A feeble turning point

What first started as a dynamic public movement to massively oppose Slovakia's government, after a number of obvious corruption scandals, has somewhat an uncertain direction.

In our normally western type democracies, any government that has committed gross transgression of not just political ethics, but concrete laws and regulations, would be immediately sent home. Perhaps not always with the usual pitch and feathers treatment, but anyway. A transgression is simply not done, and none of the leadership is permitted (as they are de facto the representation of the people and for the people). Even if it is a case of a hint of irregularity - different from a outright misdemeanor, as is the case right now.

Slovakia is at a crossroad, where the opposition seems not to be fully able to grasp the dynamics of the chances that were thrown into their laps. While a certain part prefers the government to remain seated till the end (i.e. June 2010) in order to keep them dangling in their scandals, other groups - including myself - see no reason in having the government to continue.

The risk of allowing this government to sit the whole journey, is the mere fact, that although now the eyes of the electorate have been opened, time can settle down all the dust and Mr Fico can argue that leaving them in power is a sign that all was in order. A clever demagogue, time will be his best ally.

Today, I have attended a protest rally - organised by activist Alojz Hlina; a courageous individual, who fights, despite of  unjust criticism, like a Don Quijote against the windmills of the regents - to express our support for the recent demonstrations, which have partially been a success. Perhaps, because of the freezing temperatures, perhaps of the short time notice, the number of attendance was somewhat meagre. When believing Facebook, there are several tens of thousands of supporters, which is a stark contrast indeed. But let's blame it on the arctic weather conditions as well as the fact that it was the middle of the week.

Society is now at its vigilence. Opposition forces, should avail of this power now, else the nation will lose its momentum to face Fico's populist cabinet. The Prime Minister has spoken yesterday that democracy has been threatened by anarchy. In fact, its far from true: broad public has perhaps now realised what true democracy is. Government has breached the laws of the state, and it is the publics responsibility to regain back its power. In order to regain not only real attempts towards true democracy, but also to regain their own credibility. Only hoping, it's not too divided such that Fico will nevertheless be victorious for another fatal term. Go for it!

MS