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Last refreshed: 08/06/2026 10:36 · 59 articles added
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Society

85 Percent of Primary School Applications Submitted Electronically in Slovakia

Slovakia's Education Ministry reported that 85 percent of applications for primary school enrollment were submitted electronically during the current application period. Approximately 9,000 families chose to submit their applications using traditional paper forms instead of the digital system. The ministry highlighted several advantages of the electronic application process through the ePrihlášky portal, which has become the dominant method for school enrollment in the country.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Society

Former Tennis Star Cibulková Accused of Illegal Vodka Advertisement

Former professional tennis player Dominika Cibulková has violated advertising laws by promoting vodka as a "fit drink," according to a lawyer's complaint. The controversy centers on Cibulková's marketing of an alcoholic beverage using health-oriented language that allegedly misleads consumers about the product's nature. A medical doctor has also criticized the advertisement, arguing that such promotional tactics pose health risks to the general population by potentially misrepresenting alcohol as a fitness or health product. Slovakia has strict regulations governing alcohol advertising, particularly regarding claims that could suggest health benefits or target inappropriate audiences.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Mother Describes Mental Health Crisis While Caring for Children with Disabilities

Eva Pálková, a Slovak mother raising three children including some with special needs, has shared her experience of severe mental health struggles while providing care at home. Pálková described hiding in a pantry during what felt like an avalanche of overwhelming pressure, explaining that she once believed herself physically and mentally resilient with an adventurous spirit. She noted the irony that her greatest challenge came not from extreme outdoor conditions she had imagined testing herself against, but within the confines of her own home. The case highlights the intense psychological pressures faced by parents caring for children with disabilities, who often sacrifice their own wellbeing while providing round-the-clock support. Pálková's testimony draws attention to the need for better support systems for families dealing with special needs care, as parents in such situations face heightened risks of burnout and mental health crises without adequate community and institutional backing.

Dennik N
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Society

New Platform Launches in Central Slovakia to Address Aging Population Challenge

A Knowledge Platform for the Silver Economy has been established in the Banská Bystrica region to transform the challenge of population aging into a development opportunity. The platform will focus on knowledge sharing, developing and testing innovations directly in the field with seniors. Slovakia, like many European countries, faces significant demographic challenges as its population ages, requiring new approaches to maintain economic growth and social services. The initiative represents an effort to harness the economic potential of the aging population through targeted programs and innovation in sectors serving older adults.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovakia's Education Ministry Launches Mental Health Week Activities for Schools

Slovakia's Ministry of Education has prepared activities for schools to participate in Mental Health Week. Educational institutions can choose their level of involvement, from implementing a single activity to organizing multiple events throughout the entire week. The ministry is allowing schools flexibility to participate according to their capacity and preferences.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Health Minister Awards 16 Healthcare Workers for Outstanding Service

Slovakia's Health Minister presented awards to 16 healthcare workers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the healthcare system. Among those honored were Slavomír Gruška, director of the Emergency Medical Service in Bratislava, and Marek Madro, a psychologist who heads the civic association IPčko. The awards recognize exceptional service and dedication in various areas of healthcare delivery across Slovakia.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Banská Bystrica Shows How to Work with People on the Autism Spectrum

A social club in Banská Bystrica is demonstrating effective approaches to working with people on the autism spectrum, emphasizing patience and persistence as key elements. The program provides regular meetups for individuals with autism, offering a model for community-based support services. Banská Bystrica, a city in central Slovakia, has developed this initiative as part of broader efforts to improve social services for people with developmental disabilities. Such programs remain relatively uncommon in Slovakia, where advocacy groups have long called for better support systems for individuals with autism and their families.

Dennik N
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Society

Creative Workshop Day Brings Joy and Activities to Bratislava Regional Social Care Facility

The Rosa social services facility in the Bratislava region organized a creative workshop day called "Tvoriády," featuring various artistic and craft activities for residents. Participants engaged in painting, crafting, and other creative techniques during the event, which aimed to provide enjoyable shared experiences and foster creativity among those using the facility's services.

Bratislavský kraj
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Society

April Dance Event Brings Joy and Music to Rosa Social Services Facility

The Rosa social services facility in Bratislava region held its April dance event, creating an atmosphere filled with music, movement and good cheer. The celebration brought smiles, joy and entertainment to clients of the facility, fostering new friendships through shared activities. The event represents part of ongoing social programming designed to enhance the quality of life for residents at the care facility.

Bratislavský kraj
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Society

Rare Disease Patient Faces 60,000 Euro Annual Treatment Cost

A Slovak patient with an incurable medical condition requires expensive medication costing over 60,000 euros per treatment, which must be administered three times yearly to maintain quality of life. Natália Turčinová has spoken publicly about living with her rare disease diagnosis and the financial challenges associated with accessing necessary treatment. The case highlights the burden that patients with rare diseases face in accessing expensive specialized medications that are essential for managing their conditions.

SME
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Society

Interior Ministry Opens Modern Client Center in Liptovský Mikuláš

The Interior Ministry has opened a new client center at the District Office in Liptovský Mikuláš, a town in northern Slovakia. The modern facility features a calling system and digital document services, allowing residents to handle key administrative matters in one location. The center represents part of Slovakia's ongoing efforts to modernize public services and improve citizen access to government administration at the local level.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Society Grapples with National Decline Amid Rising Social Tensions

Slovaks across cities and towns are increasingly asking what can be done about the country's perceived decline, according to public discussions in media and community forums. Citizens express concern about deteriorating conditions across multiple areas including the economy, culture, foreign policy, and parliament, alongside rising anger, hostility, and intolerance in society. While universal solutions may not exist, meaningful approaches to address these challenges are being sought as the country confronts widespread social and institutional problems.

Dennik N
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Society

Residents of Lietavská Lúčka protest as cement plant resumes original production

Slovakia's second-oldest cement plant has changed its production program and returned to its original cement manufacturing operations, sparking growing opposition from residents in the village of Lietavská Lúčka. Local inhabitants are complaining about corrosive dust emissions and expressing serious concerns about their health and air quality. The plant's return to traditional cement production has reignited environmental and health fears among the community, who are worried about the impact of industrial emissions on their daily lives and long-term wellbeing.

Aktuality
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Society

Customs Officials Seize Large Quantity of Kratom in Trenčín Tobacco Shop Raid

Customs officials conducted a raid at a tobacco shop in Trenčín, seizing a large quantity of a light green substance that an employee identified as kratom. The substance is banned in Slovakia under drug legislation. Police have taken over the investigation into the case. Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia that contains psychoactive compounds and is prohibited in several European countries including Slovakia due to its potential for abuse and health risks.

Aktuality
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Society

Group of Men Attack Minors with Hands and Sticks in Eastern Slovakia

A group of men violently attacked several minors, including at least one child, using their hands and sticks in an assault that has prompted criminal charges. The attackers now face formal accusations in connection with the incident. The attack targeted multiple underage victims, raising concerns about youth safety in the region. Slovak authorities have moved quickly to press charges against the perpetrators following the violent assault on the minors.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak TV Host Opens Up About Initial Disappointment Over Son's Gender

Barbara Jagušák, a Slovak television presenter and PR manager, has publicly shared her experience of initial disappointment upon learning she was expecting a son rather than a second daughter. Jagušák admitted she had hoped to raise two girls and felt she needed validation that mixed-gender sibling relationships could work well. She described experiencing genuine sadness when doctors informed her during her second pregnancy that she was carrying a boy, acknowledging that such feelings about a child's gender are more common than many parents admit. The media personality has since recognized her initial assumptions were wrong, stating that her son and daughter have developed a close sibling bond that contradicted her earlier beliefs about gender dynamics between siblings.

Dennik N
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Society

Reader Seeks Advice on Marriage Trust Issues After Husband Concealed Job Problems

A Slovak woman has written to advice columnists describing her shock at discovering her husband of twelve years had been lying about serious problems at his workplace for several months. The woman, who has two children with her husband, said she had always viewed their relationship as stable and based on honesty. She revealed that while her husband claimed everything was fine at work, he was actually facing the threat of dismissal and had been dealing with ongoing workplace difficulties. The woman expressed concern about whether the betrayal of trust would permanently damage their relationship.

Dennik N
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Society

Father Walks from Košice to Bratislava to Raise Funds for Son's Life-Saving Treatment

Richard Olexa completed a walking journey from Košice to Bratislava in an effort to raise one million euros for his son Vilko's medical treatment. Olexa, whose son suffers from a rare condition, undertook the approximately 400-kilometer walk to find "one million good people" willing to contribute to the costly therapy. The father expressed hope that the fundraising campaign could help save not only his son's life but potentially the lives of other children with similar conditions. Olexa described feeling fortunate that a treatment exists for his son's illness, though the expensive medication remains out of reach without public support. The walking campaign represents both a father's determination to secure life-saving treatment for his child and an attempt to raise awareness about rare diseases affecting multiple families.

Aktuality
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Society

Former Tennis Star Promotes Vodka as 'Fit Drink,' Sparks Expert Criticism

Dominika Cibulková, a former professional tennis player, has faced criticism from health experts after promoting vodka as a "fit drink." Medical professionals have condemned the marketing campaign, stating that ethanol in alcohol is toxic and that such uncritical advertising could mislead young people into believing that drinking alcohol is a normal part of a healthy lifestyle. The controversy highlights concerns about how alcoholic beverages are marketed to health-conscious consumers, particularly when promoted by sports figures who traditionally represent fitness and wellness.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Schools Split on May 8th Operations as Teachers Face Work Day Scheduling Dilemma

Slovak schools are taking different approaches to May 8th operations, with some remaining open while others will close to give teachers paid recovery time off. The Ministry of Education has issued guidance recommending schools stay open and advising against director-declared days off, but schools are implementing varying policies. Teachers who work on May 8th will receive either additional compensation or substitute time off. Some institutions, including the Commercial Academy on Dudova Street in Bratislava, plan to continue regular classes throughout the day. May 8th falls during a period when Slovak schools typically navigate complex scheduling around spring holidays and commemorative dates. The divergent approaches reflect ongoing tensions between official ministry guidance and local school autonomy in managing teacher workload and student attendance. The decision to offer "sick days" or vacation time for teachers at some schools suggests efforts to address educator burnout and provide additional rest periods during the academic year.

Dennik N
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