After becoming the only European Union leader to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow—an act widely interpreted as symbolic alignment with the Kremlin amid its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine—Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico now faces escalating domestic and international criticism for isolating his country from core democratic partners. In a high-profile public debate titled How to Save Democracy, held in the northern Slovak city of Žilina, four leading Slovak and Czech journalists—Denník N editor-in-chief Matúš Kostolný, political analyst Marián Leško, essayist Martin M. Šimečka, and Czech journalist Erik Tabery—condemned Fico’s visit as a betrayal of European values and an endorsement of authoritarian narratives. Framing the trip as part of a broader shift towards illiberal governance, the speakers highlighted coordinated attacks on NGOs, the arts, and independent media; politically motivated state funding benefiting regime-aligned actors; and a foreign policy agenda that, in echoing Soviet-era propaganda, undermines both historical truth and Slovakia’s credibility within the EU. Referencing cases ranging from disinformation campaigns to misappropriated EU cultural grants and the targeting of opposition family members, the panellists warned that Fico’s strategy hinges on clientelism, polarisation, and the systematic dismantling of rule-of-law safeguards. The discussion also drew attention to verified data—including a €217 million net fiscal benefit from Ukrainian refugees—that directly contradict the government’s populist rhetoric, further exposing the dissonance between Fico’s nationalist messaging and Slovakia’s democratic obligations.
Four prominent Slovak and Czech journalists—Martin M. Šimečka (editor and essayist), Matúš Kostolný (editor-in-chief of Denník N), Marián Leško (veteran political analyst), and Erik Tabery (editor-in-chief of the Czech weekly Respekt)—participated in a public debate held in Žilina, Slovakia. Moderated by journalist Monika Tódová, the discussion, titled How to Save Democracy, offered a sweeping and critical assessment of the Slovak political landscape under Prime Minister Robert Fico. The format was an open panel discussion, where each speaker presented commentary in response to topical questions, including audience contributions.
Fico’s Cult of Personality and Psychological Exposure
The panel opened with commentary from Martin M. Šimečka, who characterised Robert Fico—Slovakia’s long-serving and current Prime Minister—as a man deeply troubled by ageing and political irrelevance. He suggested that Fico’s constant public appearances serve to fill a void of significance, and compared his behaviour to a form of political exhibitionism. According to Šimečka, this psychological state explains Fico’s increasingly bizarre public gestures, which he likened to “political pornography.”
Matúš Kostolný added that Fico is isolated and intellectually unstimulated, surrounded only by sycophants. Unlike the camaraderie and purpose that motivate independent journalists and activists, Fico’s circle, Kostolný argued, is marked by cynicism and creative exhaustion. Marián Leško concurred, pointing to the public’s persistent interest in pro-democracy events as the real reason Fico continues to attack their organisers—because the turnout undermines his narrative.
Media Attacks and Cultural Decline
The discussion then turned to Fico’s verbal assault on the partner of opposition leader Michal Šimečka (Progressive Slovakia), following a modern dance performance. Erik Tabery condemned the personal attack as undignified and demeaning, stating that “a gentleman would never do such a thing.” He noted Fico’s apparent disdain for free-thinking individuals.
Leško deepened the comparison by evoking George Orwell’s 1984, suggesting that Fico’s press conferences resemble extended “Two Minutes Hate” sessions. According to Leško, Fico thrives on public vitriol and cannot resist the attention it brings, regardless of how damaging the content is. Matúš Kostolný described the attack on artist Soňa Ferienčíková as “the most despicable act in politics,” underscoring what he sees as Fico’s inability to conduct a civil political contest.
Šimečka connected Fico’s taste in culture to authoritarian populism. Citing his preference for Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko and for lavish self-portraits by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, Šimečka argued that Fico’s cultural vision is based on kitsch and anti-modern sentiment. He compared it to the cultural suppression under Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, where true artistic freedom was branded as “decadent” and purged from public life.
Corruption in Cultural Policy
A revealing example of mismanagement in cultural policy was the state-funded exhibition of an American photographer at the Slovak National Gallery (SNG), billed as the most expensive in Slovakia’s history. Kostolný noted that an earlier version of the same exhibition in Prague cost less than half. Tabery reported that Prague’s gallery publicly distanced itself from Slovakia’s contract and hinted at possible copyright violations. He argued that Slovak authorities, while claiming to elevate national culture, instead stifle grassroots creativity and alienate cultural professionals, leading to an exodus of talent to neighbouring countries like the Czech Republic.
In a further example, Matúš Kostolný mocked the awarding of €20,000 to a company called Pyrotechnics Activities for an “art project” in Malta. This firm is also registered for operating an erotic salon, yacht rentals, and arms transport. Kostolný derided the project as grotesque, sarcastically noting that it at least spares Slovak audiences an “aesthetic shock.”
Dismantling Civil Society
Turning to civil society, Leško refuted Fico’s accusation that NGOs are “destroying Slovakia,” saying they are in fact trying to “destroy Fico’s Slovakia”—a system reliant on corruption and legal impunity. He highlighted organisations like Transparency International Slovakia, Via Iuris, and Stop Corruption Foundation as defenders of rule of law, not enemies of the state.
Tabery echoed this defence, pointing to studies showing that non-profits fulfil essential social roles otherwise neglected by the state. Without them, he argued, both Slovakia and the Czech Republic “would collapse.”
Foreign Policy Betrayal and Historical Distortion
The most serious concern among all speakers was Prime Minister Fico’s plan to visit Moscow to mark Victory Day on 9 May, potentially meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Šimečka warned that the trip would place Fico in the ranks of historical collaborators like Vidkun Quisling and Philippe Pétain. He asserted that if Fico truly mourned war victims, he would visit Kyiv, not Moscow. Leško added that Fico’s visit serves to honour Soviet imperial doctrine rather than fallen soldiers.
Tabery characterised the visit as “the greatest disgrace possible” for a democratic leader. He warned that Fico’s rhetoric—aligning Slovak and Russian historical narratives—suggests not pro-Russian sentiment but an ideological merger with Putin’s worldview. Kostolný added that Fico distorts World War II history, ignoring Soviet complicity in its outbreak and allying with current far-right extremists in Slovakia.
Tabery also denounced Fico’s criticism of a U.S.–Ukraine resource agreement, noting that his opposition closely aligns with Russian interests. According to Tabery, Fico’s supposed desire for peace is disingenuous, since he makes no effort to persuade Putin to end the war.
Economic Mismanagement and Personal Contradictions
Leško mocked Fico’s contradictory claims about his health: too frail for a four-hour car ride, yet able to fly to Moscow. He satirised Fico’s image cultivation, referencing staged river swims and bodybuilding antics.
Kostolný linked EU funds misuse to corrupt luxury developments under Fico’s earlier governments, such as pensions and villas that now lie idle. He argued that these grants primarily served political allies. Tabery emphasised the indispensable role of journalism in exposing such scandals, citing them as proof that investigative work remains a pillar of democracy.
Šimečka warned that economic instability could become Fico’s undoing. He observed that while the Prime Minister frequently rants against enemies, he now speaks unusually candidly about Slovakia’s financial woes. Šimečka predicted that Fico’s inability to manage an economy through crisis—especially surrounded by “fools with no ideas”—could lead to his political fatigue.
Coalition Dysfunction and Political Fragmentation
Kostolný dismissed the current governing coalition as unmanageable. He said that coalition partners such as Andrej Danko (Slovak National Party) and Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas-SD) lack authority over their MPs. Leško described Danko as a comical figure whose political relevance has faded to mere “subsistence.”
Kostolný also criticised the alleged use of EU funds to pay influencers in the presidential campaign of Peter Pellegrini, now Slovakia’s president. He accused Pellegrini of winning through lies and media manipulation.
Authoritarianism and Societal Fear
Responding to an audience question on how to overcome fear of Fico, Kostolný advised empathy rather than fear, saying the Prime Minister is traumatised and is in turn traumatising the nation. His leadership, according to Kostolný, violates every expectation of ethical conduct.
Šimečka responded to the provocative question, “Do Slovaks deserve their own state?” by referencing Tomáš G. Masaryk’s idea that states are born from ideals. As Slovakia lacked such a founding idea, he said, it also cannot “disappear” in a traditional sense. The question, he implied, should prompt civic responsibility, not despair.
Tabery affirmed Slovakia’s resilience, referencing research that societal transformation needs just 3.5% of committed citizens. In Slovakia, that would mean 160,000 engaged people.
Warnings of Global Conflict and Pathways to Hope
When asked whether current geopolitics represent the first stage of a third world war, Šimečka warned of global instability but cautioned against panic. Referencing historian Christopher Clark’s The Sleepwalkers, he observed that world wars rarely begin with recognition of their scale. Leško added that several close calls in the Cold War were averted by individual acts of conscience, such as those by Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov. He warned against relying on such luck.
In a moment of uplift, Šimečka shared findings from happiness research suggesting that brief interactions with strangers can boost mood and civic engagement—valuable tools for sustaining democratic commitment.
Kostolný reminded the audience that they could show their disapproval of Fico’s Moscow visit by joining one of two upcoming protests. According to him, such civic action visibly affirms that “not all of us are Fico.”
Leško praised recent rulings by the Supreme Court, noting that Slovak judiciary bodies still show signs of integrity. He warned, however, that their courage may come at personal cost, especially in light of aggressive rhetoric from pro-government politicians.
Tabery concluded with economic evidence contradicting anti-immigrant narratives: Ukrainian refugees have contributed €217 million to Slovakia’s state budget. Kostolný also expressed gratitude to 400 healthcare professionals in Banská Bystrica who spoke out against disinformation promoted by government appointees.
