MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Wednesday, January 1): BRATISLAVA - Slovakia must be strong, especially if Europe is weakening and starting to lag behind the world more and more, leader of the junior governing Voice-SD party and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said in his New Year's address, declaring that Voice-SD wants to continue working for Slovakia in 2025. "The situation in the world, but also in Europe, gives a hint of the complexity of the crises that await us. The solutions won't be easy. But I want to promise you one thing - we won't let you down. Voice-SD will continue to be a strong and social voice for all of you," he said in a video posted on a social network. Sutaj Estok stated that in Voice-SD they will do everything to ensure that at the end of 2025 Slovakia will continue to stand proud, independent, self-confident and sovereign in its thoughts, actions and deeds. He hopes that the opposition won't continue to denigrate Slovakia abroad and slander it. BRATISLAVA - I will pay special attention this year to rental flats, the construction of hospitals as well as control activities in relation to members of the government and the implementation of the government manifesto, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated in his New Year's address, which he published on a social network on Wednesday. The premier promises to continue to pursue foreign affairs policy oriented towards all four cardinal directions in 2025. He also believes that the coalition will stabilise and won't spend energy on dealing with intra-party issues of coalition partners. Fico stated that he's ready for a demanding working year. He compared the functioning of the governing coalition to a football match, in which he sees the defensive. "Smer holds the centre of defence and midfield firmly and steadily, but Voice on the left and SNS [Slovak National Party] on the right don't hold the numbers. If the wings of the defence and midfield don't stabilise by the end of the first half, new tactics will have to be set during the break," he stated. According to him, the coalition must realise that if they fail to win this match, "the opponent will have no regard for anything and anybody and will again use all means to eliminate us completely and never allow us to play another match". Fico is convinced that both Voice-SD and SNS will stabilise in the coalition and won't spend their energy on addressing intra-party issues of their coalition partners. He appreciated the recent statement by SNS chairman Andrej Danko, which he described as "constructive" in relation to the months-long tug-of-war with Voice-SD. According to the prime minister, the government has put public finances in order and has fulfilled several points of the manifesto, including the introduction of full 13th pensions, changes in public procurement and a reduction in VAT on basic foodstuffs. Fico denied that he appears tired although opponents are trying to create an image of a tired and demotivated premier. "I may appear more pessimistic, but that's only because a pessimist is basically just a well-informed optimist," he stressed. BRATISLAVA - State-owned gas utility SPP continues to guarantee safe supplies of natural gas as it has been preparing for the stoppage of supplies from Gazprom Export for a long time, SPP told TASR on Wednesday, adding that they will use other available sources to ensure sufficient quantities as well as the best price for their customers by combining the chosen business opportunities. According to SPP, the security of natural gas supply rests on three main pillars. "The first pillar is the diversification trade agreements for the purchase of gas from non-Russian sources concluded with BP, Exxon Mobil, Shell, ENI and RWE. These contracts are flexible and we are able to increase not only the required amount of gas but also the duration of these contracts," noted SPP head Vojtech Ferencz. The second pillar of security of gas supply is diversified transport routes. "Slovakia has gas pipeline connections with each of the neighbouring countries. Natural gas can thus be transported from any direction," said SPP. The third pillar of security of supply is natural gas stored in storage tanks. "We currently have about 20 percent more gas in storage in Slovakia than we had a year ago. In addition, we have taken the decision that our storage capacity will be filled to 100 percent not only at the beginning of the heating season, but also at the beginning of the year, that is in January 2025," added Ferencz. SPP also pointed out that any alternative will be significantly more expensive. BRATISLAVA - The flow of natural gas from Ukraine was stopped on Wednesday, January 1, at the Velke Kapusany entry point on the Ukrainian-Slovak border, gas carrier Eustream reports on its website. "Eustream is ready to provide transport for the needs of natural gas supply in Slovakia throughout the territory according to the nominations of customers," stated the gas carrier. Natural gas is transported at all interconnection points in accordance with customer nominations and Eustream is fully prepared to meet its obligations to customers and ensure reliable transport. Russia's gas firm Gazprom stopped Russian gas supplies via Ukraine to the EU and Moldova at 8 a.m. Moscow time (6 a.m. CET) on Wednesday. It did so after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. The suspension of transit was also confirmed by the Ukrainian Energy Ministry. BRATISLAVA - Having one's own state is a gift to be cherished, and people don't have to look for value in admiring foreign leaders, countries or powers, President Peter Pellegrini stated in his New Year's address, adding that Slovakia has its own achievements, its own heroes and a unique path of which it can be justly proud. "We're a state that hasn't built its identity on cruelty or oppressing others. Our history is also a story of help, compassion and courage. When others needed help, Slovaks were able to open their hearts and doors. This is the legacy we must carry on - simply, to be a country of good people," said Pellegrini. The head of state went on to say that it's up to people to decide what image they will give Slovakia and where they will direct it in the future. He declared that he, as president, will continue to act in a way that will help Slovakia to unite instead of divide and will help people to feel more solidarity, dignity and humanity. The president also appealed to people to actively contribute to reconciliation and understanding in society. "So, let's not despise people for their political opinions, because that's exactly the cornerstone of dividing a nation through politics. Let's not allow politics to divide families, friends and colleagues. Let's not look at politicians as fans who admire their own without limits and hate others with all their hearts," he emphasised. This hatred, he said, is contagious and will quickly spread from politicians to voters. An epidemic of mutual hatred will then arise, which is the bane of every nation and community because it eats it up from within like a serious disease, he added. Through everyday actions people can contribute to the Slovak nation returning to its internal unity and cohesion, which has always helped Slovaks in the most difficult moments in history, said Pellegrini. He's in favour of promoting a healthy and lively debate, but that discussion can't be allowed to question basic facts and the truth. At the same time, the president hopes that Slovaks will have as much courage and faith in their own strength as possible despite constant scaremongering, and that this will help them to overcome all obstacles more easily. mf