Rusyn community in Slovakia opposes school reforms and reservoir project

The Round Table of Rusyns of Slovakia (OSRS) has issued resolutions opposing proposed changes to the school law and the construction of the Tichý Potok reservoir.

Regarding education, the OSRS warns that upcoming legislative amendments could threaten the existence of ethnic Rusyn schools and small rural schools in Rusyn-populated areas. The proposed law increases the minimum average number of students per class and introduces a requirement of 150 students for fully organized primary schools. Crucially, the organization notes that the amendment removes the current exception for classes taught in a minority language. The OSRS is calling for a special regime or exception to protect minority and small village education.

On environmental issues, the organization rejected the planned construction of the Tichý Potok reservoir, noting that the project would most significantly impact the Rusyn village of Tichý Potok. Instead, the OSRS supports alternative, environmentally friendly water retention measures, such as the water resource recovery program approved by the Prešov Self-Governing Region.