Actress Zdena Studenkova Refuses State Accolade, President Respects Her Decision

Nemecka/Bratislava, January 10 (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini said on Friday that he fully respects the decision of actress Zdena Studenkova, who has refused to receive a state accolade. "With regards to her recent significant birthday [70 years old], actress Zdena Studenkova was shortlisted for a state award. However, in the end Mrs. Studenkova decided not to accept this honour and gratitude from the state and citizens for her lifelong work. It is her decision, and I fully respect it," Pellegrini told the media following a commemorative event in the village of Nemecka (Banska Bystrica region). The president said that state accolades are awarded on the occasion of the founding of the Slovak Republic and have nothing to do with the current political situation. According to the head of state, this is the highest honour a Slovak citizen can receive. "There are plenty of other citizens in Slovakia who deserve awards for their work," he added. It was Dennik N daily that broke the news that Studenkova refused to receive an award from Pellegrini, citing current events in Slovak culture as the reason behind this. President Pellegrini will bestow state accolades at the Slovak Philharmonic building in Bratislava on Saturday (January 11). ko/df