MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Friday, May 9, 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Thursday, May 8): PIESTANY - It is our duty to strengthen our historical memory every single day in order to ensure that the evil of fascism never returns or finds new preachers of hate, stated President Peter Pellegrini during the nationwide celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in Piestany, where he also emphasised the need for Slovakia to carefully consider who its allies are and who guarantees its stability and security in the current global context. In his speech, the president expressed pride that Slovakia, thanks in part to the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising, became one of the victorious countries of the Second World War and can join in the celebrations of the victory over fascism. He also thanked Slovak soldiers, partisans, members of the First Czechoslovak Army Corps in the Soviet Union, Slovak airmen in the United Kingdom and all those who contributed to the defeat of the Nazis with weapons in hand. PIESTANY - The Slovak National Uprising (SNP) commands us not to remain neutral in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, stated Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in his speech during the nationwide celebrations of the victory over fascism in Piestany on Thursday. Fico added that the SNP dictates that Slovakia is a nation clearly oriented against fascism, emphasising that Slovaks must honour all those who stood up against fascism, as this command forms a fundamental pillar of Slovakia's statehood. According to the premier, it's necessary to pay tribute to all the allies who fought against fascism in the Second World War. "That's why it was important to visit Normandy, where the landings took place in 1944. I also visited Arlington Cemetery in the United States, which is, among other things, connected to the incredible stories of Slovak soldiers. I will also gladly visit the memorial to the pilots of the Royal Air Force and thank both the Slovak and Czech airmen who were part of it. These are all stories that we care about and proudly identify with," said Fico. BRATISLAVA - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) departed for Moscow on Thursday afternoon aboard a government aircraft operated by the Interior Ministry, TASR learnt from ministry spokesperson Matej Neumann on the same day. According to radar data, the government aircraft headed towards Russia via Hungary and Romania. The original route had to be changed after Fico announced on Wednesday (May 7) that Estonia wouldn't allow the Slovak government aircraft to fly over its territory. The premier called this a deliberate attempt to sabotage his visit to Moscow, where he's set to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations marking the end of the Second World War. BRATISLAVA - I congratulate all those who can today proclaim "Habemus papam" and who, along with me, sincerely rejoice at the election of the new pope, stated President Peter Pellegrini in response to Thursday's election of the new pope, extending his heartfelt wishes to Pope Leo XIV. "I also congratulate the Holy Father and wholeheartedly wish him a great deal of health, courage, strength and God's blessing. May he be a force for good and an authority for the entire world," added he. "I believe that during his pontificate we'll continue to maintain excellent relations between Slovakia and the Vatican, and that the hopes of the poor, the sick, the weak and the oppressed around the world will rightly turn to the head of the Catholic Church. May God help the Holy Father in his demanding mission, and may all Slovak believers rejoice in him," the president declared. BRATISLAVA - The Slovak Bishops Conference (KBS) welcomed with joy the news of the election of a new pope on Thursday. "On behalf of the entire KBS, I extend our heartfelt congratulations, filial loyalty and spiritual support to the new Holy Father," said Kosice Archbishop and KBS head Bernard Bober. The archbishop expressed the clear devotion of the bishops and the faithful to the Church and the new pope. "May his service be blessed and bring spiritual fruits to the entire human family," he added. lin