In a blistering critique, more than 260 Slovak psychiatrists and psychologists have publicly accused Prime Minister Robert Fico of eroding democracy, fostering societal division, and jeopardising Slovakia’s international commitments. The unprecedented open letter, signed by professionals across the country, calls out Fico’s authoritarian tendencies, manipulative rhetoric, and his tolerance for conspiracy theories. The signatories warn that his increasingly aggressive and emotionally volatile leadership risks deepening polarisation, normalising hostility, and driving disillusioned Slovaks to emigrate.
Drawing parallels to Vladimír Mečiar, whose authoritarian rule in the 1990s delayed Slovakia’s entry into the EU and NATO, the letter highlights the critical role of civic resistance in countering such political tendencies. Unlike the past, however, today’s letter reflects a broader mobilisation, as hundreds of professionals have boldly attached their names despite potential risks. The authors condemn Fico’s ambiguity on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and his actions aligning Slovakia with authoritarian regimes. By urging self-reflection, accountability, and respect for democratic norms, the letter’s authors have ignited a national reckoning, demanding urgent action to prevent Slovakia from retreating into isolation and authoritarianism.
An open letter addressed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico by more than 260 Slovak psychiatrists and psychologists has sparked widespread debate in Slovakia. Co-authored by leading mental health professionals, including Professor Jozef Hašto and Professor Anton Heretik, the letter critiques Fico’s leadership style, highlighting concerns over his authoritarian tendencies, polarising rhetoric, and its impact on Slovak democracy. The letter, which calls for Fico to reflect on his behaviour and even consider stepping down, comes at a time of heightened societal tension and growing disillusionment with political discourse in the country.
The Catalyst Behind the Open Letter
According to Professor Heretik, the letter arose from a shared sense of urgency among mental health professionals to address Slovakia’s deepening political and societal crisis. The authors argue that Prime Minister Fico’s public behaviour has become increasingly aggressive and emotionally explosive, with frequent personal attacks on journalists, political opponents, and even ordinary citizens. These behaviours, they say, contribute to a climate of fear, frustration, and societal polarisation.
The initiative has resonated with professionals across Slovakia, garnering widespread support that transcends geographical and professional boundaries. As Heretik notes, the reaction is far from limited to the so-called “Bratislava café elite” often derided by political leaders—it reflects the views of Slovaks nationwide.
Echoes of the Mečiar Era
The authors draw historical parallels between Fico’s leadership and the era of Vladimír Mečiar, who served as Slovakia’s prime minister during the 1990s. Known for his authoritarian style of governance, Mečiar was notorious for consolidating power, suppressing dissent, and isolating Slovakia from Western partners. His foreign policy delayed Slovakia’s entry into the European Union, hindering its alignment with democratic standards. Notably, the same professionals who have authored this letter to Fico previously addressed Mečiar in a similar open letter, raising concerns over threats to democracy.
However, a key difference between the two letters is significant: while the Mečiar letter was signed only by its authors and issued in the name of their organisations, the letter to Fico has been signed by name by 264 other professionals in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. This marked difference underscores a broader willingness among individuals to speak out against the current Prime Minister, despite the dangers posed by his leadership. Mečiar’s defeat in the 1998 elections paved the way for a pro-Western, democratic government that successfully integrated Slovakia into NATO and the European Union, highlighting the potential for positive change when authoritarian tendencies are challenged.
Tensions in Society and Their Psychological Impact
One of the key themes in the letter is the growing societal tension attributed to Fico’s leadership. His combative language, combined with his tolerance of conspiracy theories and incendiary rhetoric, is seen as legitimising aggression and hostility in public discourse. Heretik highlights specific examples, such as Fico’s disparaging remarks about a young activist and his public defence of vulgar attacks on political opponents, as evidence of a broader pattern of polarisation.
These actions, the letter claims, have profound psychological consequences for Slovak citizens. Many feel alienated and disillusioned, with some contemplating emigration not for economic reasons but to escape the toxic political environment. This exodus of talent and hope, the authors argue, reflects the far-reaching damage caused by Fico’s leadership style.
A Threat to Democracy and Slovakia’s International Standing
The open letter also raises alarms about Slovakia’s international position under Fico’s government. His ambiguous stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and his recent visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian officials, are framed as a betrayal of Slovakia’s commitments to NATO and the EU. The authors warn that such actions risk aligning Slovakia with authoritarian regimes, jeopardising its democratic trajectory.
The role of social media in amplifying political polarisation is another concern. While platforms have enabled swift mobilisation of support for the letter, they also contribute to spreading divisive rhetoric. This dual role underscores the complexities of modern political communication.
The Need for Civic Activism and Political Accountability
In response to the challenges posed by Fico’s leadership, the authors emphasise the importance of civic activism and peaceful protest. They argue that citizens must play an active role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that political discourse remains respectful and constructive. Heretik points to the relatively cultured nature of recent protests in Slovakia as evidence that democratic principles can prevail even in times of crisis.
The authors also critique the lack of self-reflection in Fico’s leadership, noting that his immediate dismissal of the letter as a “pseudo-medical pamphlet” reflects an unwillingness to engage with constructive criticism. This absence of accountability, they argue, underscores the need for external voices to challenge authoritarian tendencies and advocate for political reform.
A Call for Cultivated Political Discourse
The letter concludes with a call for greater political maturity and responsibility. The authors stress that peaceful and respectful political discourse is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy. Reflecting on their own experiences, including life under authoritarian regimes, they express optimism that Slovak society can overcome its current challenges and move toward a more inclusive and democratic future.
The Slovak Media Monitor publishes the full English translation of the open letter:
Dear Prime Minister,
We are addressing you in this open letter as citizens and professionals in the fields of psychiatry and psychology.
The threat to democracy in Slovakia and the international standing of our state compels us to comment on your political conduct and public behaviour. At the outset, we emphasise that we do not wish to assess your personality but will focus solely on conduct observed from publicly available sources.
Your political behaviour increasingly exhibits a power-driven, authoritarian style, characterised by manipulation of facts, deceit, and denigration, along with attacks on political opponents, journalists, and ordinary citizens who express disagreement with your policies. You have not refrained from targeting the families of opposition representatives, as was the case with the Šimečka family.
You have made disparaging remarks about young people opposing your politics, mocked the complexion of a young man, and publicly threatened “disciplinary slaps” to a student who refused to shake hands with a politician he does not respect. You, who on political rallies with your party members encouraged crowds to use vulgar epithets for the then-President.
Your political conduct and declared positions polarise society and negatively influence its emotional atmosphere. They lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among a large portion of Slovakia’s population. Increasingly, people are considering leaving the country, not only for work or study but also for personal reasons. They no longer wish to live in a state where public policy is marked by such levels of contempt, ridicule, and aggression.
Your domestic policy primarily aims to strengthen your own power, that of your party members and coalition partners, while the country lags behind in infrastructure development. In a state where education and healthcare—fields where we have worked professionally throughout our lives—are in dire condition, you do not consider these issues “prime ministerial topics.” You support individuals who spread conspiracy theories, slander, and lies, thereby devastating our culture.
We are even more appalled by your foreign policy initiatives, which are often in direct contradiction to the policies of the EU and NATO, of which Slovakia is a member. Regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, you fail to clearly distinguish between the brutal aggressor and the defending victim.
You speak disparagingly about the democratically elected president of Ukraine, a country that has been fighting an unequal war against occupiers for three years. You have not hesitated to travel to Moscow and shake hands with the Russian president, who bears political and moral responsibility for the deaths of tens of thousands of people—not only soldiers but also civilians, including children, and their abductions. Russia is devastating Ukraine’s infrastructure and attacking civilian homes, schools, hospitals, and theatres. You encourage similar conciliatory gestures towards Russian imperialism among your party members and coalition partners.
It appears that the aggression and emotional volatility in your public appearances have intensified following the assassination attempt on your person. We unequivocally condemn this act as an expression of political violence. Undoubtedly, you have endured life-threatening stress, which may affect your functioning in the future.
We presume, Prime Minister, that you are aware this is not the first letter from mental health experts addressed to the country’s leader. On 12 May 1998, the vast majority of participants at the Slovak Psychiatric Congress in Košice signed a letter addressed to Vladimír Mečiar. Many of the criticisms of his policies contained in that letter were similar, particularly regarding threats to democracy and the country’s integration into European and transatlantic structures.
Given the current political situation, we do not wish to wait for another psychiatric congress to convene. We are also sending this open letter to the Slovak Psychiatric Society, the Slovak Medical Association, and the Slovak Chamber of Psychologists. We request that they publish it on their websites and allow their members to express their views on its content and, if in agreement, to join its text.
We hope for your capacity for self-reflection and the possibility of correcting your political behaviour, including considering your departure from high politics.
prof. MUDr. Jozef Hašto, PhD.
prof. PhDr. Anton Heretik, PhD.
P.S.: The authors of the letter declare that they are not and have never been members of any political party or movement.
(Signatories updated as of 20 January 2025 at 7:10 to include additional experts.)
1. MUDr. Kristína Ababeiová, Bratislava
2. Mgr. Jana Ashford, Bratislava
3. MUDr. Mira Babiaková, Praha
4. MUDr. Mária Bachurová, Ružomberok
5. MUDr. Pavol Balasič, Svidník
6. PhDr. Anna Balgová PhD., Veľký Krtíš
7. Mgr. Štefánia Bálintová, Kráľovský Chlmec
8. MUDr. Ján Ballx, Bratislava
9. Mgr. Matúš Bakyta, Vysoká
10. Mgr. Alžbeta Baratková, PhD., Bratislava
11. Mgr. Dušan Bartoš, Prešov
12. Mgr. Hana Bartová, Bratislava
13. PhDr. Lygia Bátovská, Bratislava
14. Mgr. Hana Bednaříková, PhD, Bratislava
15. MUDr. Soňa Belanská, Bratislava
16. MUDr. Klára Belej Lošonciová, Košice
17. Mgr. Petra Belešová, Bratislava
18. MUDr. Dominika Benčeková, Bratislava
19. Mgr. Zuzana Bialková, Košice
20. doc. PhDr. Gabriel Bianchi, DrSc., Bratislava
21. Mgr. Stela Biathová (Bratislava)
22. Mgr. Radoslav Blaho, PhD., Bratislava
23. PhDr. Richard Bodnár, Trebišov
24. Mgr. Martina Bottová, Revúca
25. Mgr. Petra Brandoburová, Bratislava
26. MUDr. Bianka Branišová, Trnava
27. MUDr. Peter Breier, Bratislava
28. MUDr. Erik Brhlovič, Bratislava
29. MUDr. Ivana Bučková, Košice
30. Mgr.Lucia Bulganová, Jablonica
31. Mgr. Nina Buricová, Žilina
32. Mgr. Hana Celušáková, PhD., Bratislava
33. Mgr. Katarína Cenková, Žilina
34. MUDr. Pavol Černák, PhD., Bratislava
35. MUDr. Miroslav Čerňan
36. MUDr. Natália Čemová, Ružomberok
37. Mgr. Petra Čurdová, Bratislava
38. Mgr. Jana Dejová Hánová, Žilina
39. MUDr. Jana Diril, Žilina
40. MUDr. Barbora Ditte, Staré Mesto
41. PhDr.Ľudovít Dobšovič, Slovenský Grob
42. Mgr. Dominika Dubačová, Trenčín
43. Mgr. Katarína Dúhančiková, Prešov
44. MUDr. Iveta Durmisová, Žilina
45. MUDr. Ján Dúžek, Banská Štiavnica
46. MUDr. Adam Ďuriš, Žilina
47. MUDr. Ľubica Ferenčáková, Košice
48. Mgr. Daniela Franková, Bratislava
49. Mgr. Mária Fraňová, Žilina
50. MUDr. Ivana Fuseková, Bratislava
51. MUDr. Peter Gábriš, Žilina
52. PhDr. Marián Garbár, Prešov
53. Mgr. Marián Garbár, Prešov
54. Mgr. Simona Gécziová, Trebišov
55. MUDr. Eduard Gemza, Zvolen/Banská Štiavnica
56. MUDr. Zdena Gešová, Bratislava
57. Mgr. Stanislava Girová, Košice
58. MUDr. Adela Gombalová, Budča
59. Monika Gregussová, Bratislava
60. Martin Grepiniak, Radošovce
61. Mgr. Monika Grepiniaková, Senica
62. MUDr. Miroslav Grohol, Bardejov
63. Mgr. Terézia Gumuláková, Spišská Belá
64. Mgr. Štefan Gula, Pezinok
65. MUDr. Zuzana Hančínová, Bratislava
66. MUDr. Martina Hanzelová, Žilina
67. MUDr. Mária Haštová, Trenčín
68. PhDr. Miroslava Heráková, Košice
69. prof. Mgr. Anton Heretik ml., PhD., Bratislava
70. MUDr. Andrea Heretiková Marsalová, Bratislava
71. Mgr. Zuzana Hitková, Bratislava
72. Mgr. Denisa Hoštáková, Bratislava
73. Mgr. Tomáš Hrdlička, Bratislava
74. Mgr. Barbora Hreusová, Žilina
75. Mgr. Adriána Hrončová, PhD., Bratislava
76. Mgr. Gabriel Hrustič, Pezinok
77. MUDr. Vitaliia Hubal, Košice
78. PhDr. Viera Hudečková, PhD., Marianka
79. MUDr. Péter Hunčík, Dunajská Streda
80. Mgr Daniela Husovská PhD, Košice
81. MUDr. Miron Hvizdoš, Prešov
82. MUDr. Ruslana Hvizdošová, Prešov
83. MUDr. Volodymyr Cherevychnyi, Žilina
84. Mgr. Iveta Chovancová, Bratislava
85. MUDr. Mykhailo Ilnytski, Žilina
86. MUDr. Artúr Ivančík, Šahy
87. MUDr. Kamila Ivanová, MPH, Trnava
88. Mgr. Veronika Ivanová, Košice
89. PhDr. Martin Jakubek, PhD., Bratislava
90. Mgr. Mária Jančinová, PhD., Bratislava
91. MUDr. Peter Janík, PhD, Bratislava
92. MUDr. Eva Janíková, Bratislava
93. MUDr. Tamara Janovská, Bratislava
94. Mgr. Zuzana Javornícka, Martin
95. Mgr. Andrej Jeleník, Bratislava
96. MUDr. Viera Jenčová, Stará Ľubovňa
97. PhDr. Ľudovít Juráš, CSc., Pezinok
98. PhDr. Miloslava Jurášová, Pezinok
99. MUDr. Juraj Jurík, Bratislava
100. Mgr. Eva Kapšová, Kremnica
101. Mgr.Diana Karabová, Bratislava
102. Mgr.Ing.Jana Kašáková, Dubovany
103. MUDr. Natália Kaščáková, PhD., Bratislava
104. Mgr Martina Keratová, Žilina
105. PhDr. Petra Klastová Pappová, PhD., Bratislava
106. Mgr. Tatiana Klempová, Trenčín
107. PhDr. Eva Klimová, Bratislava
108. Mgr. Martina Klubertova, Nitra
109. MUDr. Juraj Knížat, Topoľčany
110. Mgr. Veronika Kolejáková, Bratislava
111. MUDr. Mária Končalová, Žilina
112. Mgr. Zuzana Končalová, Žilina
113. Mgr. Barbara Korbeľová, Bratislava
114. MUDr. Beáta Korbová , Bardejov
115. MUDr. Linda Korčeková, Žilina
116. MUDr. Zuzana Koóš Kašparová, Predná Hora
117. MUDr. Darina Kováčiková , Žiar nad Hronom
118. MUDr. Anna Kováčová, Bratislava
119. Mgr. Daniel Kotrč, Žilina
120. Mgr. Simona Krakovská, Bratislava
121. MUDr. Zuzana Krautschneiderová, Nitra
122. MUDr. Kucharová Lenka, Žilina
123. MUDr. Naďa Kuriačková, Levice
124. PhDr. PaedDr. Mgr. Viktor Križo, PhD. , Bratislava
125. MUDr. Eva Kružliaková, PhD., Bratislava
126. PhDr. Mária Krýslová, Bratislava
127. Mgr. Veronika Křenková, Žilina
128. MUDr. Katarína Kusá, Trenčín
129. PhDr. Oľga Lacková, Beckov
130. MUDr. Jana Lacherová, psychiater, Trebišov
131. Mgr. Libuša Lejková, Rožňava
132. Mgr. Nina Linderová PhD, Bratislava
133. Mgr. et Mgr. Viera Lutherová, Kremnica
134. Mgr. Lenka Macejáková, Zvolen
135. Mgr. Katarína Mackaničová Jihlava
136. MUDr.Tatiana Madleňáková,Martin
137. MUDr.Simona Maierova, Bratislava
138. MUDr. Nike Makarova , Snina
139. MUDr. Alžbeta Malejčiková, Košice
140. MUDr. Filip Marga, Ružomberok
141. PhDr. Mária Marková, Bratislava
142. MUDr. Monika Markovová, Ružomberok
143. Mgr. Natália Matušáková, Ružomberok
144. MUDr. Zuzana Matzová, PhD., Bratislava
145. MUDr. Kristína Maťašová, FN Trenčín
146. Mgr. Ondrej Maťko, Žilina
147. MUDr. Rebecca Melegová, Bratislava
148. MUDr. Alžbeta Mészároš, Bratislava
149. Mgr. Linnet Michaličková, Bratislava
150. Mgr. Martin Miler, Bratislava
151. Mgr. Zuzana Milerová, Bratislava
152. MUDr. Daniela Milichovská, Košice
153. MUDr. Ivana Miklušicová, Sučany
154. MUDr. Branislav Moťovský, PhD., Trenčín
155. Mgr. Ľubomíra Mrázová, Žilina
156. Mgr. Mária Múdra, Trenčín
157. Mgr. Zuzana Navrátilová, PhD., Bratislava
158. MUDr. Ivana Nákačková, Ružomberok
159. MUDr. Magdaléna Niemcová, Trenčín
160. Mgr. Radka Nguyen, Žilina
161. Mgr. Stanislava Nociarová, Zvolen
162. MUDr. Petra Nosáľová, Bratislava
163. Mgr. Ľudovít Novota, Banská Bystrica
164. Mgr. Kristína Novotová, M.A., Banská Bystrica
165. Mgr. Martin Ondria, Prešov
166. Mgr. Sylvia Ondrisova, PhD., Bratislava
167. PhDr. Roman Oros, Bratislava
168. Mgr. Iveta Országhová, Žilina
169. MUDr. Miroslava Palušná, Prešov
170. MUDr. Renata Papšová, Bratislava
171. MUDr. Beata Pašková, Praha
172. Mgr. Anna Paulovičová, Krupina
173. MUDr. Daniela Pavlíková, Levice
174. Mgr. Zuzana Pavlíková, Bratislava
175. Mgr. Lenka Pavúková Rušarová
176. MUDr. Lukáš Peregrim, Žilina
177. Mgr. Denisa Petorová, Nová Baňa
178. MUDr. Piatriková Terézia, Trenčín
179. Mgr. Bohumila Piňáková, Žilina
180. MUDr. Ondrej Potančok, Sučany
181. MUDr. Zuzana Potočárová, Bratislava
182. MUDr. Monika Potúčková, Bratislava
183. MUDr. Michal Považan, Praha
184. MUDr. Martina Pöthe, Žilina
185. MUDr. Peter Pöthe, Praha
186. Mgr. Kristína Púčeková, Bratislava
187. MUDr. Monika Ranincová, Trenčín
188. MUDr. Daniel Ralaus, Trenčín
189. Mgr. Monika Reitšpís, Žilina
190. MUDr.Igor Riečanský, PhD, Bratislava
191. Mgr. Barbora Richtárech, Trenčín
192. MUDr. Katarína Romsauerová, Nitra
193. MUDr. Monika Rosivalová, Žilina
194. Mgr. Lucia Rošteková, Bánovce nad Bebravou
195. MUDr. Róbert Ruttkay, Predná Hora
196. MUDr. Dorota Ružicová, Bratislava
197. Mgr. Lenka Sarnecká, Žiar nad Hronom
198. MUDr. Magdaléna Sečová, Senica
199. PhDr. Stanislava Segečová, Nitra
200. MUDr. Zuzana Sekelská, Košice
201. Mgr. Ladislav Senko, Žilina
202. Mgr. Ivana Senková, Žilina
203. MUDr. Erika Semančíková, PhD.,
204. MUDr. Abdul Mohammad Shinwari, Rimavská Sobota
205. MUDr. Katarína Sidorová, Žilina
206. Mudr. Adriena Smieškova, Košice
207. PhDr. Hana Smitková, PhD, Bratislava
208. PhDr. Nora Snopková, Bratislava
209. MUDr. Anna Solárová, Bratislava
210. Mgr. Boris Sopko, Humenné
211. Mgr. Veronika Stankovič, Banská Bystrica
212. Mgr. Anna Stopková, Čadca
213. MUDr. Mario Straka, Galanta
214. PhDr. Eva Strečková, Bratislava
215. Mgr. Barbora Surovcová, PhD. Banská Bystrica
216. Mgr. Viktor Svetský, PhD., Bratislava
217. MUDr. RNDr. Gabriela Šedivá, Košice
218. MUDr. Andrea Ševčíková, Trenčín
219. Mgr. Hana Ševčíková, Chorvátsky Grob
220. MUDr. Viktória Šimurková, Bratislava
221. doc. MUDr. Igor Škodáček, CSc., Bratislava
222. Mgr. Miroslava Školová, Žilina
223. MUDr. Marcela Šoltýsová, PhD., Zvolen
224. Mgr. Marta Špaleková, Bratislava
225. MUDr. Dagmar Štrocholcová, Kysucké Nové Mesto
226. Mgr. Miroslava Študila Žilinská, PhD, Bratislava
227. MUDr. Ján Šuba, MPH, Bratislava
228. Mgr. Oľga Šupalová, Liptovský Hrádok
229. Mgr. Lucia Šútorová, Žilina
230. PhDr. Oľga Švančarová, Nová Dubnica
231. Mgr. Eva Švecová, Bratislava
232. Mgr. Slávka Takáčová, Bratislava
233. prof. Ing. Mgr., Mgr. Peter Tavel, PhD, Olomouc
234. doc. MUDr. Jana Trebatická, PhD., Bratislava
235. Mgr. Brigita Trimajova, Dipl. PW, Bratislava
236. MUDr. Silvia Trnovcová, Pezinok
237. MUDr. Zdenka Trokanová, MPH, Veľké Zálužie
238. MUDr. Andrej Turan, Martin
239. Mgr. Mariana Ťapušíková, Nitra
240. Mgr. Norbert Uhnák, Bratislava
241. MUDr. Maroš Uhrin, Galanta
242. MUDr. Katarína Vajdová, Banská Bystrica
243. Mgr. Andrea Vanyová, Stupava
244. MUDr. Martin Vatrál, Bratislava
245. MUDr. Lívia Vavrušová, Bratislava
246. MUDr. Margaréta Velická, Banská Bystrica
247. MUDr. Vladimír Velický, Banská Bystrica
248. MUDr. Zuzana Vidličková, Bratislava
249. MUDr. Alžbeta Virdzeková, Bratislava
250. Mgr. Martin Vrábel, Prešov
251. MUDr. Beáta Vranová Gašparová , Zvolen
252. MUDr. Janka Vránová, Bratislava
253. Mgr. Andrej Vršanský, ako riaditeľ LDZ vyjadril súhlas Ligy za duševné zdravie (LDZ)
254. Mgr. Michaela Zábojová, Bratislava
255. Mgr. Lucia Záhorcová, PhD., Trnava
256. Mgr. Veronika Záškvarová, Tvrdošín
257. MUDr. Simona Závodná, Žilina
258. Mgr Zuzana Zimová, Bratislava
259. Mgr. Andrej Zvodár, Levice
260. Mgr. Lýdia Zvodárová, Levice
261. MUDr. Vladimír Žabkay, Bratislava
262. MUDr. Miroslav Zužov, Rimavská Sobota
263. Mgr Zuzana Wernerová, Bratislava
264. Mgr. Zuzana Wilgová, Bratislava
Source: Mária Benedikovičová | Denník N