SUMMARY - Thursday, 1 January 2026 - 4.30 p.m.

Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - The year 2025 brought many turbulent moments on the domestic scene as well as stormy developments in international relations, stated President Peter Pellegrini in his New Year address, pointing to the consequences of public finance consolidation, the tense political situation and growing tensions in society, which, according to him, have escalated into personal conflicts and hatred. https://etasr.sk/article/22797374 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - Politics has become a divisive factor and has affected families, friendships and the atmosphere in the workplace, pointed out President Peter Pellegrini in his New Year address, adding that instead of trying to unite and calm society, politicians from both camps often stir people up to even more tense and negative emotions. https://etasr.sk/article/22797379 Bratislava, 1 January 1 (TASR) - Let's take an interest in what's happening in our villages, towns and regions, and let's make decisions based on results, not promises, said President Peter Pellegrini in his New Year address in connection with this year's elections to municipal and regional self-government bodies. https://etasr.sk/article/22797383 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - Hate-fueled and divisive politics mustn't lead to contempt for other people, stated President Peter Pellegrini in his New Year address, noting that hatred could lead to the loss of the identity of Slovak society, which is based on a sense of belonging, helping others, inter-generational solidarity, humanity and decency towards one another. https://etasr.sk/article/22797392 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - In 2026, we have a unique opportunity to cultivate the social climate, said Parliamentary Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) in his New Year address on Thursday, noting that if the tone and content of public debate can be changed this year, more will be done for Slovakia than meets the eye. https://etasr.sk/article/22797638 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - Differences in views on Slovak reality will deepen in 2026, said Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in his New Year's address, pointing out that this year is a pre-election year and stressing that it will look like one to boot. https://etasr.sk/article/22797485 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - Soldiers of the Slovak armed forces on Thursday fired a 21 artillery volleys from the Danube embankment in Bratislava on New Year's Day to mark the 33rd anniversary of the setting up of the Slovak Republic. https://etasr.sk/article/22797491 Bratislava, 1 January (TASR) - We'll have to stand up for the pillars of the rule of law again this year, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party Michal Simecka stated in his New Year's address on Thursday, expressing concern that Slovakia's decline will continue in 2026 as a result of Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) rule. https://etasr.sk/article/22797585 Notice: If you click on the link or copy it into the search window, the browser will display the full text of the message in the new e-TASR client zone. If you have any questions, please contact obchod@tasr.sk. am