Slovakia's government purges cultural institutions. Slovaks take to the streets in protest

“Slovakia – a small country with a lot of corruption” – with such banners Slovaks took to the streets to protest against the purge of cultural institutions. – We are dissatisfied with the way in which the current coalition took power in the country. The coalition is basically vindictive and does not solve the problems of citizens, but only pursues its own political and economic interests – says Peter, one of the protesters.

After the liquidation of the previous and creation of a new public television and changes in the Penal Code – it is time for culture. The opposition calls the latest actions of the Minister of Culture a purge. Opposition politicians, in addition to calling for protests, demand her resignation. – The minister has decided to destroy national cultural institutions. She dismisses directors without any reason. These are people who have demonstrated competence for years – indicates Michal Szimeczka, chairman of Progressive Slovakia.

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It mainly concerns two people – the director of the national gallery Alexandra Kusa and the director of the national theatre Matej Drliczka. Kusa held her position for 14 years, also during the previous government of Robert Fico. Now the Minister of Culture accuses her of mismanagement and nepotism. – Every time you ask about the reasons, they have to make them up. These are lies – says Aleksandra Kusa. – We have been observing the government's work for several months. This is not about dismissing directors, it is a culture war – she emphasizes Matej Drliczka.

Artists and citizens are speaking up for the dismissed directors. Petitions to dismiss the Minister of Culture have been signed by over a hundred thousand people. – What is happening here is a catastrophe – he believes Maros Kramar, actor.

Behind the purges in the cultural environment, as well as behind the earlier changes in public television, is Minister Martin Šimkovičov. Her actions have been met with much criticism since the beginning of her term, and a few months ago Prime Minister Robert Fico defended her in this way. – Don't worry about these attacks by these spiritual homeless people. You have my full support as long as you make the culture of Slovakia good, honest and decent, so that it is not a culture of perversion, vulgarity, transsexuality and God knows what else – said the Prime Minister.

Martina Shimkoviczowa worked for many years in television, where she was a news presenter. She lost her job in 2015 after she posted an anti-immigrant message on social media. “They are already on their way. Prepare accommodation for them, full board, pocket money and dress up their daughters so they won't be bored here. One more thing… Where are the women and children?” Shimkoviczowa wrote.

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In the following years, Šimkovićova has repeatedly spoken negatively about the European Union and the LGBT+ community. After surviving the attack on his life, Fico returned to implementing his political plan. According to the protesters, the government's actions have nothing to do with improving the functioning of the state, and only serve to cement state institutions by Fico's allies.

– We are doing something for our children and grandchildren, for future generations. And I don't want it to be like in 1989, when we fought during the Candle Manifestation and in the square. I'm sorry, the younger generation is leaving abroad and I'm very, very sad – says Dana, one of the protesters.