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Bomb Threat at Justice Ministry and Supreme Court

Bratislava, September 16 (TASR) - An unknown woman on Thursday morning telephoned to announce that bombs had been placed in the buildings of the Supreme Court and the Justice Ministry. Employees of both institutions were immediately evacuated and the buildings are now being searched by the police, Supreme Court spokesman Michal Jurci informed TASR. According to… read more

Slovaks Appreciate Euro More than Other Eurozone Members

Bratislava, September 15 (TASR) - Slovaks view the common European currency more positively than people in other eurozone countries, with 64 percent of Slovaks welcoming it compared to the eurozone average of 38 percent. The findings come from a recent 'Transatlantic Trends' survey carried out in 11 EU countries, the USA and Turkey in June involving 1,000 respondents… read more

Schmognerova: 20-percent VAT on Food Is European Rarity

Bratislava, September 15 (TASR) - Increasing the value-added tax from 19 to 20 percent doesn't have to bring as much money into the state coffers as it is expected by the new Government, former vice-president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Brigita Schmognerova has told TASR in an interview. "It'll definitely effect consumption, which will… read more

Week Before Coalition Tells How Far to Go in Public Sphere Wagecuts

Bratislava, September 14 (TASR) - It's still unclear how the governing Coalition wants to get down to the planned reductions in salaries of around 2,600 public officers. Following the Coalition Council meeting late on Tuesday, Prime Minister Iveta Radicova (SDKU-DS) informed that there are two alternatives at hand, but it will only be known next Tuesday (September 21) as to… read more

Slovaks Celebrating Feast of Our Lady of The Seven Sorrows Since 1966

Bratislava, September 15 (TASR) - The Feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is a reminder that the Virgin Mary was proclaimed patron saint of Slovakia by the Holy See in 1927. Her day, September 15, has been celebrated by Slovak Catholics since 1966 following official papal acknowledgement. The feast became a national holiday in 1994. The 'Seven Sorrows' feast was promoted… read more

Finmin: Consolidation Will Slow Down Economy, But It\'s Essential

Bratislava, September 14 (TASR) - The planned consolidation of public finances in 2011 will slow down growth in the Slovak economy, reads the latest macro-economic prognosis drawn up by the Finance Ministry. Despite an expected increase in European funds, economic growth in 2011 will be held back by 0.5 percentage points due to measures designed to reduce the state deficit.… read more

Figel: Rail Companies Overpriced Some Tenders by Over 600 percent

Bratislava, September 14 (TASR) - Some tenders at Slovakia's three railway companies - ZSSK, Cargo and ZSR - were overpriced by over 600 percent, Transport Minister Jan Figel (Christian Democrats/KDH) told a press conference on Tuesday. Figel went on to accuse his predecessor in the ministerial chair Lubomir Vazny (Smer-SD). "The political accountability is clear," he… read more

FinMin: Growth in Slovak Economy to Reach 4% in 2010 and 3.3% in 2011

Bratislava, September 14 (TASR) - The Finance Ministry reported on Tuesday that its estimate for growth in the Slovak economy this year has significantly increased - to 4 percent. In its June prognosis the ministry was expecting an increase of only 3.2 percent. Conversely, the estimate for next year has been lowered from 3.8 to 3.3 percent. "The main reasons behind… read more

Government Postpones Changes to Education Act

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - Government has suspended discussions on an amendment to the Education Act intended to make English a compulsory subject in elementary schools from Grade 3, officials said on Monday. "Discussions were suspended because we will have to once again review potential risks in connection with the introduction of compulsory instruction… read more

Agency Focus Survey Puts Referendum Turnout at Below 20 Percent

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - The most recent opinion poll puts the turnout for Saturday's referendum at below 20 percent. According to findings in early September, only slightly above 10 percent (10.4 percent) of respondents are definitely going to take part in the plebiscite. Conducted from August 31-September 7 on a sample of 1,040 respondents, the survey further… read more

NATO Military Committee to Hold Session in Vysoke Tatry

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - The NATO Military Committee, the alliance's most senior military body, is scheduled to hold a conference from September 17-19 in the town of Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, defence ministry spokesman Milan Vanga said on Monday. Chiefs of staffs of the alliance's 28 member countries headed by the committee's chairman, Admiral Giampaola di Paola,… read more

Slovak and US Experts Exchange Experience in Corruption

Pezinok, September 13 (TASR) - US Ambassador to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick opened a one-day workshop at the Justice Academy in Pezinok (Bratislava region) focusing on efficient fight against corruption featuring American and Slovak experts at suppressing corruption. "It is comforting to know that the current government pays increased attention to the fight against corruption.… read more

State Tax Incomes 11.3-percent Lower Than Originally Expected

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - The state has collected 11.3-percent less in taxes than originally planned so far this year, according to data on state-budget incomes. Some €5.1 billion in taxes was collected in the period between January-August, but original estimates projected €647.70 million more than this. Income from tax inspection penalties, amounting… read more

Analysts Find Slower Level of Inflation in August Surprising

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - Analysts are surprised by the slower rise in consumer prices in Slovakia recorded in August. "Inflation in August was a small surprise for us, as we expected a mild increase in the growth of the prices of products and services," Postova Banka analyst Eva Sadovska told TASR on Monday. According to the Statistics Office, inflation in Slovakia… read more

Legis Telum: Amendment to Act on Weapons Unconstitutional

Bratislava, September 13 (TASR) - The amendment to the Act on Weapons and Ammunition submitted by Interior Minister Daniel Lipsic in reaction to the shooting spree in the Bratislava borough of Devinska Nova Ves last month violates the Constitution in more items than one, Ludovit Miklanek and Daniel Turecek from the Firearm Owners Association Legis Telum said at a press conference… read more