Social Democrat Leader with Ties to Germany’s SPD Makes Nazi Comparison in a Display of Nationalism That Defies Inclusive Ideals of Social Democracy

Slovakia’s Interior Minister and Social Democrat party leader, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, has drawn criticism for inflammatory remarks that scapegoat multiculturalism and trivialise historical atrocities. In a recent address, Šutaj Eštok condemned Germany’s immigration policies, citing an alleged incident at Stuttgart’s Christmas markets to warn against the dangers of multiculturalism and call for Slovakia to preserve its Christian traditions. Just weeks earlier, he compared a Slovak high school’s Halloween costume party to Nazi and Communist propaganda, accusing students of mocking seniors for their political beliefs. Šutaj Eštok’s rhetoric, steeped in nationalism and historical distortion, starkly contrasts with the inclusive principles of social democracy—principles promoted globally by his German allies in the Social Democratic Party (SPD). His longstanding ties to Germany’s social democratic network, including appearances at events linked to the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, raise troubling questions about the SPD’s alignment with a figure whose divisive narratives risk undermining their mission of fostering democracy and inclusivity.

Germany’s Multiculturalism as Slovakia’s Scapegoat
In a recent address, Šutaj Eštok criticised Germany’s handling of immigration, using an alleged incident at Stuttgart’s Christmas markets to denounce multiculturalism and immigration’s impact on European traditions. “Shouts of Allahu Akbar… do not convey the impression of respect, reverence, or gratitude that we would expect from these people,” he claimed, while asserting that Slovakia must avoid Germany’s perceived mistakes by preserving its Christian traditions and enforcing stricter border controls.

By framing immigration as a cultural and existential threat, Šutaj Eštok embraced nationalist rhetoric at odds with his party’s claim of adhering to European social democratic values, which traditionally emphasise inclusivity and multiculturalism. This rhetoric starkly contrasts with the principles promoted by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, which supports social democratic ideals globally, including fostering democratic development and inclusivity.

Comparing Halloween to Nazi Propaganda
The Minister’s rhetoric extended to domestic issues in early November 2024, when he criticised a Bratislava high school’s Halloween event, in which students dressed as elderly voters, one holding a sign reading “I love Fico,” referencing a viral video of a supporter of former Prime Minister Robert Fico. Šutaj Eštok accused the students of mocking seniors for their political views, comparing the incident to propaganda tactics employed by Nazi and Communist regimes. “We have seen in the past how politicians have exploited children for political propaganda. Nazis and communists did it,” he declared.

This comparison trivialised the atrocities of totalitarian regimes while inflaming domestic tensions. School officials refuted his characterisation, with Principal Daniel Kasala describing the costumes as “kind-hearted humour” rather than ridicule. Students involved expressed disbelief at how their actions were distorted, emphasising that the event was a light-hearted tradition with no intention to offend.

Social Democrat Party Leader Compares Student Costumes to Nazi Propaganda
Šutaj Eštok’s longstanding relationship with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) complicates his inflammatory rhetoric. Founded in 1925 to promote democracy and political education, the FES operates independently while maintaining a close affiliation with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), reflecting shared social democratic values. However, this affiliation creates a reputational link between the foundation and the political leaders it supports. By maintaining ties with a leader whose rhetoric embraces divisive and nationalist themes, the FES risks undermining its mission of inclusivity and democracy. While autonomous from the SPD, the foundation’s activities inevitably influence perceptions of the party’s values, raising critical questions about whether such affiliations align with its foundational principles.

The divisive rhetoric of Slovakia’s Interior Minister reflects a troubling trend in Slovak politics, where nationalist narratives and historical distortions are used to polarise public discourse. These actions are at odds with the values of social democracy and risk contributing further to the ongoing destabilisation of Slovakia’s democratic fabric.

The close relationship between Slovakia’s Interior Minister, his HLAS party and Germany’s social democratic political network highlights the complexities of supporting political leaders whose rhetoric contradicts shared ideals. As the SPD promotes democracy and inclusivity, it must critically assess its affiliations to ensure its partnerships do not inadvertently enable rhetoric or actions that undermine these principles. The question remains whether Germany’s Social Democrats are fully aware of the implications of their association with Šutaj Eštok, and whether continued support aligns with their mission of fostering democratic and inclusive societies.