On Sunday, August 31, the Parliament and the Presidential Palace opened their doors to the public for a joint Open Day event. Traditionally, the National Council held its Open Day on September 1, the anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption. However, since this holiday is no longer a public holiday, the date was shifted and combined with the Presidential Palace’s Open Day. For the first time, visitors had the opportunity to tour both institutions on the same day.
The event began with the ceremonial raising of the national flag, followed by the national anthem and a speech by Parliament Speaker Richard Raši of Hlas. Parliament Vice-Chair Tibor Gašpar from Smer emphasized that the Open Day is primarily a chance for politicians to engage directly with citizens. Opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) leader Milan Majerský added that it also provides an opportunity for people to voice their concerns to lawmakers. An additional program was held at the Bratislava Castle complex, near the seat of the Parliament, featuring exhibits like the Celtic-Roman road and demonstrations by the Emergency Police Unit and the Financial Administration.
Nearly 10,000 visitors toured the Presidential Palace on Saturday, marking one of the highest attendances ever for the event. President Peter Pellegrini officially opened the day and personally greeted visitors. Inside, guests explored representative rooms and viewed various state decorations and the Slovak Republic’s official seal. The event’s program was organized in cooperation with several institutions and organizations.
Source: Slovak Radio, TASR
