MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Sunday, 31 August 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Saturday, 30 August): BRATISLAVA - Citizens have an opportunity to discuss and share their opinions with MPs during the Open House Day in Parliament, House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) said in his opening speech, adding that these ideas and suggestions can inspire and shape a legislative process. The Open House Day is taking place in the Parliament's main building, as well as and throughout the Bratislava Castle complex. In connection with the ceremonial erecting of the national flag in front of the Parliament building, Rasi highlighted the importance of state symbols. He called them a living legacy of past generations who dreamed of a free and democratic Slovakia, and at the same time a promise for future generations. "Respect for state symbols is an expression of respect for one's own country and its history, and that's why today is so important. Today, we are opening not only the doors to Parliament and its backstage for you, but also the door to a better understanding of how our democracy works and what the meaning of state symbols is," he said. BRATISLAVA - Almost 10,000 people visited the Presidential Palace during the Open House Day on Saturday, one of the highest-ever attendances recorded for this event, the President's Office has informed TASR. The Open House Day was officially opened by President Peter Pellegrini in the front courtyard of the Presidential Palace. He also met visitors. Inside the palace, visitors could see representative rooms, as well as state decorations of all kinds and the state seal of the Slovak Republic. A programme, prepared in cooperation with several organisations and institutions, was also held at the residence of the head of state. PARTIZANSKE - An unknown offender shot dead a 20-year-old pregnant woman in the town of Partizanske (Trencin region) on Saturday afternoon, Partizanske mayor Jozef Bozik posted on a social network on the same day, adding that her partner suffered injuries as well. According to Bozik, the wounded man was transported by first-responders to a hospital and the police are searching for the offender. Richard Boljesik from the Emergency Medical Service Operations Centre has confirmed for TASR that they sent one ambulance, one emergency medical service crew, and air rescuers to the scene of the tragedy. "Despite the rescuers' efforts to resuscitate her, the 20-year-old woman ultimately succumbed to multiple chest injuries at the scene. The injured man was taken over by air rescuers," said Boljesik. The rescuers later specified that they transported the 38-year-old man to a hospital with multiple open wounds. NITRA - The Nitra Regional Police on Saturday morning documented a collision of two passenger cars in Nitra, in which Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) director Pavol Gaspar was involved. TV Joj was first to break the news. The SIS chief has confirmed his participation in the traffic accident on a social network. "The circumstances, degree of culpability and exact causes of the accident are the subject of further investigation. Both participants in the traffic accident underwent a breathalyser test for alcohol with a negative result," Nitra regional police spokesman Tomas Havetta has told TASR. A minor suffered minor injuries in the accident, subsequently receiving treatment at a hospital. ko