MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Friday, 2 January 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Thursday, 1 January): BRATISLAVA - 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. The head of state pointed out that the top issue of the past year for people was consolidation, with all its consequences for their daily lives. "The situation is complicated by the slowing economy, not only in Slovakia but also in the developed world, which prevents the creation of better-paid opportunities and stifles economic growth," he added. Pellegrini noted that Slovakia can't avoid the ongoing consolidation of public finances. "This recovery of public finances comes at an economic cost, and it won't be easy to maintain social and political harmony in society. It will require responsible behaviour on the part of politicians, the media and experts," he stated. The president also touched on the political situation, which, according to him, gave little cause for joy last year. He pointed to ongoing disputes, mutual attacks and heightened confrontation between political camps, which at the end of the year led to skirmishes, personal insults and verbal attacks in Parliament. "The result of this situation is deepening tension in our society and growing hatred that seems to know no bounds. Politics has become such a divisive factor that it has directly affected our families, friendships and the atmosphere in the workplace," he said. According to the head of state, instead of uniting society, politicians often stir up even more intense and negative emotions among people, and they don't even limit themselves to criticising their political opponents, but also attack their voters. "They don't hesitate to insult not only their political rivals, but even their voters - and that is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy," he stressed. The president also pointed out that the tense domestic political situation is being exacerbated by complex international developments, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding developments in the European Union and global changes in the world order. "In foreign policy, Slovakia is, unfortunately, too small a player to be able to significantly influence the most fundamental decisions of the world's superpowers. However, Slovakia can always stand on the side of peace, cooperation and consensus. It can always be a reliable member of the most important international communities, such as the European Union and NATO, while at the same time proudly and consistently defending its national interests," he said. BRATISLAVA - 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. According to him, people will witness further increases in tension. "There will be visible differences between those who support peace, a sovereign Slovakia, traditional values, a strong welfare state and freedom of expression, and those who want our beloved Slovakia to be nothing more than a small, obedient, nationally and culturally unidentifiable, insignificant dot subordinate to supranational interests," he said. The premier admitted that not everything in Slovakia is perfect, but he believes that there's a need to recognise the country's successes as well. "I reject the political culture of self-flagellation and creating an image of Slovakia as a blackened wasteland. We all know that this image is false and serves only narrow political goals," he added, calling for respect for freedom of expression and different opinions and demanding an end to "dehumanising attacks on people who support the current government". BRATISLAVA - 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. Rasi pointed out that Slovakia is marked by internal conflicts, division and an inability to find common ground even on fundamental issues concerning the future. "The past year can be described without hesitation as a year of fundamental contrasts. It was a mosaic of powerful human stories, but also of serious failures that shaped the mood in society," said the House chair, pointing out that Slovakia also experienced a year of gloomy, passion-driven politics that brought hatred into society and divided people in families and workplaces. "Intolerance dominated the public space and social networks, contaminating our thinking, and few people were able to completely avoid its influence," noted Rasi, adding that positive examples were pushed to the margins and an image of the country as a place without hope, from which people must leave, was systematically created. "We allowed politics, with all its negatives, to enter our daily lives. Some politicians became part of our subconscious by spreading aggression and intolerance," said the parliamentary head. Rasi maintained that today the task is to restore politics to its original meaning, serving the public and making politics a space for dialogue, decency and the search for solutions. "If politics is to serve people again and not divide society, we must enter 2026 with questions about what we want to do together to make it better than the previous year and how each of us can contribute to this," he said. BRATISLAVA - The opposition Christian Democrat (KDH) and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) parties have criticised President Peter Pellegrini's New Year address, reproaching him for making excuses, lacking specificity and failing to take responsibility for actions that, according to them, have contributed to a deterioration in the situation in Slovakia. "In his speech, Peter Pellegrini positioned himself as an impartial observer, but the opposite is the case. In fact, with his numerous signatures, he's legitimised government decisions that fundamentally harm people and the rule of law," said SaS chairman Branislav Groehling. The SaS leader mentioned, for example, the consolidation package signed by the president and the amendment to the Penal Code. "Pellegrini can't talk about reconciliation and calming down society today when he personally signs laws that protect corrupt individuals, weaken justice and take money out of people's wallets," added Groehling. KDH chairman Milan Majersky also took up a critical stance toward the president's New Year address. According to him, it didn't deliver what people need most in these difficult times - clear identification of the country's fundamental problems, objectivity and truth. According to Majersky, the president continues to be unable to distance himself from the governing coalition and the Voice-SD party. "General phrases about hatred, a small country and everyone's responsibility may sound nice, but they don't give people any hope or bring about any specific change," said Majersky, stressing that people are facing rising living costs, a decline in justice and a loss of trust in the state, and they expect more than just cautious statements from the president. Majersky emphasised that KDH respects the institution of the head of state, but that this doesn't mean turning a blind eye to evasive statements and superficial observations. "We need a president who isn't afraid to call a spade a spade and stand on the side of the people, every citizen, not on the side of the interests of the government and his own party," he added. BRATISLAVA - 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. Towed 122-millimetre HD-30 howitzers were used for the gun salute, which was carried out by artillerymen of the 5th Artillery Regiment. President Peter Pellegrini stated that Slovakia has proven its legitimacy and viability over the 33 years of its existence, and he also mentioned the challenges facing Slovakia. "Slovakia must maintain its position on the international stage, which is currently subject to major geopolitical changes and turbulence," he said. According to him, overcoming Europe's economic problems is also one of the challenges. "So that the Slovak economy will continue to grow and generate value," he said, emphasising his desire for humility, solidarity, mutual respect and esteem to reign once again in society. am