MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Tuesday, 7 April 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Monday, 6 April): BRATISLAVA - Pirate Party leader Zuzana Subova became the latest person to announce her candidacy for the Bratislava mayor post earlier last week. Subova defended her candidacy by saying that Slovakia needs to be 'fixed', as it is in a catastrophic condition, and the process needs to start in the capital city. She spoke about systemic failures, a lack of transparency and inefficient management of public resources. Subova has told TASR that she views an in-depth economic and personnel audit of the City Council as one of the priorities. "Bratislava has become a city of fines, sanctions and disproportionate tax increases. Compared to nearby capitals, it's among the 'leaders' in terms of sanctions, which doesn't make it a resident- or visitor-friendly city," stated Subova, pointing to the absence of professional management or a clear plan in the areas of transport, infrastructure or the maintenance of public spaces. BRATISLAVA - The number of people with autism spectrum disorders signed up with state-run insurance company VsZP rose from 5,220 to 5,696 in 2025, TASR has been told by the insurer's spokesperson Danka Capakova. According to the spokesperson, the increase doesn't reflect a higher incidence of autism. Experts link the growth to better awareness, improved diagnostics and more willingness among parents to seek professional help. "Autism isn't a rare diagnosis, it's a reality for a large number of Slovak families. Data show that the number of children diagnosed with this disorder by doctors increases every year, and as a society we should accept their special needs," said VsZP general director Matus Jurovych. BRATISLAVA - There were roughly 150 departures and nearly as many arrivals at M.R. Stefanik Airport in Bratislava during the extended Easter weekend from Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April, totalling about 300 flights. According to data published on the Bratislava airport website, departures – mainly on scheduled routes operated by Ryanair and Wizz Air, as well as several charter flights for travel agencies – headed to 54 destinations in 28 countries. Daily traffic ranged between 35 and 39 departures and 34 to 38 arrivals. The highest number of flights over the four-day period, including Monday, were to Rome, London (two airports in both cities), Barcelona, Kosice, Warsaw (also two airports), as well as Malaga, Tirana and Hurghada (Egypt). Slightly fewer flights operated to Alicante, Malta, Athens, Alghero (Sardinia), Naples and Palermo. The schedule also included six new regular routes launched at the start of the summer timetable (from 29 March to 24 October 2026), connecting Bratislava with Warsaw (both airports), Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Nice, Pisa and Tirana. BRATISLAVA - Easter Monday is the last day of Easter, and in Slovakia, this day is traditionally connected with the custom of bathing or soaking and playfully 'whipping' girls and women with a sallow whip. The symbols of this day are water, green and eggs, which are received for the whipping. In the south-west of Slovakia, girls and women are soaked and whipped, whereas in the west they are only whipped, and in the east they are largely soaked by men. The whipping with a sallow is connected with the faith in the vital force of fertility and the soakings ensure health and beauty. These customs were completely different before the 1950s. At that time, the soaking and whipping started after midnight, or in the early morning hours. Groups of young men visited the houses, where adult girls lived. The girls gave them hard boiled eggs, cake, wine and spirit as the prize for the 'work' they had done. Young adults also received raw eggs, which were the symbol of fertility. Younger boys could go to soak and whip the girls before noon, and they received sweets, and, nowadays, money too. ko