MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Saturday, 30 August 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Friday, 29 August): BANSKA BYSTRICA - Fascism and Nazism were neither suppressed nor punished, they simply managed to hide during the Cold War, said Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in his address to participants in celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) held in Banska Bystrica on Friday. Fico stated that that's probably why issues of a new war and conflict between East and West are being raised today. He declared his determination to continue supporting a peace policy based on consistent adherence to international law. He highlighted the legacy of the SNP, which, according to him, lies in the fact that it was Slovak, magnificent and sovereign. Fico thinks that it was the right decision to visit Moscow last year, where he thanked the Red Army soldiers for what they did. He also honoured victims of the war at a cemetery in France. "I respect every single victim of WWII," he stressed. He pointed out that on Monday (1 September) he will leave for China, and he'll participate in end of the war celebrations there. The premier wants to make use of this opportunity to meet as many statesmen as possible. "As long as I am the premier of Slovakia, the policy of my government will be Slovak and sovereign. No one will tell me where to go and where not to go," he said. BANSKA BYSTRICA - In a speech that he delivered at celebrations to mark the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in Banska Bystrica on Friday, President Peter Pellegrini warned of the possible consequences of escalating hatred in society. The president publicly called on all those who today are contributing towards spreading discord with their perhaps small, but everyday share, to stop doing so immediately. As a contrast to the current atmosphere in society, he highlighted the ability of the Slovak nation to unite during the SNP. "Fighting together despite the many natural differences between those who stood shoulder to shoulder on the same side – on the side of freedom and democracy. And this is no cliché in this case, as at that time there really was a civic democrat and a communist, a soldier and a partisan, a rebel from the south or the north, a city dweller or a villager lying next to each other in the trenches with weapons in their hands," said the president. BANSKA BYSTRICA - Some 400 graduates of basic military training took their ceremonial military oath at the nationwide celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), which are taking place in Banska Bystrica on Friday. President Peter Pellegrini, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces, wished the soldiers a great deal of energy, courage and patience in protecting and defending their homeland. In his speech to the soldiers, the president reminded them that thanks to the SNP, Slovaks know that the price of freedom and peace is incalculable. "This obliges us to protect these values ​​with the same great commitment. With today's oath, you have become their protectors. You have confirmed with your pledge that you will observe the legacy of the heroes of the resistance, that you are also ready to risk your health or lives if necessary," said Pellegrini. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) at a news conference praised the entry of new soldiers into the professional army and stated that it's not an easy decision at this time. He noted that interest in joining the Slovak armed forces is currently high and that the number of professional female soldiers is also constantly increasing. "This year we will be in positive figures. The number of incoming professional soldiers will exceed the number of those leaving several times over. At the present time, when the armed forces are suffering from a smaller number of people, this is very good news," stated Kalinak. BANSKA BYSTRICA - Four war veterans were promoted to the rank of colonel at the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in Banska Bystrica on Friday: Vladimir Strmen, Branislav Tvarozek, Anton Lovasko and Karol Kuna in memoriam. The rank badges and promotion decrees were presented to them by Defence Minister Robert Kalianak (Smer-SD) and President Peter Pellegrini. Kalinak thanked the veterans and direct participants in the SNP at the nation-wide celebrations, describing their promotions as an expression of gratitude not only for their participation in the uprising. "They were visiting schools, they were talking to people, spending time that they could have devoted to recreation or hobbies. They instilled the SNP message in us the whole time, and this was their lifelong job," stated Kalinak. BRATISLAVA - Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal and his State Secretary Radomir Salitros (both Independent) have decided to initiate the creation of a monument dedicated to the commanders of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), General Rudolf Viest and General Jan Golian, announcing this on the day when Slovakia commemorates the 81st anniversary of the SNP, TASR has learnt from the Investment Ministry's communications department. "The SNP is one of the greatest expressions of courage of our nation. Generals Golian and Viest stood at the head of the rebel army and gave their lives for the freedom of Slovakia. They deserve our respect and gratitude," said Migal. ko