featured News Trending

Seven dead after train and bus collide at Slovakia level-crossing

By 165 0

Seven people have lost their lives and five others were injured when an international express train collided with a bus at a level crossing in southern Slovakia, according to officials. The Slovak ambulance service confirmed that all the fatalities were bus passengers, who were severely burned in the ensuing fire, complicating the identification process, as stated by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok.

The tragic accident occurred near the town of Nove Zamky, around 80km (50 miles) east of Bratislava, shortly after 17:00 local time (16:00 BST) on Thursday. At the time of the collision, the train carried approximately 200 people, while there were nine passengers on the bus. The impact split the Arriva bus in two, and both the bus and train drivers were among the injured.

Photographs from the scene depicted the locomotive engulfed in flames, with passengers evacuating along the tracks. The train involved was the EuroCity 279 service, traveling from Prague to Budapest via Bratislava, operated by a Czech Railways locomotive pulling Slovak Railways carriages. Czech Railways commended their driver for his quick actions to prevent injuries to the train passengers by attempting to avoid derailment. It is reported that he jumped into the control room moments before the collision and sustained burns in the subsequent fire.

An Arriva spokeswoman mentioned in Slovak media that the bus driver had over 30 years of experience. Local media also published videos showing passengers carrying luggage away from the burning train, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident. Some reports suggest the level crossing’s flashing lights and barriers were malfunctioning due to a recent storm. However, eyewitness accounts claim the lights were operational, the barriers were initially lowered, but then raised, leading to the bus crossing and being struck by the train.

Slovak Railways has not commented on these claims. Minister Estok, who visited the accident scene, emphasized on social media the importance of road and railroad crossing safety, remarking that “a little inattention is enough and life can change in a hundredth of a second – forever.”

Passenger Katarina Molnarova, 43, recounted to AFP that just as she departed from Nove Zamky station, she felt and heard a crash. She mentioned there was no panic, and passengers calmly took their luggage and walked to safety. Emergency services dispatched five ambulances and three air ambulances to the site.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Recovering Slovak Prime Minister Relocates to Capital

By 202 0

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been relocated from a hospital in Banska Bystrica, situated in the heart of the country, to Bratislava, the nation’s capital, to continue his recovery journey. This decision comes in the aftermath of a shooting incident that left him with severe injuries, occurring two weeks prior.

The 59-year-old politician was targeted in Handlova on May 15, where he was shot four times at close range while engaging with supporters following a government meeting. Enduring multiple surgical procedures, Fico’s health status prompted the decision for further care and observation.

Details regarding Fico’s current whereabouts remain undisclosed, as it is unclear whether he has been discharged to his residence in Bratislava or transferred to another medical facility for ongoing treatment. The shift in his condition has attracted significant media attention both domestically and internationally.

Fico’s political tenure spans over a decade, during which he has held the prime ministerial position for a substantial portion of the past 18 years. His return to power in September, leading a coalition characterized by populist-nationalist ideologies, marked a significant chapter in Slovakian politics.

The shooting incident has exacerbated existing tensions within Slovakia, a nation grappling with increasing polarization in its political landscape. The attack has served to deepen societal divisions and raise concerns about the stability of the country’s governance.

The alleged perpetrator, identified by local media as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, has been apprehended and is currently in custody, facing charges of attempted murder. The ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the motives behind the attack and its potential ramifications for Slovakian society and its political future.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Slovakia at pivotal moment after Robert Fico shooting

By 241 0

The recent attempt on the prime minister’s life in Slovakia has left a poignant mark, epitomizing the deep-seated political turmoil gripping the nation. The incident unfolded in Handlova, where the prime minister was shot multiple times by a gunman while interacting with supporters.

Prior to the assassination attempt, Robert Fico, the populist leader, had ominously forewarned of such an event due to the heightened political tensions in the country. His cautionary statements to both media and colleagues indicated an awareness of the looming threat.

The political climate in Slovakia had been tense for over six months, exacerbated by divisions stemming from a journalist’s murder in 2018, which led to Fico’s resignation amidst widespread protests. His subsequent return to power was marked by contentious policies, including aligning with Moscow’s stance on various international matters.

In the aftermath of the shooting, calls for unity and calm reverberated, yet they were juxtaposed with accusations and blame games among politicians and media figures. The assailant, described as a “lone wolf,” showcased a perplexing mix of ideologies, stirring further confusion about his motives.

Critics attribute the toxic environment to Fico’s party, which has been accused of fostering hostility and polarization. Additionally, tensions between Fico and President Caputova, characterized by derogatory remarks and death threats, further highlight the rifts within Slovakian society.

The role of the public broadcaster, RTVS, also came under scrutiny, with some blaming its alleged bias for inciting violence. However, the broadcaster’s chief defended its role as reflecting reality and rejected accusations of partisanship.

As Slovakia stands at a crossroads, the outcome hinges partly on Fico’s response and demeanor upon recovery. Whether he chooses a conciliatory or vengeful path could significantly impact the nation’s trajectory, with many cautiously observing the unfolding events.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Suspect charged with attempted murder of Slovak PM Fico

By 246 0

A 71-year-old man from Levice has been implicated in the attempted murder of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was severely injured in a shooting incident. The suspect, though not officially named, has been widely identified by Slovak reports. If convicted, he could potentially face life imprisonment.

The assailant acted alone, according to Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who stated that the suspect had participated in anti-government protests and was discontented with the outcome of the recent presidential election, won by Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico.

In the brazen daylight attack, Fico was shot five times at close range, sustaining serious injuries to his stomach and arm. His security detail was caught off guard, and Fico was swiftly taken to a hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the severity of his condition, Fico’s status has stabilized, though he remains in intensive care.

The alleged perpetrator is described as a writer and political activist, with a circulated video purportedly featuring him expressing grievances against the government’s policies, particularly regarding state media. However, the authenticity of the video and its connection to the detained suspect remain unverified.

The shooting has been condemned by Slovak politicians as an assault on democracy, prompting calls for unity and calm. Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova urged political leaders to convene and address the escalating tensions, while President-elect Peter Pellegrini called for a suspension of campaigning ahead of European Parliament elections.

The attack occurred amid parliamentary discussions concerning the government’s proposal to dissolve Slovakia’s public broadcaster RTVS, a move that has sparked widespread public protests in recent weeks. Some officials have attributed the shooting to heightened political rhetoric and hostility perpetuated by both media and opposition parties.

In response to the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Taraba and Interior Minister Estok criticized the opposition and media for allegedly fueling animosity, with concerns raised about the safety of journalists and NGOs in Slovakia.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Slovakia PM Robert Fico not in life-threatening condition – deputy PM

By 227 0

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent surgery after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an attack in Handlova. Initially in critical condition, his health has since stabilized. The incident, deemed politically motivated, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about democratic stability. Despite the suspect’s detention, the motive behind the shooting remains uncertain.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba suggested that false narratives propagated by opposition parties may have fueled the attack, echoing previous concerns expressed by Fico about the potential consequences of such rhetoric. The shooting underscores simmering political tensions within Slovakia, sparking debates about the role of inflammatory discourse in shaping the country’s political climate.

The incident has ignited discussions about the broader implications of divisive language in Slovakian society. President Zuzana Caputova highlighted the serious ramifications of such rhetoric, emphasizing its potential to incite violence. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by polarizing narratives and underscores the need for constructive dialogue and unity in the face of political differences.

Fico, known for his controversial policies, including calls to end military aid to Ukraine and efforts to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS, has faced significant opposition both domestically and within the EU since returning to power. The attack on him amplifies existing concerns about political stability and underscores the challenges facing Slovakian democracy in navigating polarized political landscapes.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Slovakia’s populist government to replace public broadcaster

By 215 0


Slovakia’s government, led by Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist coalition, has approved a plan to abolish the current public broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS), and replace it with a new entity called Slovak Television and Radio (STVR). The move has raised concerns about media independence.

The decision, backed by the cabinet and proposed by the culture ministry, involves replacing the current director general and appointing a new one through a council influenced by government appointments. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, associated with the ultra-nationalist Slovak National Party, claims the changes aim to address perceived bias in RTVS’s news coverage.

Critics question Simkovicova’s suitability for making such decisions, citing her past involvement with an online TV channel known for promoting pro-Russian narratives and COVID-19 misinformation.

The government’s proposal has sparked protests in Bratislava and garnered criticism from journalists, opposition parties, and the European Union. However, Simkovicova argues that the draft law aligns with the European Act on Freedom of the Media, despite concerns about potential state control over the broadcaster.

While the government has scaled back some of the more contentious proposals, such as granting the board of governors the power to dismiss the director general without cause, concerns remain about political interference. Instead, the new director general will be chosen by a council with members appointed by government officials and parliament.

RTVS staff have voiced opposition to the changes, highlighting the importance of independent public media and expressing concern about political influence. They plan to protest by wearing black attire and displaying ribbons representing RTVS’s colors.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Driver Penalized as Dog Spotted Behind Car’s Steering Wheel

By 965 0

A car owner in Slovakia received a fine after a photograph from a speed camera, shared on Facebook, seemingly depicted a cheerful dog occupying the driver’s seat of a Skoda vehicle. The car owner claimed that his brown hunting dog had spontaneously leaped onto his lap while driving. However, authorities in the village of Sterusy, located northeast of the capital, Bratislava, asserted that video evidence contradicted this account, as there was no sudden movement within the vehicle. It remains unclear whether the fine, which was imposed on the owner and not the dog, was related to speeding or failing to properly secure the pet during travel.

Police have taken this opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of safely securing their pets when operating a vehicle, emphasizing that even a small animal can pose risks to the driver’s safety and well-being.

Picture Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Slovakia central bank governor Kazimir faces renewed bribery charges

By 338 0

Peter Kazimir, the chairman of Slovakia’s central bank, is currently charged with bribery a second time. Charges related to the alleged bribe, which dates back to when he was a finance minister, had previously been withdrawn by the prosecution.

He has denounced the accusation and said he did nothing wrong. Mr. Kazimir is a member of the governing council of the European Central Bank and served as the Slovak finance minister from 2012 to 2019 in the Smer party’s center-left administration.

The National Bank of Slovakia released a statement from him in which he declared, “The accusation that I should have bribed a senior [tax] official is an absolute lie.” “I have not broken any laws.”

The charge was dismissed and the matter was given to prosecutors for examination by the special prosecutor’s office in June. The National Criminal Agency’s decision to reinstate the charges, according to the central bank governor’s attorney, disregarded the prosecutors’ judgement.

Slovakia has long been plagued by corruption. When the centre left took office in 2012, they took the place of a party beset by financial scandals. However, people later voted them out in favour of a new administration that prioritised fighting corruption.

Numerous public officials have now been charged with corruption. Frantisek Imrecze, a former chief of the tax administration who is facing multiple charges and is cooperating with the police, is one of them.

Mr Kazimir was initially charged last year with corruption. According to Slovak media, he was alleged to have acted as an intermediary in giving Mr Imrecze a bribe of nearly €50,000 (£43,000).

However, the case was apparently withdrawn since it relied completely on Mr. Imrecze’s  testimony. In response to a tracking device being discovered under his car, Mr. Imrecze has now requested police protection. According to Slovak media, he feared for his life.

As part of its so-called Mytnik operation into suspicions of corruption in the acquisition of significant IT systems for the financial administration, the National Criminal Agency has charged several people, among them Mr. Imrecze.

Following the discovery of an alleged scam involving discounted textile imports coming into the EU from China by the EU’s anti-fraud office, Olaf, Mr. Imrecze resigned from his position as head of Slovakia’s financial administration in 2018. According to estimates, the losses cost the EU millions of euros in unpaid customs duties and sales taxes.

2018 saw the murder of a young investigative journalist who exposed dishonest businessmen.

After Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova were killed, riots broke out, leading to the resignation of both the police head and Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News

Austria admits it failed to follow up Slovakia’s warning over Vienna gunman

By 525 0

The European country of Austria has admitted that it failed to follow up the warning given by Slovakia over the gunman who carried out a deadly terror attack in the city of Vienna.

The attack left as many as four people killed. It also left more than 23 people injured. The brutal attack occurred on Monday.

The attacker was killed few minutes after he had carried out the attack in the city of Vienna.

As per a statement released by Slovenia police, days before the gunman carried out the attack, he had travelled to Slovenia to purchase a gun.

According to the statement, he returned to Austria emptyhanded from the country as he could not purchase a weapon from the country.

Slovenia has strict gun laws.   

The gunman was just 20 years old.

The attack which took place in the city of Vienna was the most serious attack the city witnessed in recent past.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright 

europe times european daily trending world news Slovakia to welcome its first female president- Zuzana Caputova
News Politics

Slovakia to welcome its first female president- Zuzana Caputova

By 2248 0

Zuzana Caputova, the Anti-corruption candidate has won Slovakia’s presidential election and became the first female president of Slovakia. Zuzana defeated the high-profile diplomat Maros Sefcovic who was nominated by the governing party, without any political experiences.

Zuzana framed the election as a struggle between good and evil. She gained 58.3 percent of the votes after results from 98.1 percent of voting districts were counted, ahead of European commissioner Maros Sefcovic who took 41.7 percent.

During the vote counting, Zuzana came as the frontrunner for the presidential post. The official results were declared on Sunday by Slovakia’s election commission.

She first achieved renown by prevailing in a decade-long struggle against the situating of a toxic landfill in her hometown of Pezinok. For this she was awarded a 2016 Goldman Environmental Prize. In December 2017, she announced her entry into the emerging political party Progressive Slovakia, and in January 2018, she was elected as a Vice-Chairwoman at the party’s first congress, aiding Ivan Stefunko’s efforts to assure the representation of a credible socially-liberal alternative to the conservative status quo in Slovakia.

Image courtesy: japantimes.co.jp / images are subject to copyright.