Massive public protests across Slovakia (Zeitgeist 10.)

January has been rich in dramatic developments within Slovak politics. The thread leading to massive public protests began before Christmas when Prime Minister Robert Fico unexpectedly visited Moscow. This was followed by a controversial trip to Moscow by Slovak MPs, which raised even more concerns regarding the government’s pro-Russian leanings.

Additionally, a devastating cyber attack has crippled Slovakia’s Land Registry Office, causing chaos and disrupting access to crucial property and ownership data. Tensions escalated further as Fico’s government faced a debate on a no-confidence vote. To conduct the parliamentary meeting in private, Fico invoked warnings of an alleged foreign-backed plot to destabilize the country, which the opposition dismissed as a conspiracy theory. These events have triggered widespread nationwide protests and petitions from various groups expressing their dissent, including students, psychiatrists, teachers, and academics. Compounding the upheaval, Fico’s coalition party HLAS has expelled rebel MPs, revealing internal divisions that could jeopardize the government’s stability. Meanwhile, the Slovak National Gallery is facing a crisis, with over 100 employees resigning out of concern regarding its leadership and ability to meet international standards. As Slovakia navigates these turbulent times, the country’s political and cultural landscape remains deeply polarized.

Prime minister, two vice-speakers of the National Assembly and four MPs in Moscow

 

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico unexpectedly visited Moscow on December 22nd  to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting criticism from the Slovak opposition. The officially announced reason was to discuss gas transit through Ukraine, as Fico has clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukraine’s plans to halt Russian gas transit next year. However, the meeting was shrouded in secrecy, with Fico not using an official government plane and the Kremlin only confirming it afterward. Fico has been increasingly aligning himself with pro-Russian politicians such as Serbia’s President Vučić, and the two plan to visit Moscow together in May. The prime minister frequently criticizes the EU and the U.S. while praising Putin, leading the opposition to accuse him of betraying Slovakia’s Western alignment. As Slovakia’s gas storage facilities are nearly full, Fico appears committed to sustaining the profitable Russian gas transit through Ukraine, despite the ongoing war.

After the unexpected visit to Moscow by the Prime Minister, two vice-speakers and four other parliament members followed in his footsteps to Moscow. The controversy of the Moscow trip escalated after the arrival of the delegation home, when the vice-speaker Tibor Gašpar admitted a possibility of Slovakia leaving NATO and the EU.

Land Register under cyberattack

In a devastating cyber attack, Slovakia’s Land Registry Office has been compromised, disrupting access to critical property and land ownership data. The attack, reportedly ransomware, began on Sunday, January 5, and has forced the closure of various workplaces, with hackers allegedly demanding millions of euros for decryption. Chairman of the Register, Juraj Celler, assured that no changes to the database were being made, but the system remained disconnected from external networks for several days.

Despite multi-layered backups, experts indicated that recovery could take weeks or even months, with some sources claiming it might be the worst cyber attack in Slovakia’s history. The opposition has strongly criticized the government’s handling of the situation, with Progressive Slovakia chair Michal Šimečka calling for the dismissal of Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok. The Interior Ministry has deflected responsibility, stating that the Register office is not under its jurisdiction. The attack has severely affected towns and municipalities, paralyzing essential services and even impacting Bratislava’s parking system. Prime Minister Robert Fico held a Security Council meeting to address the situation.

PM Fico intensifying the situation

 

In a turbulent week leading up to massive protests in Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico’s administration faced a series of challenges and controversies. The week began with Fico’s official visit to Turkey to discuss gas transit matters; however, it quickly descended into political chaos at home.  A parliamentary session convened to discuss Fico’s potential dismissal became contentious as the PM Robert Fico outmaneuvered the opposition during a no-confidence vote debate, limiting discussions to just 12 hours.

Furthermore, PM Fico requested a closed-door meeting, citing a classified intelligence report allegedly revealing plans to destabilize the country. This move sparked outrage among opposition parties and raised doubts about the credibility of the claims. With this report, Fico expressed concerns about a purported foreign-backed plot to undermine his government, branding it a „Slovak Maidan.“ He was talking about an email of regional protest organizers disseminated among 130 email addresses outlining potential demonstration strategies. President Peter Pellegrini intervened as tensions mounted, calling a Security Council meeting where officials strongly warned of an „imminent“ threat to the government’s stability.

Despite these alarming statements, no specific actions were taken, fueling skepticism about the government’s intentions. The week culminated in widespread protests across Slovakia, with tens of thousands of citizens demanding Fico’s resignation, undeterred by last-minute efforts to instill fear. Meanwhile, Fico’s coalition government showed signs of fracturing, as internal conflicts and defections threatened its parliamentary majority, possibly pushing the country toward early elections.

Various professions sent letter for Fico to change his behavior and actions

In a notable display of public opposition, various professional groups throughout Slovakia, including students, teachers, psychiatrists, truckers, church and civil society organizations have sent open letters to Prime Minister Robert Fico, expressing serious concerns about the country’s direction. The movement gained momentum as almost 2,500 academics denounced the government’s skepticism toward scientific truths and democratic principles. PM Fico’s dismissive comments, accusing the professionals of politicizing their roles, only intensified public protests.

A particularly tense moment occurred when Fico sharply criticized a student for not shaking hands with President Pellegrini, implying that the student should face consequences. This incident led to the formation of seven student and youth initiatives united against what they perceived as a shift toward authoritarianism in Slovakia. Even regional governors from the ruling parties condemned discussions of leaving the EU and NATO, responding to Gašpar’s suggestion of withdrawal. The widespread nature of these protests, which includes voices from truck drivers, employers‘ associations, and cultural figures, underscores a significant societal backlash against the government’s policies and rhetoric, reflecting similar dissent witnessed during Slovakia’s quasi-authoritarian period in the 1990s.

Massive public protests across Slovakia

On January 23 and 24, 2025, massive protests unfolded across Slovakia, drawing around 100,000 participants in cities nationwide. In Bratislava, about 40,000 demonstrators filled Freedom Square, calling for Prime Minister Robert Fico’s resignation. Other major cities, including Košice, Banská Bystrica, Nitra, and Žilina, also witnessed thousands expressing their discontent with the government. But also in smaller town, where it is unusual to gather to protest, hundreds of people came like in Čadca and Veľký Krtíš, were traditionally the ruling parties have majority in elections. Organizers highlighted the peaceful character of the protests and their collaboration with law enforcement. The speakers from among civic activists, artists, and teachers condemned the rhetoric of the government representatives and signed for allegiance to NATO and the EU.

Massive protests Slovakia 2025

40 000 people protested on Freedom Square in Bratislava, 24.january 2025 Photo: Tomáš Benedikovič, Dennik N

Coalition party HLAS-SD expelled dissenting MPs

In a significant development, Slovakia’s coalition Hlas party has expelled two dissenting MPs, Samuel Migaľ and Radomír Šalitroš, accusing them of prioritizing personal ambitions over party principles. This rebellion has evolved into a major political crisis as two more Hlas MPs have joined the dissent, along with three members from the coalition partner SNS, further undermining the government’s stability. Expelled MP Migaľ has made serious claims, asserting that former party leader and current President Peter Pellegrini continues to exert control over Hlas through Tomáš Drucker. He also alleges that security forces are monitoring him and three other dissenting MPs, a statement that government officials have denied.

The refusal of the dissenting MPs to align with the coalition has stripped it of a parliamentary majority, potentially triggering a political crisis. Migaľ’s interview also addressed internal party issues, highlighting criticisms of Hlas ministers and unmet campaign commitments. As tensions rise, the coalition’s future hangs in the balance, with Prime Minister Robert Fico expected to respond to the evolving situation.

National Assembly in crisis

With only few weeks remaining until the contracts for over 3,000 hospital doctors expire, it remains unclear whether the ruling coalition can fulfill its commitment to restore „social peace“ in the healthcare system. The government had promised doctors‘ unions that parliament would approve a series of healthcare laws by February to retain the doctors in hospitals. However, the coalition may not possess the necessary votes in parliament. The opposition will assist the coalition with these laws only if early elections are announced. If the coalition fails to secure a majority, over 3,000 doctors could leave their positions on March 1, putting healthcare services at risk. Now, the government and Health Minister Šaško must work to convince skeptical MPs within their coalition.

The approval of the healthcare laws heavily relies on four opposition MPs elected through the HLAS-SD party. Two of these MPs were expelled by the party due to allegations of „blackmail,“ while the other two have issued a statement indicating they won’t vote until the coalition resolves its disputes. Opposition remains skeptical, citing the poor quality of legislation previously passed by this government. The ministry has stated that working groups are preparing the proposals for the February parliamentary session.

International humiliation and exodus of the experts from the Slovak National Gallery

For the first time, multiple foreign museums are ending their collaboration with the Slovak National Gallery (SNG). This decision arises from concerns about the gallery’s leadership and its ability to protect borrowed artifacts, prompting institutions like the Dresden State Art Collections and the Museum of Mining and Gothic Art Leogang to withdraw from upcoming exhibitions. The director of the State Archives of Baden-Württemberg has expressed worries about the SNG’s staff’s competence and capability to safeguard loaned items. With over hundred SNG employees considering resignation and the gallery now on its third acting director in six months, foreign museums have lost confidence in the SNG’s commitment to international standards. Experts warn that regaining this trust could take years, as the SNG’s reputation has taken a severe hit from this situation. 

More than 100 employees at the Slovak National Gallery (SNG) are resigning, pushing the institution toward collapse. Approximately half of the curators, most of the marketing staff, and several members of the dramaturgy council plan to leave by April 1st. The SNG employs a total of 270 individuals. The departing staff members state they can no longer work in an environment where laws are disregarded and fundamental management principles are ignored. Due to these departures, the gallery risks losing vital digital services, the bookstore, the art library, educational programs, and visitor services. The failure to finalize the 2025 exhibition schedule looms as international partners withdraw from planned collaborations. The ministry insists that the gallery’s stability and operations will remain unaffected despite the staff changes. The staff, however, contend that the SNG has already begun to fragment internally and continues to function solely due to their goodwill.

Muzzle lawsuits against the Supreme Audit Office

The head of Slovakia’s Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ), Ľubomír Andrassy, has raised concerns about the increasing aggression and arrogance directed at his organization’s auditors. Andrassy pointed out „significant verbal and unpleasant attacks “ from the entities being audited over the past year. He emphasized a troubling new tactic employed by state institutions: filing „muzzle lawsuits“ to either stop audits or prevent public reporting on them. Andrassy condemned this as an unacceptable effort to undermine the transparency and oversight that audits are intended to ensure. He also criticized state bodies for losing historical records and refusing to take personal responsibility for their failures, allowing incompetent officials to transfer between institutions. 

About Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist is the English newsletter of VIA IURIS, in which we try to capture the zeitgeist of the political situation in Slovakia, which has changed dramatically after the parliamentary elections in September 2023.

The 4th government of Prime Minister Robert Fico was formed by a coalition of two, as they call themselves, social democratic parties – SMER-SD, HLAS-SD and the nationalist party SNS. Since the coalition was formed, institutions guaranteeing the rule of law and public control, including Slovak civil society, have been under constant attack.

Previous issues of our English newsletter can be found here

Topics: #RuleOfLaw #legislation #media #CivilSociety

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