Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia’s president of state, is facing explosive allegations of violating his non-partisan role by covertly controlling the Hlas party through Education Minister Tomáš Drucker and fostering a culture of authoritarianism. Former Hlas MP Samuel Migaľ accused Pellegrini of wielding undue influence over internal party decisions, including orchestrating his expulsion, silencing critics, and prioritising personal and partisan interests over democratic principles. Migaľ further detailed coercive practices within Hlas, including offering dissenting MPs high-ranking positions to secure compliance and leveraging security services to intimidate critics—a practice he likened to “gestapo-like” tactics. Adding to the controversy, subsequent reports claim that Pellegrini collaborated with the prime minister in a manipulative information operation, allegedly exploiting Slovakia’s intelligence services to deter anti-government protests. These accusations paint a troubling picture of Slovakia’s highest office as complicit in actions that erode public trust, undermine democratic norms, and compromise the country’s stability.
In a recent interview published on 26 January, former Hlas MP Samuel Migaľ alleged that Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia’s current president of state and former leader of the Hlas party, continues to exert influence over the party despite his ostensibly apolitical role. According to Migaľ, Pellegrini wields control through Tomáš Drucker, the education minister, serving as a key intermediary. This claim challenges Pellegrini’s status as a non-partisan figure and raises questions about the separation of powers and political neutrality.
Migaľ described Drucker as the conduit through which Pellegrini allegedly orchestrated internal party decisions, including Migaľ’s expulsion from Hlas. He further stated that Drucker facilitated discussions about leadership and ministerial appointments, suggesting that such interventions exemplify a broader pattern of presidential interference. According to Migaľ, Pellegrini delivered a vehement address at a recent Hlas congress, urging the removal of members perceived as deviating from party values. However, those members, according to their own accounts, claim they only sought greater transparency, accountability, and alignment with the principles of a standard social democracy.
While Drucker’s involvement appears central to the allegations, Migaľ also linked Pellegrini’s influence to decisions that seemingly serve personal and political objectives rather than democratic principles. The accusations of overt interference undermine the image of a politically neutral presidency and suggest an ongoing struggle over Hlas’s leadership and direction.
Migaľ alleged that Pellegrini’s influence has contributed to a broader environment of coercion and transactional politics within Hlas. He claimed that dissenting MPs, including himself, were offered high-ranking political positions, such as parliamentary leadership roles or ministerial posts, to secure their compliance or force their departure. He specifically criticised Drucker, who also holds the role of education minister, for facilitating such offers, framing them as attempts to consolidate party leadership’s control.
Additionally, Migaľ accused Pellegrini and the party leadership of undermining the democratic principles on which Hlas was founded. He claimed that the party’s decisions were increasingly dictated by personal and partisan interests, marginalising its founding commitment to transparency and social democratic values.
Migaľ also highlighted allegations that security services have been misused to intimidate dissenting MPs and their families. He described a pattern of surveillance and pressure tactics that he likened to “gestapo-like practices,” asserting that such actions are inconsistent with democratic norms and raise concerns about the role of the interior minister, Matúš Šutaj-Eštok.
Furthermore, new allegations have emerged implicating President Pellegrini in an information and psychological operation orchestrated alongside the prime minister to deter public participation in anti-government protests. According to sources, the president and other government officials exploited Slovakia’s intelligence services, including the Slovak Information Service (SIS) and Military Intelligence, to manipulate public perception and suppress dissent. This alleged misuse of state resources has not only damaged the international credibility of these agencies but has also been likened to strategies employed by authoritarian regimes. Critics argue this represents a profound betrayal of public trust, undermining Slovakia’s democratic values and institutions.
Claims of Suppression and Lack of Accountability
Migaľ criticised Hlas’s leadership for prioritising loyalty over internal debate, alleging that MPs were routinely pressured to vote on legislative proposals without adequate consultation. This approach, he claimed, undermines democratic processes within the party. He described a “command-and-control” environment, where decisions are dictated without room for dissent.
One notable example was Migaľ’s account of being coerced into supporting laws that allowed the expiration of significant corruption cases. He highlighted the absence of meaningful discussions within the party, adding that the leadership’s dismissal of transparency and debate resulted in fractured relations between MPs and the executive.
Transactional Politics and the Alleged Misuse of Security Services
The interview also highlighted accusations of transactional politics, where dissenting MPs were reportedly offered lucrative roles to secure their compliance or neutralise opposition. Migaľ claimed that Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok extended these offers under pressure from party leadership.
Migaľ described what he called “gestapo-like practices,” accusing Hlas of leveraging security services to surveil and intimidate dissenting MPs, including their families. He recounted threats, increased scrutiny by security forces, and coercion to suppress dissent.
Connections With Prime Minister Fico and the Leadership’s Direction
Migaľ asserted that current party leader Matúš Šutaj-Eštok seeks to emulate Prime Minister Robert Fico’s leadership style, which he characterised as authoritarian. He criticised Šutaj-Eštok for failing to address the poor management of EU funds and accused party figures like Richard Raši of seeking high-ranking roles to avoid accountability.
According to Migaľ, regional leaders were also coerced into signing public declarations of loyalty to Šutaj-Eštok under the threat of losing government-related positions. This approach, he argued, stifles legitimate debate and perpetuates a culture of fear within the party.
Migaľ’s account paints a troubling picture of Hlas as a party struggling with democratic deficiencies, questionable leadership practices, and the undue influence of external figures like Pellegrini. As the party faces internal rifts and growing allegations, its trajectory could have profound implications for Slovakia’s political stability and adherence to democratic norms.
Source: Nina Janešíková | Denník N
