Miroslava Germanova is a journalist based in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Slovakia’s New Prosecutor General Vows to be “Lion” in Criminal Jungle

28 Dec 2020  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Political Scandals

Maros Zilinka, Slovakia's new prosecutor general, aims to restore public trust in the justice system by tackling corruption and ensuring equality before the law. His appointment follows a series of scandals involving high-profile figures like Marian Kocner, who was linked to the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. Zilinka, known for his work on financial fraud cases, has vowed to act decisively against criminals while protecting honest prosecutors. The Slovak government has implemented public hearings to increase transparency in the selection process, reflecting a broader effort to reform the prosecution service and combat entrenched corruption.

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Slovak Government Office of Special Prosecution OLANO

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Sébastien Gobert is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Co-founder of the Daleko-Blisko Collective of independent journalists - ****

Welcome to Královec! When the Czech Republic 'annexes' Kaliningrad

06 Oct 2022  |  La Libre.be  |  French  |  International Relations

The article humorously depicts a fictional annexation of Kaliningrad by the Czech Republic as a satire of Russian referendums in Ukraine. It highlights the absurdity of Russian claims and the widespread support for the Czech initiative on social media. The piece also touches on the Czech Republic's real-world support for Ukraine and the internal challenges it faces, including protests against inflation and energy prices.

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Slovak Government Czech Government Russian Government

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Tim Gosling is a journalist, editor and analyst based in the Czech Republic. He covers politics, business, current affairs and football across Central & Eastern Europe. Regular bylines for Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Times. He provides political and economic analysis ...

Slovakia. The threat of freezing EU funds does not deter Fico

20 Sept 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Polish  |  Rule of Law

The European Commission is considering freezing over 15 billion euros in EU funds allocated to Slovakia due to concerns about the rule of law under Prime Minister Robert Fico's leadership. Fico, who returned to power in 2023, has been criticized for dismantling special prosecution and police units and altering the criminal code, raising fears of a democratic crisis. Despite Fico's assurances to the EU, the Commission remains cautious, drawing parallels with Hungary's Viktor Orbán. The potential freezing of funds poses a significant challenge to Slovakia's budget, heavily reliant on EU investments. Fico's political maneuvers, aimed at ensuring immunity for himself and allies, may further strain relations with the EU.

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Slovak Government European Commission Smer Party

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I'm a Warsaw-based journalist, producer, fixer, photographer and translator working in Central Europe and the Balkans currently mainly for Der Spiegel, one of Europe's top-notch magazines. 

Over the years, I have travelled throughout these regions extensively for multiple other news organizations, ...

In Hungary, Slovakia’s ‘First Colony’ Thrives

16 Oct 2019  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Economic Migration

The Slovak community in Rajka, Hungary, has grown significantly due to economic factors, with many Slovaks moving to the town for affordable housing and proximity to Bratislava. This influx has led to a thriving multinational community, despite historical tensions between Hungary and Slovakia. The article highlights the economic benefits, improved cross-border relations, and the challenges faced by the local community, including the need for Slovak-language education. Key figures include local leaders and residents who emphasize cooperation and mutual respect.

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Slovak Academy of Sciences Slovak National Party Hungarian Government Jobbik Rajka Town Council

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Christopher Livesay is an award-winning multimedia journalist based in Rome, Italy. His recent work focuses on refugees, immigration, and the threat ISIS poses to the West. He has reported from Mexico to the Middle East for PBS FRONTLINE, NPR, the BBC/PRI, and VICE News, among other outlets, and ...

Pope Francis urges openness to migrants as he meets one of Europe's most anti-immigration leaders

13 Sept 2021  |  www.cbsnews.com  |  English  |  Politics

Pope Francis, during his visit to Central Europe, subtly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's anti-migrant stance, urging Hungarians to be more open and welcoming. The Pope's message of inclusivity continued in Slovakia, where he emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable and promoting integration and peace. Despite a busy schedule and recent surgery, the Pope appeared energetic throughout his trip.

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Slovak Government Hungarian Government Catholic Church

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Yaiza Martín-Fradejas is a Spanish journalist based in Paris, France. She is specialized in international information in audiovisual media. She has experience in radio and television, but also in web. She is currently working for Radio France International and Euronews but she is open to possible ...

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico 'ready to resign'

14 Mar 2018  |  euronews  |  Spanish  |  Corruption

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his imminent resignation, setting the condition that the results of the 2016 elections and the current tripartite coalition agreement be respected. This move aims to resolve the crisis following the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, who posthumously linked the 'Ndrangueta mafia organization to circles close to the Slovak government. Protests have erupted in Slovakia demanding the government's resignation over perceived involvement in corruption and organized crime.

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Slovak Government

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Edward Szekeres is a freelance journalist based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Well-versed in fixing, feature writing, interviewing and breaking news.

Democracy Digest: Leaked Emails Show Political Control over Poland’s Top Court

08 Jul 2022  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Economic Policy

Leaked emails from Michal Dworczyk's personal account reveal political control over Poland's top court, with the Polish government attributing the leaks to a Russian cyberattack. Tomasz Lis, editor-in-chief of Newsweek Polska, was fired amid bullying accusations, leading to internal investigations and further allegations against other staff members. A draft report on Hungary's rule-of-law concerns highlights risks of breaching EU values, while the Hungarian forint hits a historic low, prompting central bank intervention. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala outlines priorities for the EU Council presidency, focusing on Ukraine, energy, and democracy. Slovakia's new Visegrad Group presidency aims to rebuild regional cooperation amid internal political challenges.

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Slovak Government Czech Government Hungarian Government Polish Government PiS Newsweek Polska Wirtualna Polska European Parliament European Commission Visegrad Group

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Emily Tamkin is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Slovakia’s Presidential Election Is a Warning to America

07 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Media Attacks

Slovakia's upcoming presidential election, set against a backdrop of political turmoil and anti-corruption efforts, serves as a cautionary tale for the United States. The article highlights the return of Robert Fico, a controversial figure known for his pro-Russian rhetoric, media attacks, and efforts to evade accountability. The current president, Zuzana Čaputová, has been a significant check on Fico's power but is not seeking re-election. The election's outcome could further embolden Fico, impacting both domestic and foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine and the European Union. The article draws parallels between Slovakia's political climate and potential future scenarios in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of media freedom and accountability.

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Slovak Government European Union Special Prosecutor’s Office

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Will Tizard is a travel and business journalist and documentarian based in Prague, Czech Republic. He covers the film sector in Central and Eastern Europe for Variety and writes about the arts and culture for Time Out, National Geographic guides and Louis Vuitton.
With more than 20 years' ...

Expect Slovakia To Keep Arming Ukraine Even With A New Pro-Russian President

06 Apr 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Defense Industry

Peter Pellegrini's election as Slovakia's president aligns with Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russian stance. However, analysts suggest Slovakia will likely continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, benefiting its defense industry.

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Slovak Government

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Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Slovakia’s Politics Were Toxic Long Before Its Prime Minister Was Shot

16 May 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Assassination Attempt

The assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has underscored the deep political and societal divisions in Slovakia. The suspect, a 71-year-old pensioner, has been charged with attempted premeditated murder. The incident has further polarized the country, with each side using the event to bolster their own narratives. The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have exacerbated these divisions, creating hostile camps with little room for nuance.

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Slovak Government

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