A failed attempt on the Slovakian PM's life amidst political turmoil and polarization. Auto workers in the union-unfriendly south voting for labour revolution. Perception of time varies based on what you are observing.
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Quick takeaways
Robert Fizzo's survival of an assassination attempt highlights deep political polarization in Slovakia.
Unionization of auto workers in the US South signifies a potential shift in labor dynamics and worker rights.
Deep dives
Assassination Attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fizzo
Prime Minister Robert Fizzo, a polarizing figure in Slovakian politics, survived an assassination attempt in Handlova. Fizzo, known for his right-wing populist views and confrontations with anti-corruption efforts, faced significant backlash in 2018, leading to his resignation. The attack heightened political tensions in Slovakia amid concerns of increasing autocracy and illiberal policies, posing a threat to the country's political stability amidst broader European political polarization.
Historic Unionization Efforts Among Auto Workers in the Southern US
Auto workers in the southern US, notably at Volkswagen in Tennessee, have voted to unionize, marking a significant shift in historically anti-union territory. The move raises questions of whether this trend will spread across the region, challenging the traditional opposition to unions. The success of these unionization efforts is seen as a potential turning point in labor relations, fueled by renewed organizing strength and changing economic dynamics favoring workers' rights.
Influence of Memorable Images on Perception of Time
New research suggests that the memorability of images can influence individuals' sense of time perception. Memorable scenes, such as those featuring central objects or actions, tend to elongate the perception of time, while cluttered scenes have the opposite effect. This study indicates that the brain might prioritize processing memorable information by altering the perception of time, potentially aiding rapid decision-making in critical situations.
An attempt on Robert Fico’s life comes at a time of deep-running polarisation in his country—much of which is his own doing. A vote today among auto workers in America’s historically union-unfriendly south will indicate whether an organised-labour revolution can take hold (9:26). And the perception of time varies depending on what you are looking at (17:24).