The father of Ján Kuciak, the investigative journalist assassinated in 2018 for exposing the toxic nexus of politics, organised crime, and corruption in Slovakia, delivers a damning verdict on his country’s future: democracy has been stolen, the media silenced, and the rule of law dismantled by a government he openly calls “mafia-run.” In a searing indictment of Robert Fico’s return to power, Jozef Kuciak accuses the Slovak government of enabling impunity for political elites, weaponising state institutions for personal gain, and crushing any remnants of democratic accountability.
As oligarchs walk free and corruption cases vanish, disinformation floods the public sphere—driven by state-aligned media and fuelled by pro-Russian propaganda. Meanwhile, economic inequality deepens, healthcare collapses, and gender prejudice festers, as Fico’s regime manipulates fear and resentment to tighten its grip on power. With Slovakia drifting towards authoritarianism, Kuciak warns that unless the younger generation rises to reclaim democracy, the sacrifices made in the name of justice—including the blood of his son—may have been in vain.
The brutal assassination of Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018 marked a watershed moment in Slovakia’s modern history. The murder, which exposed deep ties between political elites and organised crime, triggered mass protests and forced then-Prime Minister Robert Fico to resign. Yet, seven years later, Fico has reclaimed power, and the nation’s fragile democracy appears to be under siege once more.
The Theft of Democracy and Erosion of Civil Society
According to Jozef Kuciak, father of the slain journalist, Slovakia is now facing a “black scenario” where democracy has been systematically dismantled by Fico’s government. For Kuciak, Fico’s return to power represents not just political regression but a betrayal of the ideals that Slovaks fought for after the fall of communism. Public frustration has been met with government narratives that exploit historical ignorance and manipulate fears through misinformation.
Kuciak highlights the alarming tendency of Slovak voters, particularly in rural areas, to overlook systemic abuses due to economic hardship or cultural conservatism. Many voters, he argues, still cling to outdated mentalities rooted in the totalitarian era, fostering an environment ripe for authoritarian manipulation. Protest movements, once a source of hope, now struggle to gain traction amid widespread apathy and disillusionment.
A War on the Free Press and the Spread of Disinformation
Media freedom, once considered a pillar of Slovakia’s democratic progress, is under sustained attack. Journalists who challenge government narratives face verbal assaults from Fico and his allies, with independent outlets branded as enemies of the state. State-aligned media channels increasingly dominate the information space, fostering an atmosphere where disinformation thrives.
The government’s tolerance of conspiracy theories, particularly those blaming external forces such as Ukraine for domestic problems, reflects a broader strategy of distraction and division. Artificial intelligence has further amplified these narratives, making it easier for political elites to manipulate public perception. This campaign has led to the marginalisation of independent journalism and the rise of alternative media outlets sympathetic to government interests.
Corruption as State Policy: The Collapse of the Rule of Law
Kuciak’s most scathing criticisms are reserved for the erosion of Slovakia’s judicial independence. Fico’s administration has weakened anti-corruption institutions, effectively dismantling legal mechanisms that once held powerful elites accountable. The manipulation of the Slovak Information Service (SIS) for political purposes has further entrenched this culture of impunity.
High-profile corruption cases, including those involving oligarchs closely connected to Fico’s inner circle, have been quietly dismissed or indefinitely delayed. Changes to the penal code, particularly the reduction of penalties for financial crimes and the shortening of statutes of limitations, have allowed influential figures to escape prosecution. The release of convicted officials due to political pressure symbolises the growing impunity for those with close ties to the ruling coalition.
The Russian Connection: Slovakia’s Drift Toward Illiberalism
Beyond domestic corruption, Slovakia’s foreign policy stance raises further concerns about its democratic trajectory. Fico’s alignment with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signals a shift towards illiberal governance within the European Union. While Slovakia officially remains committed to the EU and NATO, its political rhetoric increasingly echoes pro-Russian narratives.
Government officials have perpetuated disinformation about Ukraine, exploiting fears of foreign interference to justify their authoritarian tendencies. This strategy not only undermines Slovakia’s international standing but also sows division within the population, further weakening the nation’s democratic fabric.
Economic Despair and Social Inequality Fuel Political Apathy
Economic inequality continues to deepen political divides in Slovakia. Rising inflation, stagnant wages, and deteriorating living standards disproportionately affect rural populations, fostering resentment that political elites are quick to exploit. Despite promises of economic reform, Fico’s government has failed to address systemic issues in healthcare, infrastructure, and employment.
The brain drain of skilled professionals, particularly in the health sector, reflects a broader failure of state policy. Promises to bring back Slovak professionals from abroad have gone unfulfilled, exacerbating an already dire situation in public services. As Kuciak notes, young families face increasing financial pressure, limiting their ability to build stable lives—a situation that has contributed to Slovakia’s declining birth rate.
Gender Inequality and the Manipulation of Social Prejudice
Fico’s government also capitalises on entrenched societal prejudices, using issues such as gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights as political distractions. According to Kuciak, this manipulation of cultural conservatism serves to divert public attention from pressing economic and political problems. Efforts to perpetuate traditional gender roles and marginalise minority communities reflect a broader strategy of maintaining political control by stoking fear and division.
Conclusion: A Nation’s Future in the Balance
Despite the bleak outlook, Kuciak believes that Slovakia’s future still rests with its younger generations. The challenge, however, lies in overcoming the deeply rooted apathy and misinformation that have allowed Fico’s return to power. Unless significant reforms are enacted to restore judicial independence, media freedom, and civic engagement, Slovakia risks sliding further into authoritarianism.
The question remains whether Slovak society can overcome its current crisis or whether the sacrifices of those like Ján Kuciak will ultimately be in vain.
Source: Mária Benedikovičová | Denník N
