Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok’s recent appearance on a disinformation platform known for spreading conspiracy theories and misleading content reflects a disturbing trend among Slovak government officials to normalise fringe, often pro-Kremlin media as credible sources of information. Identified by the disinformation watchdog Konšpirátori as harmful, these outlets—recurrently featured by Eštok and other high-ranking officials—are increasingly embedded within Slovakia’s political discourse, marking a shift towards legitimising highly biased political propaganda in public life.
A Track Record of Disinformation Media Engagement
Most recently, in November 2024, Eštok appeared on Na Palete, marking his second interview on this platform in the past year, with a prior appearance in March 2024. Eštok has also made appearances on Infovojna—first in February 2024 and then again in October 2024—another site flagged by Konšpirátori for spreading conspiracy theories and extremist content. Additionally, in March 2024, Eštok appeared on a YouTube channel hosted by extremist Daniel Bombic, who is wanted internationally for charges linked to extremism and hate speech. During this interview, Eštok defended his engagement, claiming he sought to reach audiences “prone to believing in conspiracy theories,” despite the serious nature of Bombic’s channel, which often promotes antisemitic content, violent rhetoric, and support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Platform Profiles According to Konšpirátori
Konšpirátori, an independent Slovak project aimed at identifying and categorising disinformation sites, warns advertisers of the reputational and financial risks of associating with unethical media. The project is supported by a panel of experts who evaluate websites based on strict criteria, including violations of journalistic ethics, use of propaganda, and promotion of conspiracy theories. In addition to rating media credibility, Konšpirátori aims to help protect public discourse and transparency in Slovakia
- NaPalete, produced by Pavel Kapusta, is characterised by Konšpirátori as a disinformation site that mixes subjective opinions with manipulative tactics, fails to publish factual corrections, and frequently republishes articles from other disinformation outlets. Its content, which Konšpirátori describes as a blend of propaganda and extremist rhetoric, aligns closely with nationalist and anti-democratic narratives.
- Infovojna, known for regularly publishing conspiracy theories, inflammatory language, and extremist content, ranks as one of the top-earning Slovak disinformation sites. The platform was briefly blocked in 2022 due to cybersecurity concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to Konšpirátori, Infovojna regularly violates journalistic standards by copying content without attribution and hosting aggressive language and divisive messages, often directed at minority groups.
Legitimising Extremist Platforms Through Political Engagement
Eštok’s repeated appearances on such platforms may inadvertently lend legitimacy to their extremist views, a concerning pattern given his role as Interior Minister. This engagement risks blurring the lines between official communication and endorsement of anti-democratic narratives. Engaging with audiences through disinformation outlets, even under the premise of “addressing misconceptions,” inadvertently amplifies these platforms’ reach and credibility. As a public official, Eštok’s actions risk promoting sources that actively work against Slovakia’s democratic values.
Domestic and International Ramifications
Eštok’s media choices bear consequences beyond Slovakia, potentially impacting its standing with Western allies committed to combating disinformation and foreign influence. NATO and EU member states closely monitor Russian-aligned disinformation as a national security threat, and any alignment or engagement with these outlets by Slovak officials highly likely will erode Slovakia’s international reputation.
Risks of Biased Media Funding in Slovakia
These incidents underscore the need for Slovak officials to adopt guidelines on interactions with disinformation sources. While reaching broader audiences is a valid goal, recent developments in Slovakia appear to move in the opposite direction. Proposed legislation from the Slovak National Party (SNS) would expand the Ministry of Culture’s authority over media subsidies, granting Minister Martina Šimkovičová—known for past appearances on alternative media and spreading COVID-19 misinformation—control over funds without expert oversight. Critics warn this shift could divert public funds directly into the hands of disinformation outlets, spreading propaganda at the expense of independent journalism and threatening Slovakia’s democratic foundations and media integrity
Author: Victor Breiner | Slovak Media Monitor
