Good evening. Here is the Friday, October 3 edition of Today in Slovakia – the main news of the day in just a few minutes.
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Nearly 4 in 10 Slovaks believe in at least one conspiracy theory, survey finds
Contrails are lines of condensing water vapour and ice particles that form behind aeroplanes flying at high altitude, depending on atmospheric conditions. They are not “chemtrails”. (source: UNSPLAH/CC)
When ten Slovaks look up at the sky, seven see nothing more than a plane leaving a vapour trail. But three of the ten imagine something far darker: “chemtrails,” supposedly toxic substances being sprayed out to harm people or reduce the world’s population.
CHEMTRAILS CONSPIRACY. The idea behind the chemtrails conspiracy theory is that commercial aircraft are being used to deliberately release heavy metals and toxic substances with the aim of harming the population below, or even to reduce the number of people on Earth.
According to a new survey by NMS Market Research Slovakia, which asked more than one thousand respondents about eight well-known conspiracy theories, as many as 28 percent of Slovaks believe this theory to be true or likely true. Several politicians and public figures in Slovakia have given it legitimacy – among them Lukáš Machala, the culture minister’s chief of staff (who also has his doubts about the shape of the Earth), Ivan Ševčík, an MP and retired police general, and Oskar Rózsa, a prominent musician.
The survey found that 37 percent of respondents in Slovakia believed in at least one of the conspiracy theories they were asked about.
STAGED TERRORISM. The second most popular claim is that the 9/11 attacks in the USA were staged by the American government, which is believed by 26 percent of respondents. A further 23 percent think the war in Ukraine is not real, but instead fabricated by Western media. Analysts say this is not just another strand of Russian propaganda, but outright denial that the war even exists.
Other narratives that the pollsters asked about included the idea that “the world is controlled by Jews,” that climate change is a hoax, and that vaccines are used to covertly insert microchips in humans. Only a tiny share — 3 percent — firmly believe the Earth is flat, though another 4 percent said the notion is “probably true.”
DOING THEIR OWN RESEARCH. Belief in conspiracy theories is shaped by education, income and region. Those with a university degree and more financial security are far less likely to believe them. While eastern Slovakia shows the highest concentration of believers, analysts note that Bratislava has both the largest share of hardcore supporters (14 percent of the region’s population) and also the most sceptics. NMS observed: “By contrast, among those who believe in conspiracy theories we more often find people with lower levels of education.”
Experts warn of serious consequences. According to Lena Adamus of the Slovak Academy of Sciences: “Spreading conspiracy beliefs increases feelings of financial insecurity, and through that, election outcomes in the country can change.” The link to democracy is direct: conspiracy thinking often correlates with support for “strong” leaders and authoritarian systems.
As the researchers concluded: “The findings are not just statistics. They are a testimony about society – about whom people trust, where they seek certainty, and how they cope with today’s complex world.”
The result? More than a third of Slovaks choose to believe at least one well-known conspiracy theory.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Good news: The feel-good news has arrived to brighten up your day! Read about how one resident of Zvolen is offering to help seniors and single mothers with essential home repairs, about the special pasta dish that made a special guest’s day, and about how Slovak houses are being built by a construction worker who doesn’t need food or take breaks.
Culture heritage: Bratislava’s historic Red Crayfish Pharmacy has been transformed into a stunning multimedia visitor centre, featuring a 3D model that brings the city’s 15th-century past to life.
Cheap Russian gas? Slovak gas consumers are paying more than Czechs to heat their homes, despite claims of “cheap” Russian supplies. Experts say part of the issue is regulation.
Trenčín 2026: Trenčín, a small city with a mighty fortress, is gearing up to become Europe’s next capital of culture – but behind the big plans lie some major financial and political struggles.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovakia’s wealthiest family businesses: Who made millions in 2024?
Niké is the oldest and largest private betting company in Slovakia. (source: SME)
Slovakia’s top family businesses faced a tough 2024, with profits dropping across the board – yet some still raked in millions. For instance, the long-standing giant of betting, Niké, made an impressive €42-million profit, while the innovative fintech company TrustPay also enjoyed huge success. See which families topped the list of Slovakia’s wealthiest enterprises – and how they built their empires.
IN OTHER NEWS
According to opposition MP Veronika Remišová, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec’s office used Recovery Plan funds to pay €174,000 for a 30-second promotional video. The opposition politician claims this is, per second, the most expensive film in Slovak history. The contract went to Promea Communication, which also provides services to state broadcaster STVR and the Ministry of Culture. The contract has not been published in the central registry of contracts; according to Remišová, only an order exists. She plans to file complaints with the Public Procurement Office and the Supreme Audit Office. Two of the three companies that bid for the contract share the same Bratislava address in a historical two-storey building – one was the winner; the other was Filmservice Productions. The offers differed by only a few hundred euros. For comparison, a similar clip for Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba cost just €18,000, noted Remišová’s party colleague Ján Magušin. (Denník N)
The Slovak ambassador to Israel held talks at a detention centre where a Slovak citizen, arrested during a raid on a humanitarian flotilla that was headed for Gaza, is being held. “The embassy is also in contact with his family and continues to provide consular assistance,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated. It confirmed that the citizen is Peter Švestka. The Israeli army announced yesterday that it had intercepted 41 ships and detained over 400 people during the raid, all of whom were taken to the port of Ashdod. (Denník N)
UniCredit Bank reports that Slovakia’s unemployment hasn’t risen sharply mainly because the country’s ageing population. Even the economic slowdown, which is holding back growth, is expected to raise unemployment by just one percentage point, temporarily. The analysis notes that only three EU countries have fewer employed people than before Covid – Slovakia, with a 0.5-percent drop, along with Latvia and Romania. Despite this, Slovakia’s unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to Eurostat data. The explanation lies in the shrinking number of economically active residents. Slovakia ranks among the top three EU countries in this decline, with a 1.9-percent drop, partly due to early retirement. “Slovakia’s relatively stable unemployment in recent years does not reflect a rising demand for workers,” the bank concludes.
Stellantis has officially brought Chinese electric car brand Leapmotor to Slovakia, marking its 15th brand. It owns a 20-percent stake in the company. Three models are debuting: the T03 city car (€18,900, 265 km range), the C10 family SUV (€34,990, up to 974 km range with REEV), and the B10 compact SUV (€28,990, 434 km range). All feature modern EV tech, fast charging, and advanced safety and comfort options. Production is currently in China, with the B10 moving to Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain next year. A new hatchback, the B05, and an all-wheel-drive version of the B10 are also planned. (SME)
Leapmotor B10 and T03 models (l-r). (source: Peter Kálmán)
On the opening day of the European Para Shooting Championships in Osijek, Slovakia claimed two medals in air rifle standing. Radoslav Malenovský won gold with a world-record-breaking 251 points in the final, surpassing his own European record from 2018. Veronika Vadovičová set a new world record in the qualification round with 629.4 points, and went on to win bronze in the final, behind Ukraine’s Irina Shchetnikova. Malenovský praised his “zen-like focus” and strong start, while Vadovičová admitted that nerves had affected her final performance, despite her historic qualifying score. (Sportnet)
Mayor of Štrba Michal Sýkora (l) and High Tatras Mayor Jozef Štefaňák symbolically began the annual cleaning by divers of Štrbské Pleso mountain lake on Friday, 3 October. Divers also began cleaning Velické, Popradské and Nové Štrbské Pleso lakes. (TASR) (source: Adriána Hudecová)
WEEKEND TOP EVENTS: Still haven’t made your weekend plans? Bratislava is brimming with things to do, from early music showcases and workshops to exhibitions, Roman Games, and Diwali – the Hindu Festival of Lights. Pick your favourite event and make the most of your weekend!
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: The weather will be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with variable cloud cover. Overall, it will be a bit warmer than it has been during the week, with daytime temperatures ranging from 13°C to 16°C, and up to 19°C in some places on Saturday. (SHMÚ)
SHMÚ issued a wind warning for both Saturday and Sunday in Banská Bystrica, Prešov and Žilina Regions.
PARTY TIME: This weekend, František, Viera and Natália are the lucky ones celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes to all the Františeks (on Saturday, October 4), Vieras (on Sunday, October 5) and, last but not least, all those Natálias (on Monday, October 6) in your life.
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