Slovakia’s schools remain under threat from repeated bomb alerts, but the state’s failure to reassure the public or manage the crisis has exposed deeper flaws in its security apparatus. Officials have downplayed the risks while avoiding clear answers about potential Russian involvement, fuelling concerns over the independence of the Slovak intelligence service—especially as its director’s family ties to Moscow-linked actors face scrutiny. Adding to the controversy, the Intelligence Director has accused a major liberal newspaper of “spreading hybrid threats” through disinformation, a move seen as deflecting from the government’s failure to address public safety effectively.
Bomb Threats in Schools: Slovakia’s Leaders Leave Public Without Answers
Since spring, Slovakia has endured repeated bomb threats, forcing schools and universities into evacuations and disrupting daily life. On Thursday, major institutions such as the Slovak University of Technology and Comenius University were targeted yet again. Despite claims of identifying a likely perpetrator, officials have refrained from providing meaningful details, citing operational confidentiality.
Observers have criticised Slovak authorities for their lack of effective crisis communication, highlighting their failure to credibly reassure the public that the state is fulfilling its primary function: ensuring the security of its citizens. The Slovak Information Service Director framed the bomb threats as a long-term issue affecting multiple countries, but this response—absent substantive reassurances—has only deepened concerns about the state’s ability to protect schools, children, and students.
Russian Links Erode Trust in Slovakia’s Intelligence Agencies
The bomb threats, officially classified as cyber incidents, have sparked fears of foreign interference. SIS Director Pavol Gašpar, when questioned about a potential Russian link, avoided providing a clear answer. Instead, he argued that attributing the bomb threats to any foreign actor—be it Russia, Ukraine, or the United States—would be “political” and not grounded in verifiable evidence. While framing this as a cautious and neutral stance, his reluctance to explicitly name Russia has drawn criticism, particularly given suspicions of his father’s ties to Moscow.
The credibility of Slovakia’s security institutions has been further undermined by reports of Tibor Gašpar, father of SIS Director Pavol Gašpar, meeting with the Russian ambassador to discuss “cybersecurity.” This meeting, occurring shortly after the police classified the bomb threats as cyber incidents, has fuelled concerns that the SIS Director’s cautious approach may reflect deeper institutional or personal connections to Russia. Critics argue that these developments not only compromise Slovakia’s national security but also cast doubt on the independence of its intelligence services, especially against the backdrop of Russia’s documented interference in European cyber operations.
No Security Background: Intelligence Chief Accuses Journalist of Spreading “Hybrid Threats”
Adding to the controversy, SIS Director Pavol Gašpar accused a major liberal newspaper of “spreading hybrid threats” through disinformation.However, his misuse of the term “hybrid threats” was grammatically incorrect, hinting at a limited understanding of grey-zone tactics and raising further doubts about his competency in addressing complex security challenges This is particularly alarming given that Gašpar, before assuming office, had no prior experience in intelligence, security, or defence—raising serious doubts about his ability to lead the country’s intelligence service during such a crisis.
The ongoing bomb threats expose Slovakia’s failure to ensure public security while raising concerns about its intelligence services’ integrity. The SIS Director has downplayed the physical risk, claiming the threat to students is minimal, but such reassurances feel inadequate. These incidents may act as testing grounds for hostile actors to evaluate Slovakia’s crisis response, highlighting vulnerabilities in its security apparatus. If authorities struggle to manage these threats now, how prepared are they for a genuine, imminent crisis? Combined with evasiveness on Russian links and ties to Moscow, these failures erode trust in the state’s ability to protect its people and its democratic foundations.
Author: Victor Breiner | Slovak Media Monitor
