariailed porok s the l the re he k. In mayor r the using Even nobilticipnear perial elling f the ovan Prize whose d the Best d the Prize ty of nt in of Po00 in CulcováOther clude O/FR), Adam ISR), of the rspo- zana vská akia Protection, pot of gold Postcard tofor thea president EVENTS COUNTRYWIDE Western SLOVAKIA BRATISLAVA EVERYDAY prayers 17th n LIVE MUSIC: Takein6 the – The 10- century includedlaureate that went time Grammy will “…and protect us from kurucs play in Bratislava with the (anti-Habsburg and Slovak a cappella rebels) band Fragile. fromStarts: labanecs sol- RENOWNED countertenor Max Dec (imperial 1, 19:00; Istropolis, O Trnavské diers), Lord!” Mýto 1. Ad- Emanuel Cenčic is considered one mission: Tel: 02/5293- of the greatest singers in the It was€20-€40. quite understand3321; www.ticketportal.sk. able that people said these world in his category; he received prayers, as both kurucs and the Best Singer 2003 award from BRATISLAVA labanecs represented aMUSIC: huge the German musical magazine n CLASSICAL/LIVE Opernwelt. He performs famous burden for Organ most inhabitants Cross-over with Electric arias, as well as pieces from lessof what– The is now Guitar lastSlovakia. concert ofSolthe known or undiscovered operas in diers needed to eat, drink and Bratislava Organ Festival was prestigious opera houses, at movedsomewhere. to December,Incombinstay most festivals and on tours. On ing thethis performances cases, burden fell of to Slovvil- December 6 at 19:30, he will give aks; organist Marek Štrbák, a performance in the concert hall lagers or burghers – the people drummer Novosedwho lived in Lenka the places where of Reduta, Slovak Philharmonic líková and young guitar player building, in Eugena Suchoňa soldiers happened to be. Michal Bugala playing several Square 1 in Bratislava. Tickets Theincluding fact that athe militiasof pieces, premiere cost €22-€30 and can be bought harmed ordinary peopleBorzík, more via navstevnik.sk or in the Rea composition by Lukáš often than those from whom duta ticket-office. and also improvisation. 4, 17:00; big theyStarts: were Dec supposed to be Photo: Courtesy of BHS concert studio of was the Slovak protecting them well Radio, Mýtna 1. Admission: €7 ing the borders of countries, Starts: Dec 4-7, various known by the people of (CD-LP bazár Mjuzik shop, traditions and modernism, in times and venues. Admission: Kežmarok. This town in the Hummel Music shop, Andalusian flair. On December free. More info: www.citylSpiš region was in a very Klobučnícka 2, postcard Music Forum 7, they will perform Nitracountry, ife.sk. particularly wealthworkers. This isinathe famTHIS nice colour complex situation in dethe with shop, Na the Vŕšku 1). More info: theatre of Andrejcalled Bagar.Polík. ier people and merchants ous raft harbour picting town of course of the 17th century, Starts: Dec 5, 19:15, Aréna BRATISLAVA www.citylife.sk. used rafts for Ružomberok in predominance the because of the Theatre, Viedenská Cesta 10. n ART HAPPENING: Ashley transport untiland theUnLiptov region stems of Protestants among its pop- Admission: €15-€20. Tel: Bell Clark, BRATISLAVA “Known ofrepresthe – from theMUSIC: ofthreatened, n LIVE 02/6720-2550 or to www.divadknown beginning Is All Same Land” Lamb – British had theThe town to pay both the em- summoned ulation. Iftimes it was century. monarchy; butCatholic as& Andy loarena.sk, www.ticketduo imperial (Lou Rhodes Bar- peror The US20th artist willa present before special in and the rebels. After entatives the army know from can become seen here its among portal.sk.another rebel no- court low) to play, oth- Bocskay, the where capitalWe personificaheher decided that came to help the town but old records, for ex-to sender(s) crossed tions of plants, nature and er songs, their recent album were not very friendly to- bleman entered this town at every burgher would have landscape Backspace Unwind. BRATISLAVA that in symbolising 1656 Hungari- hugravelly areas lying close ample, out the Hungarian name and Flat, redeemambitions, their lives a foot of the Tatra wards its Protestant nembankments andwith also feaStarts: Dec one. 4, resid20:00; tothe 65thmounFOLKLORE: palatine Wesselényi sailed were selec-an-an man left only the Slovak amount of tains – Gabriel Bethlen. Thele- considerable ents. Majestic of SĽUK – The to atures court video-installations session in Prešporokand for raft harbours. Carmen Frequently,Music this used toClub, be tedniversary town council decided,ensemble to pre- money. If the town occupied Karpatská 2. was More info: from gendary otherBratislava) works. across the valley folklore stores used to (today’s done on postcards after the Slovakia dur-A4 or its some by Protestant rebels, the vent Starts: was Decgloomy 2, 18:00; www.majestic.sk. SĽUKlooting celebrates 65thother birthentire Liptov region allKultúry, the wood meant for bindfirst Czechoslovak Republic bring Priestor Súčasnej day with a show that comsituation was no better. This tax, to donate a gilded pot ing the turbulent 17th cento Sereď, 2.from where hefree. ingbines together – lashing, as i.e.well the asway came into existence. Karpatská Admission: oldguldens traditions BRATISLAVA tury; no wonder the country 127 – the value was the case when in the first worth onwww.citylife.sk. horseback. In of rafts – and also bycontinued It would be MUSIC: interesting to making n More info: modernist ideas, directed Advent CLASSICAL yearned for more decade of the 17th for further pro- 1758, Ružomberok mayor learn who–sent this postcard, Jurajbound Hamar. Concert The concert of Aus- wood peaceful times. century Stephen at lumber mills. astrian it is addressed none othStarts: Dec 4, 19:00; DPOHJuraj Rosinský rafted for the soprano to Antonija Ko- cessing this postcard Bocskay and his CentralIn Laurinská 19.same purpose andfirst Slovak tenor of and City toSLOVAKIA Pest, using It isTheatre, worth remembering ervacevic than the president from the 1930s, we troops in Admission: €10-€12. pianistappeared Mairán Bango, due to the absolute lack ofTel:four rafts for transport. Even Czechoslovakia, Tomáš focuses Gar- that can see the mediKežmarok. BocŽILINA 02/5910-3107; www.mestof theMasaryk, festive season. farmers and petty nobiland safe roads, river rich rigue at the Prague passable aeval Čaro vianoc– street n FOLKLORE: skay, a rebellious skedivadlo.sk. Starts: 18:00; Austri- transport Liptov who particip-The was the only well- ity from castle. WithDec all4,probability, an Cultural Forum, Hodžovo Christmas Magic ulica. – A folklore duke, took advantKostolná The in the greattaps battle means of movement ated they belonged to the presidSqu-are Admission: free. working performance intonear the old ofBRATISLAVA two houses by In that time. Trenčín age of his1/A. friendly terms with sign onbetween the lefttheannounces imperial in the Middle Ages. Liptov, ent’s close circle. n CHRISTMAS Slovak music, tradiTel:Kežmarok 02 /5930-1500; www.rakMUSIC: In- that Moreover, put 9th225 the castle lord,isSetheRákóczy’s house dances, with thick and rebelling first more they or less passable What the image offers a the uskekulturneforum.sk. tions surrounding Christmas. ternational Festival of Christ-army guldens in the pot. bastian Thököly, and with his walls is the home of the to the of theCity was built in 1364, as units got matter of the past. As can be road Starts: Dec site 7, 19:00; mas Music – did The festival Kežmarok not avoidof Kežmarok help enforced special taxon on ordered car club, on rafts. by Louis the Great. seen, across theaČebrať hill, BRATISLAVA Thea-tre, Horný Valamong 3. More Christmas music featuresbattle the rebellion of Juraj Rákóczy the citizens, amounting to Despite n WORLD MUSIC: CuadronuFlainfo: www.kamdomesta.sk. choirs Slovakia, thefrom effort of those inthe others. the bend of the Váh River, I Czech either, who roads came to the the 1,000 mencoguldens. – Renowned Russia, The to Republic, secure for merous rafts used to Spanish stand power By Branislav Chovan in 1644. Rákóczy Kežmarok’s citizens thus By Branislav BYSTRICA Chovan dancer/choreographer Juan town UK, Ireland, Lithuania, Po- BANSKÁ n MODERN DANCE: Horúčava Polvillo will join forces with land, South Africa, and singer Cheita and Slovak gui- Ukraine, at Bratislava Main / Heat – The Laban Atelier tarist Morenito de Triana to give Square and in churches/music Brati-slava, choreographed a special flamenco show cross- halls downtown. and directed by Marta Poláková, performs the danceLong was a 2012 THERE have been a host of many prizes. theatre piecePulitzer about Prize friction, in Poetry, and Visitors of Ars Poetica 2014 Finalist festivals recently in Slovakia; communication andwhose tensions between a manreceived and a woman, Poems the sceptics claim that this is due can choose from among more Collected to Los the music of Martin Polák. Angeles Times Best to the Slovak system of state than twenty poets and au- 2014 “However, Smetana. was no coinTHE Among SLOVAK National Dec 1,professional 19:00; ofStarts: Poetry prize andTheatre the from This 12 countries, or- Book grants. all those, one thors StudioCarlos of perceived Dance (DŠT), theatre was negatcidence,informed as Czech The artists were William Theatre its 95th Williams Prize Na Slovak stands out,celebrates as it is focused on ganisers Kačici, Komenského 12. Adively. It was risky to make the pillarsThe of the SND’s beginanniversary in March. To Spectator. the Poetry Society of festival’s stage from an ancient art that has found mission: €7-8. Tel: 048/4146one’s living as a ‘comedian’, nings. The core of Slovakia’s commemorate it, the exhibiwill be present in itself somewhat on the mar- will host a few first showings America, 540;morally www.studiotanca.sk. even No 1” was of theinternaEastern- person tion called (One of“stage on the unacceptable. Evening of Po-If performances gin of opäťminútsto public interest Slovak professional theatre Czech Theatre Company led Hundred in Five Minutes) December 5 at 19:00 in tional artists that connect po- etry onEastern nowadays: the art of poetry. SLOVAKIA had had of to Independent exist based only on by Bedřich Jeřábek. be- A4 opened in the Exhibition Hall etry Space Culand visual art: He Marc The international festival Slovak theatre-makers its apcame the of SND and ture of the new2014 SNDis building PREŠOV on the corner of Šancováa first poet,head visual artist Ars Poetica organisedin Atkins, pearance would be postponed n LIVE MUSIC: the initial ensemble Martín was in Karpatská Pribinova 17 in Bratislava. Beatles Vianoce streets. Other photographer; between December 3 and 7 in and 2014of– that Backwards One of the maybe by several fact an aenclave of Czech pro- guests Thecentre representative col- Bakero, evening–decades,” include surrealist Chilean culture A4 and strives mostDraghincescu respected bands coverTimko added. fessional performers in the Rodica shows crucial per- poet, (RO/FR), Ariadna Radi Cor, Italian tolection bring a number of surprises ing theexhibition, music of legendary UK The also curSlovak capital. formances, personalities and Bajsić (CRO), Adam for all staunch poetry ad- poet and performance graphic Tomica band, the Beatles, gives a Chriated (CZ), by Hilá his Lahav colleagues “This by the Borzič eventsand offans. all three depart- artist; (ISR), andwas alsocaused a on Krakowmirers stmas concert atand home, otherST NICOLAS is the saint whoand in Slovakia gives presents December Katarína Kunová Zuzana fact duo that Slovak society, and ments – drama, opera Karol Chmel (SK). ofindigital poetry The headliner the fest- based playing mostly abroad. 6 to children who of are well-behaved. On that day, the KošicepiChil- wise Nemcová, be seen around there was a positive stance ballet –Historical inyear theirisRailway contemporary TheStarts: full can programme of thePKO oneers. Slovak poetry will ival’s 12th Ron Padgett, Dec 6, 19:00; organises a special train ride, the last inbe 2014. dren’s the time ofbeperformances towards amateur theatre, it festival and social station context. canorol, found at arspoby ofthe leading acultural US poet, of the Čierny Hlavná 50. atAdStarting at co-founder Alpinka in therepresented Čermeľ borough Košice at 10:00 the new SND until end of was tolerated,” one of theinetica.sk. theatre began operatmission: €13. Tel:the 051/7723-741; of three famous New School and authors andThe 12:00, theYork train will be awaited by St Nicolas andgenerations: his entourage theatre season, June 30. curators, Martin the this ing on March 1, 1920,Tickets with the www. pkopresov.sk. theof terminal station. - €3 (children)-€5 (adults) can beof bought Ján Buzássy, KarolTimko Chmel and one the prominent figures Theatre Institute, explained opera oncontemporary the spot. of MoreCzech information at www.detskazeleznica.sk. Jana Pácalová. ofpremiere American Compiled by Zuzana By Zuzana Vilikovská Photo: Courtesy of Children’s Railway the TASR newswire. Hubička / The by Bedřich Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská Kal_02:Kal19 24.1.2013 16:31 Stránka 1 forRon Padgett, whose How poetry, who hasKiss, been awarded Vilikovská HISTORY TALKS HISTORY TALKS Festival courtsanniversary US poet SND celebrates with an exhibition N A M E M onday Monday Alfonz Adrián January 28 March 23 D A Y Western SLOVAKIA Western SLOVAKIA time musicGrammy cycle in laureate the third will part, play in Bratislava with the Concert Spirituel III, offers an Slovak a cappella band Fragile. insight into the trio-sonata Starts: Dec 1, 19:00; phenomenon, with an Istroexpert polis, Trnavskéand Mýto 1. Adcommentary music by mission: €20-€40.Uccellini, Tel: 02/5293Cima, Castello, Le3321; www.ticketportal.sk. grenzi, Vitali, Bononcini and Schmelzer, performed by Peter BRATISLAVA Zajíček (violin), Peter Zelenka n(violin), CLASSICAL/LIVE MUSIC: Michaela Čibová (celCross-over with Electric lo), Jana Organ Zelenková (organ), Guitar The last concert ofPeter the Jakub–Mitrík (teorba) and Bratislava Organ Festival was Zajíček – introductory word. moved to December, combinStarts: March 21, 17:00; ing the Palace, performances of 47. SlovPálffy Zámocká Adaks; organist Marekdonation. Štrbák, mission: voluntary drummer Lenka NovosedMore info: www.citylife.sk. líková and young guitar player Michal Bugala playing several Bratislava pieces, including a premiereTwo of n BIRD-WATCHING: aevents composition by Lukáš Borzík, on this weekend will and alsodevoted improvisation. bring birdwatchers to 4, 17:00; big theStarts: close Dec vicinity of Bratisconcert studio of the trip Slovak lava, to have a half-day and Radio, Mýtna 1. Admission: €7 explore raptors and water (CD-LP bazár Mjuzik binocushop, birds. Also in English; Hummel Music shop, lars can be borrowed. Klobučnícka 2, Music Forum Starts: March 21 Devínske shop, Vŕšku 1). More jazeroNa(departure from info: Main www.citylife.sk. Train Station Bratislava at 8:00), about five hours, easy BRATISLAVA terrain; March 22, Devínska n LIVE MUSIC: Lamb – British Nová Ves, city bus station Na duo (Lou Rhodes Andy BarHriadkach, 9:00, & about five-six low) comeeasy to play, among othhours, terrain. Admisersion: songs,voluntary their recentdonation. album Backspace More info:Unwind. www.watching.sk. Starts: Dec 4, 20:00; Majestic Club, Bratislava Music Karpatská 2. 65th MoreAnniverinfo: n FOLKLORE: www.majestic.sk. sary of SĽUK – Traditional and modern art are not always abBRATISLAVA horrent. The programme of the n CLASSICAL MUSIC: Advent 65th anniversary of the folkConcert – TheSĽUK concert Auslore troupe is a of mixture trian Antonija Koof twosoprano artistic forms, offering vacevic and Slovak tenor and an overview of its past and pianist Bango, focuses presentMairán performances. of theStarts: festive season. March 24, City Starts:of DecP.O. 4, 18:00; AustriTheatre Hviezdoslav, an Cultural Forum, Hodžovo Laurinská Admission:free. €10Squ-are 1/A.19.Admission: €12.02Tel: 02/5910-3107; www. Tel: /5930-1500; www.rakmestskedivadlo.sk. uskekulturneforum.sk. Bratislava BRATISLAVA n EXHIBITION/LECTURE: Can WORLD MUSIC: Cuadro Fla- ca January 29 March 24 Emanuel Alena Soňa e fou d at w w w .spec a to r.sk /w ea ther. January 30 March 25 January 31 March 26 F ebruary 1 March 27 F ebruary 2 March 28 RENOWNED countertenor Max Emanuel Cenčic is considered one of the greatest singers in the world in his category; he received the Best Singer 2003 award from the German musical magazine Opernwelt. He performs famous arias, as well as pieces from lessknown or undiscovered operas in prestigious opera houses, at festivals and on tours. On December 6 at 19:30,ishe will give VITIS Aurea Modra the 15th year of a gastronomy event and interperformance in the concert hall a unique chance to get to know anational that offers wine-tasting ofSmall-Carpathian Reduta, Slovak Philharmonic wines. Starting on March 27 at 14:00, it continues building, in hour Eugena Suchoňa at the same the next day, planned to last until 21:00, at the Hotel Square 1 in Dukelská Bratislava. Tickets Modra, a wine town close to Bratislava. Sebastian, 4, in cost €22-€30 and cancan be bought More information be found by calling 033/6407-766, or at via navstevnik.skororwww.modra.sk/vitis-aurea-2015. in the Rewww.citylife.sk Photo: Sme duta ticket-office. n Photo: Courtesy of BHS RUN: The ČSOB Bratislava Open: Wed-Sat 14:00-19:00 un-til May 16; Tranzit.sk, ing the borders countries, Besky-dská 12.of Admission: traditions and modernism, in free. More info, booking: Andalusian flair. On December sk.tranzit.org. 7, they will perform in the Nitra theatre of Andrej Bagar. Bratislava Starts: Dec 5, 19:15, Aréna n PARTY: Internations BratTheatre, Viedenská Cestaevent 10. islava Monthly clubbing Admission: Tel:to – New in the €15-€20. city? Or want 02/6720-2550 or www.divadmeet fun people from all over loarena.sk, www.ticketthe world? Internations Bratportal.sk. islava, is organising their monthly clubbing event at the BRATISLAVA Amundsen ICE Bar with a very n FOLKLORE: 65th where anspecial DJ RobertOH, niversary of SĽUK – The leyou will enjoy top hits and gendary folklore ensemble Latino music. SĽUKStarts: celebrates its 65th birthThursday March 26, day with a show Ice thatBar, com21:00. Amundsen Dubines old8.traditions asfree. wellMoas najská Admission: modernist ideas,facebook.com/ directed by re info: www. Juraj Hamar. InternationsBratislava Starts: Dec DPOH event link:4, 19:00; www.faceCity Theatre, Laurinská 19. book.com/events/17886737680 Admission: €10-€12. Tel: 23476. 02/5910-3107; www.mestskedivadlo.sk. Bratislava n LIVE MUSIC: The Florian BRATISLAVA Ensemble – The FlonHorwath CHRISTMAS MUSIC: 9th In- rian Horwath Ensemble (F. ternational Festival of ChristHorwath, Hansi mas Music Peter – TheLang, festival of Riener, Borismusic Fiala) plays a fuChristmas features sion of rock, and folk. the choirs from pop Slovakia, March 27, 20:00; CzechStarts: Republic, Russia, The Austrian Cultural Forum,PoAsUK, Ireland, Lithuania, toria Palace, Hodžovo Square land, South Africa, and 1/A. Admission: free.Main Tel: Ukraine, at Bratislava 02/5930-1500; www.rakSquare and in churches/music uskekulturneforum.sk. halls downtown. tarina Simao – The exposition menco – Renowned Spanish of this Portuguese artist fodancer/choreographer Juan cuses mainly on films, showPolvillo will join forces with ing theCheita phenomenon of colonsinger and Slovak guiisation and liberation natarist Morenito de Triana toofgive tions, this time in Mozambia special flamenco show crossque. The lecture on March 26 at Bratislava 18:00 will be in English. marathon enters its 10th year, Starts:a nice Dec city 4-7, marathon various offering times and venues. Admission: for runners of all ages and both free. info: through www.citylsexes,More leading the ife.sk. capital. Starts: March 29, 10:00, BRATISLAVA Euro-vea. More info: n ART HAPPENING: Ashley www.bratislavamaraBell Clark, (it “Known and Un-to thon.com is also possible known Ison Allthe Theday). Same Land” – register The US artist will present in the Central capital her personificaSLOVAKIA tions of plants, nature and landscape symbolising huŽilina man ambitions,MUSIC: and alsoEaster fean CLASSICAL tures video-installations and Concerts – The Slovak Sinfoniother etta, works. conducted by Oliver DohStarts: 2, 18:00; A4 nány withDec a mixed musical Kultúry, Priestor Súčasnej couple, Henrich Tatár on violKarpatská 2. Admission: free. in and Junko Kinoshita on piMore ano, info: and www.citylife.sk. Natalia Melnik (soprano, UK), Eva Garajová (mezzosoprano, SK), Jiří Zouhar (teCentral SLOVAKIA nor, CZ), Martin Mikuš (bassbaritone, SK), and the Žilina ŽILINA choir Cantica will pernmixed FOLKLORE: Čaro vianoc– The form M.E. Chausson’s Concert Christmas Magic – A folklore for violin, and the strings, performancepiano taps into old and Mozart’s Slovak music,Requiem. dances, tradiStarts: March 26, 19:00; tions surrounding Christmas. Slovak Sinfonietta, House Starts: Dec 7, 19:00; Cityof Art, Dolný Val 47. Admission: Thea-tre, Horný Val 3. More €8-€12. More info: info: www.kamdomesta.sk. www.skozilina.sk. BANSKÁ BYSTRICA Eastern SLOVAKIA n MODERN DANCE: Horúčava / Heat – The Laban Atelier Prešov Brati-slava, choreographed n reandCLASSICAL directedMUSIC: by Two Marta nowned musicians, violinist Poláková, performs the danceMilan Paľa andabout pianistfriction, Ladislav theatre piece Fančovič, will perform sonatas communication and tensions by Beethoven anda woman, Brahms. between a man and of theoftwo concerts toEach the music Martin Polák.includes a different programme. Starts: Dec 1, 19:00; Theatre Starts: March 23-24, Studio of Dance (DŠT),19:00; Na Admission: €4-€7. More Kačici, Komenského 12. info: Adwww.kamdomesta.sk. mission: €7-8. Tel: 048/4146540; www.studiotanca.sk. Košice Eastern SLOVAKIA n LIVE MUSIC: The star trio American Divas (Natascha PREŠOV Dorothea Lorene nWright, Beatles Vianoce LIVE MUSIC: MARIA Stuarda is an opera by Gaetano Donizetti that has never been played before in saint Slovakia. it premieres at the State Opera in ST NICOLAS is the whoNow, in Slovakia gives presents on December Bystrica, 11. This staging is directed by Košice famousChilItali6Banská to children whoNárodná are well-behaved. On that day, the an director Gianfarnco Bosios (films: Terrorist, Moses, Tosca with organises a special train ride, the last in 2014. dren’s Historical Railway de Placido at Domingo) and conducted by Igorborough Bulla, with the cast Starting Alpinka station in the Čermeľ of Košice at includ10:00 ing12:00, Adriana Kohútková/Dana Koklesová, Cristina and the train will be awaited byPěnkava St Nicolas and his entourage in Baggio/Jolana Fogašová, Mastro,(adults) OndrejcanŠaling, Ivan the terminal station. Tickets -Luciano €3 (children)-€5 be bought Zvarík/Ondrej Mráz and others. Tickets cost €10 and can be bought on the spot. More information at www.detskazeleznica.sk. Jozef Lomnický at 048/2457-123 or www.stateopera.sk. Photo: Courtesy Photo: of Children’s Railway J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R NY AM2E 0D 1AY3 M AR C H / APR IL 2N 0 1A5 M E Marián 11 11 VENTS C COUNTRYWIDE OUNTRYWIDE EEVENTS Bratislava n CLASSICAL MUSIC: Musica BRATISLAVA nCameralis LIVE MUSIC: 6 –chamber The 1015 Take – The Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday W ednesday Thursday Tuesday Friday Em a Em il Tatiana Eri k, Eri ka Ga‰par W eather u ates and fore asts from across SlovakiaBl aÏej Gabriel March 23 – April 5, 2015 December 1 – 7, 2014 December 1 – 7, 2014 Miroslav F ebruary March 29 A Slovak’s name day (meniny) is as important as his or her birthday. It is traditional to present friends or co-workers with a small g M onday Monday Alfonz Vieroslava January 28 March 30 D A Y January 29 March 31 Hugo January 30 April 1 ByZuzana ZuzanaVilikovská Vilikovská By J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y Tuesday Wednesday Thursday W ednesday Thursday Tuesday Em a Em il Ga‰par Benjamín Fletcher alias Coco, and Del2014 – Backwards – One of the lenorrespected Miles aliasbands Dela), who are most coverrocking stages worldwide, ing the music of legendary UK combining impressive band, the Beatles, gives asinging Chriwith concert a dance at show andotherlightstmas home, ing,playing will alsomostly appearabroad. in Košice. wise Starts:Dec March 26, 20:00, Starts: 6, 19:00; PKO Infinitiorol, Aréna, Košice.50. AdmisČierny Hlavná Adsion: 23-69€. More info: mission: €13. Tel: 051/7723-741; www.kamdomesta.sk. www. pkopresov.sk. Zita January 31 April 2 Friday Friday Tatiana Richard F ebruary 1 April 3 2 0 1 3 Saturday Sunday Sunday Saturday Eri k, Eri ka Bl aÏej Izidor F ebruary 2 April 4 Miroslava F ebruary April 5 A Slovak’s name day (meniny) is as important as his or her birthday. It is traditional to present friends or co-workers with a small g as chocolates or important flowers, andastohis wish Všetko najlepšie k meninám day)or co-workers with a small gift, suchsuch as chocolatesororflflowers, Všetko najlepšie k meninám (Happy(Happy name day) A Slovak‘s name such day (meniny) is as orthem her birthday. It is traditional to (Happy presentname friends as chocolates owers,and andtotowish wishthem them všetko najlepšie k meninám name day). 12 FEATURE March 23 – April 5, 2015 SPECTATOR COLLEGE For exercises linked to the Spectator College programme please visit www.spectator.sk Spectator College is a programme to support the study and teaching of English in Slovakia, as well as to inspire interest in important public issues among young people. The project was created by The Slovak Spectator and the Petit Academy Foundation. Please see our online Spectator College section at www.spectator.sk for articles, glossaries and tips for exercises which can be used in English lessons. Glossary accommodation – bývanie affect – ovplyvniť affordable – dostupný and the like – a podobne appropriate – primeraný board of directors – predstavenstvo burden – záťaž bustle – ruch cease to exist – zaniknúť comfortable – pohodlný community amenities – občianska vybavenosť comparable – porovnateľný contribution – príspevok draw – ťahať duty – povinnosť emphasise – zdôrazňovať expansion – rozmach fee – poplatok flat – byt gap – rozdiel, medzera housing – bývanie impact – ovplyvniť income – príjem income tax – daň z príjmu inhabitant – obyvateľ insufficient – nedostatočný interest rate – úroková sadzba lease – nájomná zmluva lifestyle – životný štýl living – život, bývanie local authority – miestny úrad long for – túžiť maintain – udržiavať mortgage – hypotéka municipality – obec new building – novostavba notice period – výpovedná lehota offer – ponuka owner – vlastník peak – vrchol perceive – vnímať permanent residency – trvalý pobyt plot – pozemok populate – obývať property – majetok real estate – nehnuteľnosť regional capital – krajské mesto rent – prenajať (si); nájom rental – prenájom resident – miestny obyvateľ rural – vidiecky sewer system – kanalizácia share – podiel short-term – krátkodobý schoolchild – školák significantly – významne solution – riešenie spread – rozšíriť sa sufficient – dostatočný surrounding – okolie temporary – dočasný tenant – nájomník tension – napätie terminate – ukončiť terraced house – dom v radovej zástavbe traffic jam – dopravná zápcha wane – slabnúť working trip – pracovná cesta Lesson 14 Housing Slovaks still drawn to satellite towns THOUGH the experts say interest in moving to satellite towns in rural areas near big cities has waned, there are still people longing for their own house with a garden, close to nature and for an affordable price. “The advantage [of this kind of housing] is that we have a family house which offers more comfortable living,” Jana Jakubíková, 32, told The Slovak Spectator. She lives in the satellite town of Kalinkovo, some 20 kilometres from Bratislava’s city centre. Typical inhabitants of satellite towns were once people with higher incomes, but statistics show that at present they are mostly populated by people with secondary school education aged 3050, and especially families with children, said Imrich Béreš, chair of the board of directors of the Prvá Stavebná Sporiteľňa company. “Better prices play a significant role compared to the city and a higher quality flat or house for the price,” Béreš told The Slovak Spectator. Andrea Michalcová, 44, who lives in Bernolákovo (22 kilometres from Bratislava), says it was mostly the price which attracted her family to move to a satellite town. According to her, eight years ago the price of a house with a small plot of land was comparable with the price of a flat in Bratislava. Another reason for moving to the satellite towns is that people are closer to nature and have better possibilities for sports or free time, said Robert Longauer, 34, who lives in Hainburg in Austria. Changing lifestyles The first satellite towns appeared in Slovakia in the 1990s. They were built close to Bratislava, but later spread to the surroundings of regional capitals as well. Since 1996 the Terraced houses were built also in Dunajská Lužná. towns lost some 132,000 inhabitants, most of who moved to the satellite towns, Béreš said. The peak came in 2000 when several developers started to buy agricultural lands close to the municipalities and transform them into complexes of houses and flats. “The first decade after 2000 was typical also for the expansion of the terraced houses in several regions of Slovakia,” Béreš said. According to him, the development of the satellite towns also impacted the number of inhabitants in the villages near which they stand. For example in Rovinka, located just outside Bratislava, the number of inhabitants doubled to 2,873 in 2014, the Trend economic weekly wrote on its website. Béreš, however, warns that the new inhabitants often do not ask for permanent residency in the municipalities, meaning they do not pay their share of income taxes to the local authorities. “Then they [municipalities] are not able to finance the necessary infrastructure which the developers do not always build and certainly do not maintain,” Béreš added. Rovinka Mayor Milan Bombala confirmed this problem to Trend in August 2014. His village however agreed with some of the new inhabitants that they will pay some Photo: Sme kind of contribution which equals their share of income tax. He also persuaded two developers who have built the houses in the local satellite town to make a contribution to extension of the primary school, Trend wrote. The town planners say that a fee for investment activities may be one of the ways to solve the problems with financing the infrastructure in satellite towns. In summer 2014, several media outlets illustrated the problem of missing infrastructure in Čierna Voda, a satellite town belonging to Chorvátsky Grob (24 kilometres from Bratislava). Among the problems was the insufficient sewer system, the gap between the new and old parts of the town and conflicts which resulted in tensions between the old and new inhabitants, according to the reports. A return to cities People addressed by The Slovak Spectator consider the community amenities in the satellites they live in appropriate, though often less developed as in the bigger cities. Often there is a small shop, post office, kindergarten, school and a doctor. On the other hand there are few possibilities for cultural life and residents must often travel to the nearby bigger town or city. “Most people also keep doctors in the city centre, though they move to the satellites,” Longauer said. The main problem cited by both Jakubíková and Michalcová is the resulting traffic. Though they live relatively close to Bratislava, they still spend hours in traffic jams. “Eight years ago commuting was one of the advantages, but since then the situation has radically worsened as the number of people moving to satellite towns increased,” Michalcová said. “The roads, however, have been neither widened nor enlarged, so their capacity remains the same.” The problematic transport and the fact that children still go to schools in bigger towns and have other activities there is seeing some families with schoolchildren move back to the bigger cities, Béreš said. However, he does not expect that satellite towns will cease to exist, rather that people will be more careful when analysing the reasons to stay in the main city or town or move to a satellite town, Béreš said. Since there are still people who prefer the rural way of life rather than the bustle of the city, the trend of moving to satellite towns may continue for 10-15 years, he added. One of the reasons is that Slovaks live in their own accommodation rather than in rented flats or houses. “If municipalities will care about observing and developing their land plan, and will approach it effectively so the satellite is not a burden for inhabitants, then this way of housing and lifestyle should not experience major problems in the coming years,” Béreš concluded. Nevertheless Bombala stressed to Trend that every village needs to control growth in order to secure the services residents need. By Radka Minarechová Rentals perceived as temporary solution for the young SLOVAKIA has one of the highest shares of privately owned housing, and fewer than 10 percent of people live in rental properties. Most people consider this kind of accommodation a short-term solution, according to real estate experts. “This means that mostly young people use this possibility as their first housing or temporary accommodation during a working trip and the like,” Filip Žoldák of Herrys real estate agency told the TASR newswire. One big group living in rented housing is students. “We expect that the interest in rentals will increase shortly before the summer holidays and especially during the third quarter when the statistics are significantly affected by the movement of students,” said Lexxus analyst Michal Zajíček, as quoted by TASR. Tenants, as compared to owners, have the advantage of flexibilPeople prefer their own housing rather than rentals. Photo: Sme ity and can terminate leases quickly in a case where they change jobs or face changing accommodation needs, said head of the National Association of Real Estate Agencies in Slovakia (NARKS) Ján Palenčár. Moreover, they do not have as many duties as owners. Experts emphasise that the lease needs to contain the time of renting the flat, the price of rent, the way and notice period for terminating the agreement and the responsibility for possible repairs, TASR wrote. The most frequent factors impacting the decision to buy a flat are a stable job, enough money and the desire to have a family. Moreover, people are motivated to have their own housing also by historically low interest rates on mortgages, good prices and the sufficient offer of new buildings, TASR reported. Compiled by Spectator staff