Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

The interest in holidays in Slovakia is growing. The summer was proof of this. There was a revival of urban tourism and an increased interest in natural beauties, cultural monuments, spas and aquaparks. More in the first part of today's session. In the fourth part of our pre-election cycle, Branislav Grman asked Eva Chmelová, Director of the Department for Elections, Referendums and Political Parties at the Ministry of the Interior, about the electoral system in Slovakia.

As September 15 is a state holiday in Slovakia dedicated to its Patron Saint, we discuss why the tradition of worshipping Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is deeply rooted in this country with priest Branislav Čaniga. Artist Jana Zaujecová will explain the symbols she put into the vestment she created for Pope Francis when he was celebrating the Holly Mass in Šaštín-Stráže in 2021. A special Chapters on Slovak Music have also been inspired by the holiday.

Ben Pascoe examines the latest research on Holocaust and the state of antisemitism in Slovakia. In the 3rd part of RSI series dedicated to general election 2023, Braňo Grman discusses the role the Statistical Office with its spokesperson Jana Morhacova.

In this episode Sia dives into the world of cafes in Slovakia and what makes them so special. Listen to him share a bit of history with you, as well as interviewing some local cafe runners and cafe goers to see what their perspective is on this big littel world!

The elections are coming. To get you ready and give some context to the elections Ben Pascoe talked with experts Milan Nic, Jakub Goda and Samuel Abraham.

Are plastics just waste or can they help us transform industry into a greener one? Professor Reinhold W. Lang is an expert in the field of mechanics, fracture and fatigue of plastics. He came to Slovakia to give a lecture on plastics and solutions for managing industrial transformation. RSI has launched a series focused on general information about general elections that will be held in Slovakia 30 September, 2023. The elections will be supervised by the State Commission for Elections and Control of Political Party Financing. Is it an independent body and what are its powers? Our colleague Branislav Grman asked the chairman of the commission, Ladislav Orosz.

Re-Run: Ben and Sia recap the past week, read some letters and talk about what's happening in Slovakia and play some Slovak music for you.

RSI has launched a series focused on general information about general elections that will be held in Slovakia 30 September, 2023. In the first part, Braňo Grman explains who has the right to vote in this type of elections. On 7 September, a bilingual book of poetry by a Slovak ex-pat is being launched in Bratislava. On this occasion, lets hear about late poet Olga Urminska from her husband Vlado Rosenfeld once again. In the Culture news at the end of the show, get ready for some tips for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia.

Bratislava is known for it's wild nightlife and foreigners and bar owners know that very well. Listen to Sia dive deep into the history of the bar culture in Slovakia and interview some local bar owners and foreigners to hear about their stories and what the scene means to them.

Eating disorders have long been a problem. After covid, with so much social media it seems they are more prevelant and problematic than ever. Eating disorders are not just the problem of young girls, unfortunately they don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even someone close to us. Ben Pascoe sat down with Veronika Kolejáková a psychologist from Chuť žiť, an organization dedicated to helping anyone suffering from an eating disorder.