Slovakia MPs observe minute of silence in memory of Milan Ftacnik

Slovak MPs observed a minute of silence on Friday in memory of former education minister and ex-mayor of Bratislava Milan Ftacnik, who has died at the age of 64. Parliamentary Vice-chair Juraj Blanar gave a speech, highlighting Ftacnik's contributions to Slovak statehood. "A figure has died who was very important to Slovakia, a former member of parliament's leadership, a co-founder of our statehood, an MP, education minister and mayor of the Slovak capital," Blanar said. "Slovakia should be grateful for his professional life, which he dedicated to the benefit of Slovakia's development. He was a great and wise man, whom we want to honour in this way and keep in our memories."