Alarming Tolerance of Evil

So shortly after Christmas, which is supposed to be a time of a reflection and good spirit, starting a blog with such a heading was quite a dilemma. Nevertheless this Christmas news has somewhat showed a stark contrast where we should become highly alert:

Slovakia has now for half a year been under a 'right' coalition, and while the surface of the waters seems to have calmed down, a tense undercurrent is noticeable. An undercurrent, which cannot be simply compared to a coalitions' role like in other democratic countries. 

Whereas the present government is balancing between surfacing unveiled corruption scandals from the previous administration and trying to change legislation to such an extent, where control mechanisms would prevent further damage, giving it sometimes an impression of hasty fire-fighting, criticism of the opposition would be natural.

Criticism, however, which tries to over-shout its own gross faux-pas becomes fairly embarrassing, but the more dangerous, when taken into account that such criticism perhaps is even shared by a considerable part of the population. Moreover, especially when it receives medialisation - that gives it a certain cachet. 

The president himself has aired some of his own 'reflections', which are to say the least ambiguous. Labelling the present government as causing nervousness is a bit not-done. Although president Gašparovič has frequently proven to be a mere principles-lacking puppet of our soviet-craving comrade Fico, his vision - perhaps misty by the Christmas punch - has been a bit inappropriate. Being surprised about the dramatic outcome for the then looting SNS coalition-partner, proves a horribly poor ability of political judgment. Or is it a slight nostalgic sorrow of the vanished wishful statehood of old style totalitarianism with extremist nationalism?

Concurrently, Ján Slota, the high priest of ancient Slovak values and boss of the very same SNS, has formally congratulated Lukashenko on his 'democratic victory' to be re-elected, keeping Belarus as the last bastion of dictatorship. One would expect no-one taking Slota too seriously, but the repeated signals coming from people like Fico, Slota or Gašparovič are not so much a sign of the personal views of these three anachronistic musketeers, it reflects a certain dangerous sentiment within the society.

While Brussels is preoccupied rather with butter-quotas, labeling of wines, it is seriously underestimating the immature systems within its EU borders. Democracies are not merely democratic because there are "free" elections (in contrast to the example of Belarus), but especially what the accountability of politicians is especially in between these elections. Brussels has become too complacent to deal with so-called internal national discussions. These streams could lead to a serious drift of ideologies, which might become uncontrollable. 

As Hungary will take over the EU presidency from Belgium in January, there is one interesting paradox in sight: A country, which would like to focus to bring minorities together, is currently led by a prime minister, who seems to be overly favourable to the wishes of the fascistoid Jobbik, having called for the sacking of  the rather successful National Theatre director Róbert Alföldi - just because Alföldi is on Jobbik's  'hit-list' for being a jew and a homosexual, and thus un-Hungarian. Not very flattering for the new presidency of the EU. 

If we continue sticking our heads into the sand, such an alarming tolerance of evil will easily thrive on and on.  As in Hungary also Slovakia will easily fall prone to a renewed wave of 'arianisation', hatred and intolerance to others. Although the 19th century is a long way behind us, these immature democracies remain a constant breeding ground for dangerous thinking.

A Bitter Reality

Hardly a few months in office, and with some (usual) balancing acts of a new government, the coalition of Iveta Radičová is seriously in danger. On the one hand, it could be an acceptable fact of the state of politics were Slovakia a democracy. Despite an economic crisis, Belgium and the Netherlands have been somewhat functioning, despite having been without a government - for various reasons - but the stalemate which Slovakia is facing could be far more dramatic. 

Four years of Fico government have brought the country to the edge, economically and morally; increasing re-emerging corruption, a choking political grip on the judiciary, looting of the state finances through dodgy over-expensive projects. The majority of the population have voted for a change, and the newly elected coalition have promised the necessary change to avoid worse.

The Greek tragedy lies in this, that one of the major issues, in order to elect a new General Prosecutor - to replace the controversially political Trnka - which could lead the country towards a more just legal functioning of the state, the very coalition itself is putting almost literally a knife to Ms Radičová throat by repeatedly being unable to get a majority for a new candidate. The only possible reason is that within the coalition (and most probable within the ranks of Ms Radičová SDKU-party) a few members secretly vote for the much criticised Trnka.

Sadly, the signal is clear. What is most frustrating: that we felt bad on how the Fico government was continuously lying but that now the elected "coalition of hope" seems to play the same kind of game. Some players high-up desperately need to hide their personal interests over the promised reforms of a more transparent politics. One does need little speculations on who those persons might be, but a speculation is merely a speculation and hardly a proof. Appearing on TV and without blushing declaring not having realised the controversy of supporting Trnka's candidacy is more than a 'smoking gun'. Slovak politics seems not to change at all. Need I say more?

Wishing Ms Radičová all the strength and luck for tomorrow. 

Wiki-gate

Although the current Wikileaks-fever seems to be slightly off-topic to a Slovak blog, nevertheless I cannot help to hook up on these developments, and finding out that still we have a big issue here as well.

While the whole diplomatic world is baffled and slightly annoyed - to use an understatement - I cannot help but frown: A mass media howling has been unleashed of putting thousands at risk, claiming that disclosure is a criminal offense and I could go on. In my view a slight wrong message.

As I am currently working on an anti-corruption audit, the very same problem arises; the more secrecy there is, the more hidden i.e. corrupt practices are possible and transparency can disclose such malpractices and prevent further. An organisation, which is not willing to disclose information is suspicious, and classifying something as "secret" is the easiest way to manipulate. Under current western legislation it could even be trespassing the law. 

Despite my full understanding of the unease of disclosure of let's say military classified data, I do not see any harm in the vast majority of information that has appeared on Wikileaks. The attributes labelled to Putin, Berlusconi or Kom Jong-Il are far from a surprise to me, and I do not the US State Department telegrammes to confirm that. But in return, neither I myself was pleased how meekly European governments had to provide the Bush Administration with data on citizens in their so-called war against terrorism - which in my view was for a great part instigated by Mr Bush and his fellas' arrogant behaviour in the first place. 

What disturbs me is the statements of several politicians, or Canada's Prime-Minister's advisor, who even uttered that Mr Assange should be put to death or not to forget one of Slovak parliament members Mr Šebej muttered that he should be put behind bars. For what?! Are we now starting to pronounce hysterical fatwahs to a right of information? And frankly, there's much that needs to be answered on the world political level. And to Mr Šebej, who knows quite well how it was to live under a secretive totalitarian regime that kept records on suspicious citizens. So where is the borderline? Are we now supporting such totalitarian practices again? Let's not play the overly conservative more than pro-American ally here and let's remain a clear head.

This very moment, Slovakia's government is still hanging on one thin thread, due to the repeatedly failed elections of the next General Prosecutor. It is a great disgrace, and visibly a few people have an interest that the dubious Mr Trnka remains in place, perhaps to be able to keep their murky businesses from the past under the carpet. This all at the expense of the present Cabinet, that was supposed to be the hope for better reforms. My question therefore is; is being sheepishly meek and allowing a selected few to do murky, foul business at our expenses the current ideology of being a free democratic (global) society?

The Wikileaks are a sore on the wrong spot so to say, but such things happen if you play with fire. It is in no way the end of the world, and admittedly, I do feel a certain sympathy for Obama and Clinton, for they inherited much of this from the previous administrations, so personally they are not directly responsible for most of it, but politically they have to bite the dust a bit. The world will turn on, but hopefully a world, where we have realised, that we all have a right to these information. The signals given now by officials are more than uncalled for.

A Rotten Judiciary

Through sly machinations, the mečiarists made sure after regaining power during the 2006-2010 Fico-coalition, that Štefan Harabin, though highly controversial, initially became the minister of justice, in which role he cleverly nominated loyal key figures onto posts within the judiciary, then to have himself being nominated as a candidate for the presidency of the Supreme Court - and obviously getting the post. (A nomination primarily legally not valid, since Mr Harabin was not a judge at the time of his nomination; detail that seemed totally irrelevant to president Gašparovič, who immediately affirmed Harabin's new appointment within a matter of hours. The motives are self-evident.

While visibly critical judges were confronted with ridiculous disciplinary measures - or even being stripped of their duties - one can only conclude that all those involved bear the responsibility of having corrupted and politicised the judicial system, a trend which is inadmissible for a EU democratic country. Yet, it is a fact. Sadly enough.

Slovakia's new coalition, faced with a gigantic task to repair the damage caused by Fico, has hardly possible legal tools to mend this and there seems no simple way out. The Supreme Court suddenly refuses audits from the Finance Ministry - calling them a breach of independence of the judiciary (but oddly enough in 2009, Mr Harabin was very happy to welcome the very same audit under minister Pačiatok. A year can make a dramatic difference). 

For months Harabin is rebutting audits - based as mentioned on contradictory arguments - which may confirm certain suspicion about the improper dealings. Yesterday Justice Minister Žitňanská finally filed a disciplinary action against Harabin, which as a political signal is perhaps good, yet the end-result will remain ineffective, as the judges dealing with this delicate matter are more than on friendly terms with the person involved. 

This illustrates in which stale-mate Slovakia currently finds itself - the legal framework is either too weak, excellently applied to accommodate those who tend to abuse it. The little skirmishes between Ms Žitňanská and Harabin are like temporary one-off needle pricks, without any significant end result. The only signal which perhaps could turn events would be a massive popular protest, which is sadly enough totally absent. 

Slovakia can pride itself of being a nation of collective apathy, and though it might be nasty to say; - as once defined by a friend "being observant to clero-fascist trends". This is blocking many democratisation processes, and without strong help from outside, hardly any significant improvement is to be expected. 

A reason to shrug one's shoulders? Would you be indifferent, if such trends obstruct overall business (economy)? But being part of the EU, this damage will cost the EU citizen - even when living in distant Workum, Paisley or Annecy - extra tax money. The price of being indifferent.

A worn-out Velvet Revolution

Today, on this very day 21 years ago, a smooth democratisation process started to turn around a country, which gently shook off the yoke of totalitarian communism. The then enthusiastic atmosphere that could be sensed has over the years faded. Czechoslovakia, after briefly becoming a Czech and Slovak federal state split up and the differences between the two brother-nations became apparent.

Last week, another slap in the face of democracy occurred, when a prominent lawyer was assassinated. The motive is still unclear, yet a few facts and the timing appear unpleasantly coincidental. It shows in a brutal way, how frail democracy is and that advocating a more open and just society is not fully without risk.

What lingers in the back of one's mind is the fact, that the highly criticised General Prosecutor Trnka, who has more than visibly hindered several cases that could be harmful to the previous Fico government, suddenly seems no objection to Mr Dzurinda - now being the foreign minister, yet the political head of the christian-democratic SDKU coalition leader.One may believe or not in so called conspiracy theories, the signals after deducing all facts are more than obvious, and perhaps too obvious, so that they become almost absurdistically improbable; realising that even the new politics (after the Fico years) have perhaps from within no intent to change for the better.

The only clear message, one can learn from this, is that after the so gentle Velvet Revolution, Slovak society is still caught in a Balkan-type power-play. The velvet wears out over time. But the question is, whether it wasn't too gentle to befit the society. Shrugging shoulders, assuming it has always been that way, is not a way to deal with this cancerous evil. The only way is to have it removed - even if painful - to avoid further long term damage. The problem is the lack of proper tools.

Just a cover...

Whether one regards a recently erected and more-so a controversial statue as pure kitsch, or a propagandistic show-off glorifying not just a fictional past, but - even worse - a bad government, the very fact that it attracts the wrong type of groups, fuelling heated nationalist discussions. For this very reason, certain clear signals to cleanse the murky discussions currently ongoing. But instead of a firm action, armed with a committees recommendation to highlight all issues involved (esthetic, artistic, historical, sociological...), the only step taken was to cover the controversial fascist emblem with a metal cover, looking as if a kid left his potty in an unfinished sand-pit. 

It may seem a comical picture, yet the total image illustrates how political decisions, whether the highly criticised controversial Language Act as well as the Law on National Symbols - which is unnecessarily draining schools from highly needed finances - has been dealt with after the elections; with a high disinterest, which could be felt as a dismay or contempt of the broad public. Especially for this criticism, the voters expressed their discontent of the former clique, and now their voices are being disregarded, and the state is currently at a "business as usual" level. 

It is a very sad given, for these fairly simple and perhaps trivial issues would have given Slovakia's public a tremendous positive symbolic thrust. Instead like a the soufflé, coming out of the oven, has puffed out its hot air and is only a ridiculous disformed thingy one would be too embarrassed to serve. The signal to businesses, or even to people in the street, is very discouraging.

Last week has shown some other faux pas; the public prosecutor, who has obviously done all his best to muffle up serious missteps of the Fico government (and therefore is both too much politically engaged as well as utterly incompetent). Yet - instead of his expected exit from office as his term is nearing its end - all of a sudden Mr Dzurinda suddenly has no objections if Trnka would remain for another term.

The credibility of SDKU's leadership is dramatically fading, but Mr Dzurinda has clearly disqualified himself - strangely enough, other critical SDKU figures remain deafening silent.

Slovak politics was promised a new fresh start, a new culture - meaning more transparency, more decency. Yet is will be the same game with different marbles. The big and needed clean-up will just be another cover-up. Only you need is just a cover.

Blunt impertinence

Since the formation of a new government in the neighbouring Czech Republic, similarly as in the Slovak case, causing the largest political party to be left out from government, the social-democratic party ČSSD organised a get-together in the city of Olomouc, to reflect on the current status, the future of (Czech) social democracy and making up a balance. 

Initially, I hardly followed the event, but decided to watch with a half eye a live-transmission. It must be admitted, that the fact that the party had the 'professional' courage to invite also non-party experts to a discussion forum, where outsider opinions were heard, and in all honesty, the party officials seemed genuinely interested. Well why not, if your objectives haven't materialised, a proper manager should always weigh all possibilities, even (or especially) if the sound is from a non-aligned corner. 

Although some politicians - especially former finance minister Sobotka - fell back into a ranting how bad the others are, what A or B said or did, instead coming with an explanation why the current government is making the wrong choices; what social economic impact will it have? Simply call it a bad choice is hardly a convincing argument, and it gives the attentive audience rather a feeling that the leadership is not able to formulate arguments or alternative solutions.

This gesture has expectedly never taken place in Slovakia, where Mr Fico up to this very day is continuously howling over his lost throne, and even more; criticising exactly what his government has done or consequently caused in fact.

The more was the surprise, to read this morning in the newspaper, that Mr Fico appeared as a speaker on this happening. OK, why not. However, his speech's contents is more than impertinent; portraying a complete opposite of his role in the past. An ex-prime minister, who trampled on every minimal democratic principle, whose government looted the state finance treasure, talking about having 'humane' values. It is a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde syndrome; unfortunately not fictional. The mere fact that Fico dares to take words like traditional values or being humane into his mouth is a slap in the face. One can only remain dumbfounded.

A time-bom called Sulík

Having been discontented with Fico's government, an entrepreneur set up a new political party to mobilise some kind of massive protest movement. He called it "Freedom and Solidarity" (Sloboda a Solidarita - in short SaS). As a businessman, being pragmatic, and having served as an expert advisor for two Finance Ministers, Richard Sulík seemed to be 'the right guy' for the job: kicking against the overly-corrupted government, that have lead Slovakia into a dead-end. Financially drained, and morally contemptible, a radical change should be inevitable.

The election results - contrary to the projected polls - were therefore far more than surprising, as exactly this SaS managed to unexpectedly enter parliament, with a considerable percentage. Slovak's voters tend to be highly traditionalists, who rather vote for either a conservative right or a social stream (on purpose, I do not use the word 'left' this time, because in fact, there is no truly 'left' player in Slovak politics - where the so-called social democrats seem merely a disguised continuation of the former Communist Party, having no clear affiliation with a social democratic movement). Sulík SaS was therefore one of the greatest hopes, that would give Iveta Radičová the necessary support.

Mr Sulík, during the preceding months has frequently stressed his pragmatism, wanting to do away with old style corrupt politics, playing fair, appealing also to the younger voters for his 'liberal' views. At face value, although his 'liberalism' appeared almost unreconcilable to Slovak reality, his new approach - or perhaps courage - was impressive. Offering a efficient solution is not always acceptable to the public, who remains more impressed by a crook claiming to be a folk-hero than an honest person having a more logical package to offer. In addition, Mr Sulík has made it no secret of having hand-picked his party members; all should be clean, no trace of any suspicious background. It looked promising.

Within a coalition of four parties, who among themselves have a common trauma from the Fico-era, the basic goal was - at least so it seams - to put the country back into order and change the old style politics of sheer nepotism.

As is usual with politicians, having earned high hopes, the reality is quite a shaky balancing act. Sulík has proven in the past few months to be a poor politician - especially for a manager leading a successful company and having advised two ministers, one would expect a far more sophisticated political instinct. A brand-new party entering the political scene has always a slight handicap of being full of rookies, still in need to learn how to behave like a public figure (but a public figure with a mandate and not just a third rate movie star). 

Sulík has made a couple of serious faux pas, of which some would be trivial but a couple of them are grave enough. In is current capacity presiding the National Parliament he has seems sometimes unaware of his visibility. Jetting off to Salzburg to have dinner with a prominent businessman, Mr Sulík might consider a 'no problem' since he claims having paid for the private jet himself; The host's reputation however is shedding a different light on the whole matter, and this was a very unfortunate move. Furthermore, Sulík's proclaimed transparency efforts have quickly evaporated as currently two state-secretaries are connected to a relatively lucrative government contract (as being the contractors). Suddenly, Sulík has become less transparency minded and is supporting his party member. There is a serious suspicion of conflict of interest. The traditional Slovak style solution remains as it is; do nothing. No news here.

Mrs Radičová's position is becoming critical - balancing between forces; on the one hand I fully understand her desperate attempt to keep the coalition intact, else new elections will bring, with a high degree of certainty, some unwanted parties back into government. Yet Mr Sulík is becoming an enfant terrible. A ticking time-bomb, putting Mrs Radičová under tremendous pressure. 

Slovakia very urgently needs reforms, stability, and this on a long term basis. Fiddling with e.g. whether to apply sanctions imposed by the long criticised Language Act or not without not wanting to abolish it is really not what Slovakia needs. But with Mr Sulík's causes, I wonder, whether Mrs Radičová is indeed in charge. The priorities have become mysteriously less important and trivia has become the main agenda. Hopefully, they will soon see the light and get to their senses.

Hostages of nationalism

Yesterday's session of parliament had one major theme, the whole country was focused on: The social-democratic party SMER-SD filed a motion to depose the Chairman of Parliament. Initially the reasons were multiple - but what started to transpire during an hours long tirade to and fro, began to become a heated debating theme over Mr Sulík's demission: "King Svätopluk's statue".

Hardly ever before, have I met with a more childish sand-pit row, by overpaid representatives of a nation, using the shallowest arguments, if not rather hinging on personal insults, which should not be admitted onto the floor of a democratic legislative body.

And here is the whole irony of the matter: whereas traditionally, leftist parties tend to be distant from any form of nationalism, especially when it gets a bitter taste of a fascist-like tendencies, whilst the so-called confessional parties would be equally expected to withhold themselves from such evil, it seems that especially the social democrats tend to be fascistoid while the other side has hardly the balls to make a firm stand point.

Slovak politics seems to thrive on mere primitive nationalism, as it has no other solution to offer to the people. Arguments are plain, or rather being just invectives than valid debating points of view. The weakness of all involved becomes painfully visible: tragically being trapped, as hostages of nationalism. A pitiful sight.

MS

A pro-European Eurosceptic

The Slovak government made a final decision in parliament, that a loan to save Greece's neck from the economic debacle. Concurrently, it however accepted support to a eurozone safety net. This morning's newspapers are full of the news, how Europe is displeased with the outcome.

What is slightly disturbing is the fact, that some foreign newspapers were generalising too much, announcing a total refusal to support the eurozone safety net. No, the issue was, that only the Greek credit was annulled. In addition, the situation in which Slovakia ended thanks to comrade Fico's squandering, has been communicated for many weeks with Brussels. 

When the current Ministers of Finance, Mr Ivan Mikloš, spent two and a half hour of hard meeting in Brussels, where does this surprise as aired by Olli Rehn then come from?

Slovakia namely cannot afford a bail-out for a richer country like Greece, who in fact has caused this lapse of budget management themselves. An overall solidarity is fine, but using psychological blackmail at a small country, whose previous leaders have made the state deficit shoot through the allowed Maastricht ceiling, is far from reasonable. The current government's decision is objectively speaking the wisest.

Brussels is aware of that, so stop these crocodile tears; when dealing with serious state budget failures, it is a bit of a poor taste, that overpaid EU officials remind a robbed Slovak on his duty do have solidarity. This way, even my pro-European attitude slightly starts turning into becoming a Eurosceptic.

Instead of using the "principle of solidarity" argument, let's start trying "common sense" first.

MS

Some decency please

The new government is taking its seats, cleaning up the numerous skeletons falling out of cabinets, and obviously this provides juicy news for newspapers. The daily newsreels are more of a comedy-soap rather than a parliamentary report on legislative issues. 

Obiously the out-voted former rulers are far from comfortable; whilst their dodgy business is painfully surfacing every day, they are trying to find for excuses, and when confronted verbal abuse is not too uncommon. 

Yesterda's topper was the fact, when deputy leader of the slightly neo-fascist nationalistic party SNS Anna Belousovová slapped one parliament member in the face, for referring to her as "Annie" in one of his articles. Her excuse - the colleague lacked basic politeness. A motherly slap apparently was an appropriate act. The parliament's chairman could not stop his bursts of laughter when answering journalists' inquiries in the matter.

On the onset, it might look like another silly act, but it has a sad undertone, which is illustrative for Slovak society: When even in parliament, vulgarities, drunkenness, physical slapping have been common, and are being met with shoulder-shrugging, then the democratic debates are seriously at risk: arguments (if existent) become empty phrases and the parliament, which is a countries legislative arena is turinng into an ordinary pub brawl.

One would expect, that at least the new politicians - who claimed to be unblemished and introducing a new culture - have some distinct decency (and I must say, a handful indeed have some grain of statesmanship in them). In all, the majority however needs still to learn the very basics. For goodness' sake: Some decency please!

MS

Facebook politicians

Naturally, openess, especially in politics is an admirable thing; especially after witnessing a government that tried to cover everything possible for the sole purpose to tunnel their financial profits for their own benefit. 

When reading this morning's headlines, where Mr Sulík vowed that his SaS party will not give up Facebook, not even during parliament sessions, initially it looked like a joke. No so. Indeed Mr Sulík's opinion is, that teh party "is not forgetting its voters" or that public has the right to be informed.

It can be argued, that informing your constituents is a noble resolve, but in all seriousness; twittering and facebooking during parliament sessions, looks to me like a bunch of teenage school-kids, who are bored during maths class.

Being a representative of your people is a serious task, which - and especially - during legislative processes is not to be devalued by activities like chit-chatting with your people. When doing so after the hearings or during the weekend, it's fine with me. Taken into consideration, that people in companies got fired because of surfing the internet during work hours, this is equally questionable. 

Seems, we have another naiveté of dear Richard Sulík.

MS

Maverick Sulík

The first steps op the new coalition's ministers of Ms Radičová's team, when entering their respective departments, were accompanied with the expected confrontation of dodgy contracts surfacing, proving the total mismanagement of the previous government. The awe to see contracts have been signed even a few days after the elections in great haste, is a sign of what Fico's looters' gang was all about. We sigh with great relief that although perhaps even a bit late, but at least some responsible government is now steering the rudder.

Until an acquaintance of mine tipped me, about a newly established "Ltd" company, where all the shareholders happen to be one of the coalition partners, including the Speaker of Parliament. At first, when viewing the online registration details, I could not believe my eyes. 

The chairman of the parliament, Mr Richard Sulík, amazingly rose from being a business manager into active politics, being wary of the previous cabinet's blunt squandering, as an economically practical person (a propos, even being a consultant to the finance minister for a while) he was showing his main interest in bringing back decency and transparency into politics. On of the his Sloboda a Solidarita (Freedom and Solidarity) party's motto's was, to return trust to the public.

Some slight faults have occurred her and there, but I thought, let this chap give a chance. Perhaps this Ltd company was intended for a plausible practical use... But alas: Mr Sulík innocently - at least so it appeared - that it would be only used to rent offices to its own party (plus some liberal institutes) at a fair price. Then my breath suddenly stalled.

Ms Radičová has immediately responded, that this would be unacceptable (in my opinion correct), since the political party is financed state the state - tax payer's money - and they have their proper offices in parliament itself. Such a construction is obviously a way of collecting public money into their own treasure-chest.

The impertinence here, and perhaps Mr Sulík is either completely ignorant or sly, that although the law explicitly does not forbid it (and there are enough badly written laws that give enough room for corruption), the frequently repeated intention of a new transparent culture is swiped off the table in one blow; one can even call it a slap in the face of those who expected change. Mr Sulík, instead of apologising, even defended his decision, which makes him hardly any better that those whom he so heavily criticised. Done in naivety? I begin to seriously doubt it.

Mr Sulík is indeed a maverick and perhaps indeed a risk to the coalition,as well as the democratisation process in general. Time will tell, and maybe things will not turn so bad after all, but the trust has definitively gone. 

MS

What does Slovakia really want?

The first bumpy section of the road of coalition is there - given the status quo of the country, it was to be expected. Unfortunately.

Not only the role of the media is questionable, slowly a few faux pas of politicians appear. Whereas the coalition is having a tiny, but serious enough crisis. even coalition partners air their criticism on Facebook visible to everyone. 

The sad part is, that a majority of criticism i.e. arguments are irrelevant, while relevant arguments are categorically ignored. This is causing much distress to the matter, to the extent of becoming perhaps uncontrollable. From the discussion I can but conclude that being open to constructive debates is still an unknown territory, especially when coalition politicians air their unfounded or unfair sentiments into the ether. What is lacking, is a basic respect for a dialogue; the decency to listen to arguments.

Furthermore, the prime minister stated not planning to change the hastily imposed nationalistic law on state symbols. Announcing that rather she does not consider this law being important enough, so no need to worry for inspections... Does it mean, that considering a law unimportant, we can simply ignore it? What's next... the speed limit, the drink-and-drive ban, paying taxes?

We wanted a new political culture. Now the new transparent, decent politics is back to  ignoring each other, mending and bending. Slovakia wanted people without old ties to power. When they appear, they are being ranted at by every one for being amateurs, opportunists and/or naive. What does Slovakia really want then? The signal which goes out to the public is a very dangerous one; and they smell it - further absence of order ahead.

MS

Poor Management and Media

The present political hiccups between coalition partners, which is being magnified by, if not even caused by the very same press.

Now let's assume that indeed a clumsy journalist - presuming they are indeed innocent - wrongly publishes some incomplete out-of-context facts, resulting in a bit of a storm in a glass of water. Understanding, that playing the role of an instigator may be very tempting.

What I cannot fully understand is, the lack of co-ordination among the coalition partners themselves, especially when following the SaS (Freedom and Solidarity). 

Being bombarded with confrontations from the outside requires adequate actions; but in a team. Currently, I hear 3 different versions from within one party, including the statements of prime minister Radičová. This is, however, a management failure and a grave risk.

Poor communication between the teams, is not merely a beginner's fault of the new coalition. I have a long list, where a strong misunderstanding of proper PR, poor management coordination and failing communication is rampant here. People plan, and make a lot of assumptions, which you find out at a later stage, that your tasks were much more than initially agreed - in short; failing communication.

As a coincidence, yesterday, when trying to urgently contact a specific person (and yes, in the very same coalition), the secretariat gave me an internet link with the info. This I had googled myself before. That's a role of a secretariat, and thus the contact failed, as I do not have time nor gusto to waste my energy on chasing people.

But a coalition hiccup, magnified by preying eyes of the media is one of the first matters, the coalition partners must effectively tackle and put high on their wish-list without delay. Else Mr Fico will have a great time passively watching the coalition to crumble down.

MS

Slovak Media (II)

Having already expanded on this topic in my last blog, this issue has suddenly become almost embarrassingly visible during yesterday's discussions, especially on issues around one new parliament member. Not just the press' unprofessionalism becomes apparent, but also the constant black-and-white thinking, which is thus being fed by this.

The day started with hot news, announcing that one of the coalition partners is leaving the coalition. The reason was stated as not being satisfied with the coalition's programme, which did not include any of the parties action points. I shall spare you from some of the details, trying to be as concise as possible. A few hours later, this news was withdrawn, leading to endless discussions in the media as well as on the web.

Nevertheless, just a few facts to be in the picture: The coalition member is a newcomer into politics, one of the many, who was tired of old style, centralistic corrupt politics. His party "Ordinary People" entered parliament on a tandem-agreement with the Freedom and Solidarity party. Keeping in mind, that introducing a new breeze in politics might not always be an easy task, getting votes justifies to a certain degree sticking to your resolve.

Hours after the first alarming news, the truth slowly started to surface; The journalist, who quoted the said politician, took the whole quote out of context, in fact made some modifications, which gave the truth a considerable twist. Furthermore, as fragments of contradictory counter-statements flew over the web, chaos was at hand.

Being a rookie in politics is not always to be envied. True is, that an alleged corruption offer to the said parliament member a few weeks ago already stirred the public emotions, are playing somewhat against his reputation - although it must be said, that as it transpired that the offer appeared to be a bad practical joke from an acquaintance, de facto our new man has not done anything unethical at all.

Later that day, Mr Matovič tried to explain the whole matter, but also giving the background to why some dissatisfaction arose, which sheds a different light on the whole matter. In my view, as humble as it may be, I tend to agree with him. One of the measures they were proposing seems fully justifiable; omitting them without consultation is indeed a slight breach of confidence. In addition, he assured a number of times, that 'in the event' they would consider to leave, his party would still support the coalition.

 

Quoting out of context is fairly common in Slovakia (I happen to know even a case, where confronted with such a faux pas, the journalist was nevertheless insisting his out of context version not only to to be correct, but even better); whether it is partly because (former) government's pressure from above, or perhaps a hint that the said journalist in fact is not indeed a specialist in that field is irrelevant. Being paid to do this job, he or she should be performing in a professional way. Prepare his stuff, staying focused on the topic, and being critical at the answers, catching the inconsistencies. Period. The next annoying point is that - although frequent denial - media as well as the public repeatedly assume the 'fact' Mr Matovič has run into the arms of Fico (which is far from the truth) as well as if the coalition has therefore fallen. When appearing in the news, the first questions by the anchorman were indeed again based on these incorrect presumptions (get your stuff right!).

I will skip the long list of nonsense that followed. The sad thing about the whole matter remains, that the atmosphere around the government is prematurely spoiling.  What makes you really wonder - even go mad - is that hardly anyone takes really the time to absorb the facts. Admittedly, after a long day in the office, factory or whatever, people need ready made chunks of news. Disfigured news is deadly. Cucumber season? Not really. Journalism needs a thorough kicking in their rear, else the broad public remains to be fully ignorant. They hardly realise their responsibility, Alas!

MS

Slovak Media: A Shaky Democracy

Two months after the Dutch elections, coalition talks between potential partners have stranded before the weekend. Always a lengthy process, firstly to inform (advise) the head of state on possible coalition constellations, then based on the outcome the head of state is appointing a person in charge of forming a coalition, mostly becoming the designated prime minister. Well, the informative stage is to be repeated, revisiting all possible co-operation options. As one commentator in the Dutch daily Het Parool highlighted, a 'logical' coalition based on election results simply does not exist. 

Some three weeks have passed since the installation of prime minister Radičová's government, and the media portrait a picture of a coalition that is failing. Ms Radičová and the Fico opposition partners, in their determination in order to form a government to end an era of corruption and nepotism, managed to form a government in a record time. Yet the press stress an seeming public disappointment, doom-scenarios of this coalition to implode, and the like. 

The role of the press once again proves a slight hazard to the democratisation process; until the elections, mainly fulfilling the role of a subservient messenger of the Fico government - hardly capable to criticise (be it for professional reasons or simply being willingly submissive, currently this trend. 

Neither roles are good, as the broad public is constantly bombarded with an unbalanced image, where it is hardly informed about true democratic processes, shortly to assume the opinion again how good it was in the old days. 

The repetitious disinformation can become a high risk - which for society will have long lasting negative ramifications. Thorough democratisation of the education system (not merely school programmes, it includes also the coaching of teaching staff as a whole), the judiciary and the like will still take long. It will take too long, if public - that is, the constituents - have no clear idea what politics is all about.

The highest priority is to educate the media. Writing articles is hardly a past time activity for type-fanatics; it has a valid role serving the public interest. Such as politics is. Or else Slovak media will make this democracy far more shakier than it already is.

MS

A constantly failing professionality

Keeping an official website is not always an easy task; considering the fact, that your website will have many visitors, it is therefore necessary that the text is without any ambiguity or typo errors. Of course, there are websites of organisations with a lesser impact in society, but when dealing with websites of a government, then the accuracy is more than just an imperative. 

Last night, I was searching for some information on the web, when my attention was drawn on the website of the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic - how high can you get? When briefly hovering over the text, my eye was suddenly pinned to an interesting phrase: The article deals with the First Lady's welcome of the husband of the Dutch Ambassador, while they quoted the Ambassador's name as "Mrs. Married to Daphne Bergsma" - seemingly assuming that "Married to" was part of her first name... A quick copy-and-past and/or didn't the proof-reader understand? Moreover, even the word "holandského" seems a bridge to far (holadnského). Whichever way, it may look as a big laugh, but it is a faux-pas, illustrating the lack of basic skills in government.

English may perhaps be a very exotic language, which is hardly spoken by anybody in Europe, and despite internet resources it almost an unverifiable lingua of a distant culture. The truth is, that I haven't found any official Slovak government web-page in English so far that has no grammar errors. Knowing, that only the most qualified people get to translate those pages, because mortals like me will hardly have a chance to reach such a responsible task, I simply have no understanding whatsoever. Not only protocol matters are a sign of utter ignorance (still my sincerest apologies to the British royal visitors), but even making a professional site seems to be a mission impossible.

Just a hint; have a look at the English version of the London based Slovak Embassy website... 

MS

The New Politic Culture. New?

The new coalition, forged by the threat of an another imminent Fico term, have shaped its coalition allegiance through their common vision of no more corruption and a new bur decent political culture.

Little fantasy is needed to understand why. Likewise, it must be admitted, little is needed to belong to the new coalition camp and their supporters. That in itself is becoming a threat as well - as the moral barrier is not always high enough. One of the immediate litmus tests was the electing of ex premier Fico to become a deputy chairman of the Slovak parliament, albeit the 5th in line.

Though it is true, that any opposition party is to be included and should receive a fair chance getting votes for a seat in any of the parliament's posts or committees, voting especially a person, who has repeatedly been treading upon democratic principles, was visibly involved in questionable deals and scandals (or at least politically responsible for them) is far more than a bitter disillusion.

The mere fact, that the number of (secret) votes implies, that several coalition representatives have given their blessings to Fico's political leeway. Moreover, a racist neo-fascist party is in charge of the committees on minorities.

A new political culture is perhaps very desirable and indeed requested by a considerable amount of electorate. The behaviour of individual politicians is, however, not yet fully in line with such a new culture. The only parliament member, who had the moral spine to remind his colleagues of this, was Ondrej Dostál. A solo-action. Still a long learning process ahead of us...

MS

Fico's trap

The new prim-minister Iveta Radičová, immediately after taking over office, flew to Brussels to clear some issues regarding Slovakia's support to the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism, including a loan for Greece.

The situation is more or less an uncomfortable balancing act, which in my view, has been cunningly planted by Ms Radičová's predecessor. The whole discussion, not only in Brussels itself, but also in the domestic arena; realising Slovakia's commitments as a result of its EU membership on the one hand, and maintaining an opinion against the faced unrealistic cash-flow to the state treasure, which thanks to Fico's budgetary mismanagement de facto could not afford such a luxury.

Arguably, international commitments are commitments, which are to be kept. ... Provided the stability of the status quo can ensure such. The main problem is, that Fico has performed his role in the past year in Slovakia and in Brussels as an old fashioned communist dictator, making choices and decisions, which he refused to discuss in parliament when asked. Decisions, which have an enormous impact. Concurrently, not even the state of the treasury was disclosed last February - probably being fully aware of the negative response of the government's spending sprees, keeping it hush-hush before the elections (using the lamest excuses one can ever think of) seemed the only solution to reassure re-election.

Unfortunately for Fico, his re-election did not materialise, but tragically enough for Slovakia, and his scheme are already surfacing; becoming painfully visible too, especially here. Fico's agreement to contribute to the rescue of Greece may seem like a just gesture of solidarity, but the bitter reality is, that Fico's generosity is a bit more than the Slovak economy can chew. When returning from the EU meeting, both Fico and his finance minister assured the public that it was the best option for Slovakia, and that no commitment was given - merely an intention. It would not burden the Slovak budget at all. As said, when parliament insisted on a hearing, Fico completely ignored this right (after all, parliament has a legal obligation to do so), calling it premature, unnecessary. 

Now it appears a bit different. The intention was far more than an intention, and from a legal point of view, Brussels is in its right to remind Slovakia to its commitment. The moral problem is, that the new government is facing a budgetary horror scenario, which Fico and his cronies left behind. Together with the budget deficit, kept a secret till after elections, of another billion Euros. A true landmine. Fico is far too happy to pinpoint to the present government for not keeping their pre-election promise of not supporting the far too expensive measure. It has no choice. But Fico's behaviour is becoming more than bitterly arrogant. If Brussels is overly concerned about Greece, let the rich countries cough up the dough. Slovakia could soon go down the drain too because of this, since Fico's  household bookkeeping and irresponsible spending have increased the national deficit up to an unacceptable 7% - and thus trespassing the EU norm. A true trap, with hardly a way out. Further sanctions from Brussels for Fico's dodgy and murky tenders are at hand. A national tragedy.

MS

Too happy to play the second fiddle

Last January Mr Fico, still a prime minister then, vehemently announced the absolute impossibility of him - in the event, he would not be re-elected for another term - to become a parliament party leader for the opposition. Either the idea to be demoted from a prime minister to an ordinary opposition parliament member was too abhorring in his imagination, or it was a fake poker bluff, trying to play a populist card of being prince charming.

When taking his clumsy political record, Fico's credibility has never been his strongest ace to begin with. The proof of tasting the pudding came along with rather unexpected outcome of the elections, where his aggressive tone became a bit milder - turning into a wailing one, not being able to find the right posture as a losing candidate. 

While simultaneous elections in countries like the Netherlands and the Czech Republic showed usual political reactions, in case of loss, the leader takes his responsibility and hands in his demise, Mr Fico was not so much chivalrous to take that step. On the contrary, he changed his tactics and was "looking forward to form a fierce opposition to the future coalition government".

True is, that even as in Dzurinda's case, Slovakia is not having a habit that a losing prime minister leaves the political arena. Unlike it's 'Czech brother' has in that respect a slightly different political awareness (as can be concluded from the very fact that despite of huge scandals and corruption, Fico's popularity is nevertheless soaringly high). 

Changing his mind - or better put: not fulfilling his promises - is common practice with Mr Fico. He will cling at all costs to the velvet cushions of power and its perks that go with it. Yesterday, Mr Fico announced the outcome of his party's candidates' list for the various parliament committees, where his name is put forth as the deputy president of the parliament.

Seemingly a ridiculous demotion; why not right away the president and why only number 2? Well, there's something to it: Realistically, he will not stand a chance to compete for the number 1 seat, so the possibility for getting number 2 as an opposition party's nominee is almost certain. Why would he care? Fico needs one special thing to survive the upcoming years: immunity from criminal investigations, since his hands are far from clean. And for this, the bragging power hungry populist, vowing never to sit in parliament as an ordinary opposition member, suddenly is much too happy to play the second fiddle. For he knows what was wrong under his responsibility.

MS

Brussels' pressure

Since I belong to the generation, who experienced the Iron Curtain - where relatives lived on both sides of the barrier - a united or unified Europe is still a pleasant thought. The EU ensures that we do not have to stop at every frontier, not needing to change your money in every country (admitting that as a boy, collecting coins from many different countries was exciting though), but the economic advantages of free transit, one currency and the like is obviously a step forward.

Furthermore, I vividly remember the entrance of countries into the EEC like Spain and Portugal, which proved to have greatly profited economically (and thus politically?) from the membership. In all, the EU seemed a right solution, especially after the diabolic carnage of WWII.

In the meantime, I have seen a side of the EU, which starts giving me a bit of an uneasy feeling: Slovakia has experienced a government since 2006, which has not exactly been very responsible with the public interest, resulting in an alarmingly dramatical increase of the state deficit. Whereas the government has for a long time completely ignored possible negative influences from the economic crisis, furthermore irresponsible spending sprees to satisfy some people's needs culminated in a budget gap, which the Fico government has kept secret till after the elections.

The Greek crisis is fairly known to us. But, while prime minister Fico has been quite generous to promise Slovakia's participation and contributions to the so called European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism, at home Mr Fico has refused to appear in parliament to discuss the matter. Not only should the parliament function as a control mechanism, but it was just another fling of arrogance of our lusting-for-power red comrade. 

After the elections, when it was clear, that the red leadership would come to a grinding halt - something, which even comrade Fico did not fully foresee - the still acting prime minister was suddenly pressing on the opposition (de facto the newly to be formed coalition) to sit around the table and to discuss the necessity to ratify the agreements. 

One camp has been claiming that Brussels was urging Slovakia to ratify before 1st July, the other that Mr Barroso is personally informed about the post-election status of Slovakia, and has given his understanding of Slovakia's temporary situation until a new government is formally installed. Concurrently, yesterday, another news-item was broadcast regarding EU members, over-stretching the allowed deficit.

But here comes a certain paradox; on the one hand, a relatively (economically ) small contributor like Slovakia is being pressed to cough up a pretty sum to bail out countries like Greece, when in fact, Slovakia is thanks to Mr Fico's household practices (who has had full political support from Brussels or even his PES - the European Socialist Party - friends. 

The European Union is showing some serious flaws in its behaviour, and its principles become slightly inconsistent. Intervening in internal matters may indeed be a tricky thing, but then, when being a bit blackmailed financially (and in all fairness, when taken into consideration the economical status of Slovakia, this is exactly how one could view this) then it becomes a bit of a hypocrite standpoint.

When institutions fail to apply a bit of a common sense, then they slowly lose their credibility. We all know about the tremendous billion slurping apparatus of the European parliament, nonsensically commuting between Strasbourg and Brussels, and the generous fees of the European Commissioners. Perhaps, the EU has become too complacent, and has forgotten, what it has been intended for.

In the meantime, citizens suffer from governments like Fico; have barely enough income to feed themselves or to build an adequate infrastructure, since these type of governments take it all. Every one knows, even in Brussels. But nothing changes. Is this really the EU we wanted?

MS

The First Steps

Hardly two weeks have passed since elections, and it is interesting to follow certain discussions on the web with regards to the newly-to-be-formed coalition. While taking a consolidated step of a sense of responsibility forward, there are certain issues that need to be thoroughly dealt with before the four-coalition will be able to take off. 

Meanwhile they already have agreed on a list of basic issues, which has been an astonishingly fast process, further details will need a bit more time. Already heated criticism as "you see, the rightists are not able to agree on a single issue", or even "the rightist government is completely incompetent" (when there is no new government yet). This illustrates how little society understands democratic processes.

Taking into account, that the Dutch have voted two weeks before the Slovaks, until now, there is not even a consensus on which parties will form a coalition and which not. And here we deal with a country that has had a parliamentary system for hundreds of years. 

The greatest shock of all, was the news, that the state budget has a much bigger deficit than has been admitted. As far as I remember, no democratic country has such an non-transparent budget mechanism as Slovakia, where the role of controlling government by the parliament has been so deliberately obstructed by a prime minister as Fico did. Therefore the burden of the new coalition will be a very heavy one, understandably. 

The Slovaks will face some unpleasant times ahead; where the state deficit must be put under control - which is after all an EU requirement - but equally cleansing the state-apparatus thoroughly. Fico's ministers even after the elections, manage to sign over-priced contracts to accommodate their buddies, which only illustrates how rotten Fico's soviet-styled gang has been ruling the country. Even at bright daylight they manage to steal your pockets empty to the last crumb. 

Slovakia will one of these weeks definitively have the first government without any former communist inside for an ex-Eastern block country. It is about time, so be patient. The work - which actually should have started 20 years ago - finally needs to be done. 

MS

A new beginning

Yesterday, Fico returned to the president's palace not accomplishing the task bestowed to him to form a majority government. Not only have all opposition parties during election time declared not wanting to co-operate with Fico, after the election results they immediately started talks on the formation of a new government. And while comrade Fico fiddled and fretted around, pretending he would be able to negotiate some deals with parties, it was only a ridiculous stretching of time, leading nowhere. Despite sulking and repeating his mantra, that his party was by far the winner, Fico has done such a great job antagonising himself completely, that nobody wanted to play with him.  That's the political reality.

Yesterday evening, a list of programme points of the future government was published, and reading it was like a dose of fresh oxygen. The highest priorities are aimed at the Justice system, a thorough fight against corruption and more. Indeed steps, that are urgently needed.

Whether these intentions are indeed realistic is perhaps another question; To cleanse the Justice system will be almost an impossible task - where Fico has willingly allowed Mečiar's HZDS members to get strategic key positions within the judiciary, obviously in order to keep the corrupted politicians out of the courtroom. This willing obstruction of justice will be very difficult to mend. Not only will it highly depend on the moral conduct of every individual judge - where most of them are succumbing for various reasons to the pressure of the highly controversial godfather Harabin. In order to detach him from his influence, a constitutional majority needs to be reached in parliament. Fico's interest, to cover up his past deeds is probably too big to expect a co-operation of his party. 

Despite the long and difficult road ahead, the speed of reaching the reached consensus against the evils of the past is impressive. Arguably, it is exactly this evil, which at this moment is a binding force between the four parties. The willingness to address exactly these points is to be applauded, and it gives me some real hope on the professional approach of this coalition, despite certain Vatican hiccups a few days ago. 

After 20 years of abuse of power from many sides, but let's be fair; also the public has generally given its consent to this behaviour for a long time, perhaps now Slovakia will start moving a bit forward. The measures announced are almost revolutionary even on a European scale. At this point, they have my support. 

MS

Fico's last struggles

Losing one's warm seat is hardly a pleasant experience. Some leaders forget the fact that they were elected for a fixed period. In the event, their leadership proved to be favourable, perhaps another term could follow. 

Fico's mandate ended abruptly. Abruptly in the sense that his effort to consolidate all key positions, up and included to the Supreme Court - to ensure none of his cronies would face the risk of being persecuted for criminal offences (and one needs hardly to be a crime expert, to see very obvious transgressions). He would over-shout the opposition, blaming them of all the evil possible. Despite of the preference polls, Fico's crooked coalition crumbled against all hopes. 

Suddenly Fico's tone changed. The arrogance in which he ranted at anyone daring to ask a critical question, he suddenly called journalists amicably "colleagues" instead of the usual "hyena's, idiots or even pricks" (excuse my French). Now Fico was the hurt misunderstood 'statesman', who is desparately trying to save the nation against liberal influences, against embarrassment within the EU, and so on. Non-stop repeating the fact, that his party was by far the biggest in the country (but not able to get a majority coalition formed, since he has antagonised himself too much).

His populist language hasn't ceased. But the volume is slightly different. Now he is the poor victim. The small boy pleading for clemency after killing his parents, because he is an orphan. An outright chutzpah.

What definitively continues is his lying. Though not being in a comfortable powerposition any longer, still the interviewers do not ask too critical questions. Is it because they do not dare? Is it because they do not know - one would at least expect from a professional that (s)he would do so. 

Last Sundays TA3 was embarrassing. Fico is cunningly struggling to gain time, to send out his political message. His re-election campaign has started already. But if the journalists will not be able to brace themselves, and issue an appropriate ear-bashing to this lying schoolboy, then his followers will gradually increase again. Fico's games are far from finished, and he lusts for power again. Playing the hurt opposition is very dangerous and the necessary painful changes will call for much protests and misunderstanding.

Fico's last struggles as the prime-minister are at first sight perhaps tragi-comical, but equally dangerous. The role of the media will prove pivotal on how the 2014 will turn out. A litmus, whether Slovakia has indeed become a democratic country with some perspectives or will remain a feudal Balkan state. Let's only hope that they indeed remain his last. Fico exit est.

MS

Čarnogurský's enigma

Those who have followed Central European history, obviously know the name of Čarnogurský. The prominent Slovak dissident, harrassed by the communist because of his openly practicing catholicism dusring an era, where religious activities were regarded as treason. After the 1989 Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, he became a prime-minister during the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic era. A person, who rightfully earned respect for his moral and ethical conduct.

For the past years, Mr Čarnogurský appeared often less admirably in the media. It appeared, that Mr Čarnogurský suddenly has become an unofficial spokesman for tighter contatcs with Russia and the Ukraine. Seemingly, the common Slavic history, calls for a more friendly relationship.

When Fico's lustful hunger for absolute neo-bolshevic power came to an unexpected halt, and is desperately looking for a quick coalition alternative to remain in the saddle, Mr Čarnogurský appeared on the scene as a mediator, to convince the christian democrat KDH rather to go with Fico in a coalition, rather with "immoral" liberals. Mr Čarnogurský argued, he only conveyed the message nothing more. Only to give other opinions in public equally a chance.

From a person, who experienced oppression from a communist regime, I find these givens rather surprising. Perhaps, one could duly argue, that the Russian man in the street, is not to be blamed for the decades long Soviet occupation. But flirting with Russian politics, where minorities are cruelly surpressed, where critical journalists are killed during bright daylight, is a very questionable to say the least.

Flirting - for whatever reason - with a political party that has stolen, lied and double crossed its citizens, is equally distasteful. It is said, that with age, people become wiser. Especially because of ethical reasons, it would be more appropriate to decline becoming messenger boy for Fico's plays for power. Mr Čarnogurský has proven, that a once respected dissident-politician, can turn into a very dubious person, especially, since one wouldn't consider him to be so naive. What he has shown lately, is both ethically and morally inconceivable and disappointing. Where did it go wrong?

MS

Holier than the Pope

A sudden hidden card behind the sleeve appeared unexpectedly during a short press conference, where KDH leader Ján Figeľ reminded a Vatican Treaty which - according to his view - should be included in the new coalition's governing programme. The discussions that immediately followed are a slap in the face.

Politics is concerning society as a whole, and since many centuries, societies are pluriform - even if we tend to (falsly) believe, that a uniform society exists. After the tragedy of the Holocaust (European tragedy), in order to prevent such a hell on earth again, a few states started to form a close co-operation, first on the economic level, and later on also politically - starting with the humble BeNeLux, the early EEC to finally the EU. Plurality is a given within much of Europe. 

Many states - ever since the Age of Enlightenment - have bit by bit starting to introduce a separation of church and state; sometimes for very down to earth reasons (power), but equally for acknowledging the fact, that some of the citizens are not necessarily of the same denomination as e.g. the majority, which would imply, that one religion would be preferred an the other(s) becoming second rated. Even in Slovakia's constitution, an explicit articles states that no political nor religious ideology should be imposed by the state. Fair enough.

Yet, a considerable noisy group attempts frequently enough to impose their catholic doctrines on the whole of society, regardless, whether the person affected is perhaps protestant, jewish or even an atheist. Such views are fine for one's own domestic practicing of faith. By agitating for an overall general application of catholic doctrines is becoming less harmless. KDH - the Christian Democratic Movement - in fact the name itself is highly inappropriate, as they are rather catholic and a christian necessarily is not automatically a catholic, like a rectangle necessarily not being a square.

The newly to be formed coalition is surely aware of the balancing rope it is now trying to find its wobbly balance, but Fico's mismanagement has been so grave, that this coalition so far is the only reasonable alternative. Bringing up a treaty with the Vatican is showing poor taste. It's irresponsible, bad timing, and creates dangerous encouragement among some fanatic groups.

If only these catholics would realise, that objectively taken most of their dogma's are very distant from Jesus' teachings, who as an observing Jew, never intended to alter the (jewish) laws, perhaps they would be a bit more humble in forcefully pressing their views on others. The problem is, however, that they don't know their facts. And by raising such issues, they rather should be. I deeply resent this appearance as if some of Slovakia's catholics still live in a mediaeval world, full of intolerance. It is very sad indeed, and perhaps frightening.

A state is there for all its citizens - a treaty, whether signed or not - which gives catholics more priviledges than others is discriminatory, which is against the principles as stipulated in the constitution, the EU declaration fo Human Rights as well as the UN charter. Full stop. No point in further discussing the matter. Let's not try to be holier than the Pope himself. (Especially not the current one).

MS