During a visit of a wanted Slovak extremist in London—who faces international arrest warrants for extremism and cyberstalking—with Lukáš Machala, the second-ranking official at the Ministry of Culture, who referred to the London trip as a “private voluntary radicalization training,” musician Oskar Rózsa declared that his new rendition of the Slovak national anthem, commissioned by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, is “not for everyone” and warned critics that their time is “radically running out.”
Visit to a Wanted Extremist
Musician Oskar Rózsa and Lukáš Machala, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, recently traveled to London to meet Daniel Bombic, an extremist facing three international arrest warrants for charges including extremism and cyberstalking. Bombic, known by the online alias “Danny Kollar,” is awaiting a court decision on his potential extradition to Slovakia.
Provocative Statements Spark Outrage
In a video recorded during the visit, Rózsa addressed his critics directly: “I am not making this anthem for you. You still don’t understand that it’s not your anthem. It’s for a completely different group of people,” he stated. He further added, “Believe me, they are significantly more numerous than you, regardless of how loudly you screech. Your time is radically running out. So please, crawl back into your holes.”
Significant Government Funding Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Martina Šimkovičová, has commissioned Rózsa to create a new arrangement of the Slovak national anthem, allocating over €46,000 for the project. This includes a €20,000 fee to Rózsa personally as an author’s remuneration, with the remainder covering production costs. The anthem’s premiere is scheduled for January 1, 2025.
A New Anthem Amid Controversy
Rózsa initiated the project, citing purely musical motivations to reimagine the anthem’s arrangement. He expressed dissatisfaction with the existing official version, describing it as lacking when performed independently of the Czech anthem. The new rendition features a slower tempo and incorporates a large symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and two children’s choirs. Despite assurances that the melody and lyrics remain unchanged, the project has faced criticism due to the substantial public funding and the involvement of government officials.
Political Reactions Emphasize Unity
Michal Šimečka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, condemned Rózsa’s remarks, stating that the national anthem “belongs to all of us.” Other politicians, including Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, questioned the necessity of altering the anthem, emphasizing that it should remain a unifying symbol above political divides.
Bombic’s Legal Challenges Continue
Daniel Bombic remains a contentious figure, with British courts deliberating his extradition to Slovakia. Despite his legal troubles, he maintains a significant online following and has previously featured government officials in his broadcasts. His association with Rózsa and Machala has intensified public scrutiny and raised concerns about the appropriateness of their engagement with a wanted extremist.
Official Silence from the Ministry
Minister Šimkovičová has not commented on the visit or the statements made by Rózsa. Lukáš Machala referred to the London trip as a “private voluntary radicalization training” on social media but provided no further explanation. The lack of official response has fueled further debate over the government’s role in the project and its association with controversial figures.
Source: Tomáš Kyseľ | Aktuality.sk
