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

The Glorious Land of King Svätopluk...

Right before the elections, Fico's soviet style-wannabe government hosted a pathetic megaloman show of the inauguration of Svätopluk's statue. Even Leni Riefenstahl would have been impressed. The speeches were not only embarrassingly stupid, but they were like a certain mirror of the SMER's latent ultra-nationalist tendencies. Perhaps the wishful thinking of Fico to become a true red czar.

Much has been written and criticised about the contents as well as the statue - most of all, the misconception that Svätopluk was a king. Being merely a prince (never a king) in the 9th century, Fico's frequent labelling him as a 'king' (despite many articles from specialist-historians) made it worse than quite a ridiculous appearance. Mind you that the statue indeed has a true royal crown! Moreover, nation states were non-existant in those days as well.

A few days after the elections, the opposition parties consolidated their victory in order to face the difficult task of mending the damage of king Fico's reign. An open communication policy was agreed. Until the leader of the KDH (Christian Democratic movement) yesterday without any consultation with the partners-to-be told the press that it is considering the Vatican Treaty as an important given to be included in the new government's programme.... 

Taking into account, that only 50-ish percent of people voted, of which the KDH had merely a 8 percent portion, bringing up this issue is slightly over the top. But moreover, ever since the Enlightenment, Western countries have universally accepted the concept of a separation of the Church and State. What is this about then? Negotiation blackmail?

It has never been my intention to obstruct anyone from practicing his faith.  A contraire! But I am allergic to those who try to impose their faith on me. A modern politician - especially since KDH leader Mr Figeľ has spent some time in a politically cosmopolitan milieu of Brussels - it was the last thing I would ever expect. Right now, when we desperately need to clean up the judicial system from Harabin's mafia-like control, where the deficit is in great danger, education needs urgently to be mended, I think that the Vatican is hardly any priority at all.

It seems that in the Slovak fairy-tale land of King Svätopluk, more people suffer from a sence of detachment from reality. Political reality that is. Especially now, when we need to go forward, this makes me very very sad. Are we to expect the Holy Inquisition next? ... How I profoundly dislike superficiality. At home do as you please, but least in public or politics, please behave professional.

MS

PS - a little footnote on our friend Svätopluk; he chased out the Old-Slavic church officials, who came here with Cyril and Methodius.... quite a paradox, that on the one hand, the two missionaries are hailed as saints (with the misconception that they brought Christianity) when the very prince who chased them out and replaced the Latin liturgy is hailed as the greatest King of all Slovaks.... Anyone able to explain to me this "logic"?

Fico's fatal mistake

Obviously, the recent elections' results are keeping the country busy, and many comments and evaluations are crossing the internet-highway. Among people in the street, this is currently discussion issue number one. 

For many months the polls projected a doom image, where the sitting coalition would easily keep a comfortable majority. The arrogance with which Mr Fico was acting, made it hardly a bearable idea, equally the devastating policy measures which the coalition imposed would become a hell scenario for the country. The outcome was therefore more than surprising. The polls were dead wrong, except for one given; Fico's party ended up as the biggest, even bigger than in 2006, which - admittedly - was still a merit in itself, especially keeping in mind the shameless stealing and lying that was visibly (probably just the tip of the iceberg) going on.

And in this paradox lies also the root of discomfort with the apparent victory of the opposition. True is, that overall the 'rightist' parties (conservative, liberal, confessional, democratic minded...) have a majority in parliament and this is a fact. But it cannot be disregarded, that although Mečiar has been kicked out of politics (so far!), the other ultra-nationalist (therefore 'rightist' as well) coalition partner, well-known for its foul-mouthed boorish drunkard party leader, diminished its number of seats dramatically; they hardly made it. 

Fico's populist rhetoric - it must be admitted - has been proven to be very effective. The average Slovak voter thus prefers a "strong leader". Even be it of the Stalinist/North-Korean type. This thought is very scary. But despite his gift for convincing propaganda slogans, Fico has one fatal mistake; he is over-ambitious for power and a miserable strategist.

For a person owning a lawyer degree (but in all seriousness; having a pre-1989 degree is in some cases somewhat questionable, especially here) Fico has made certain decisions or even his statements in public, which have always amazed me for the total lack of any logical, strategic or factual foundation. Personally, I never detected a slightest politically sensible idea in his behaviour. And although, some - even educated - people whom I have spoken to assured me that Fico was highly intelligent, it almost frightened me to see such a conviction among people. Fico is far from intelligent, he is merely cunning; viciously cunning. 

But keeping two coalition partners in power, despite the outrageous scandals and embezzlements, was one of his greatest mistakes, which would undermine his majority in parliament. His blind ambition would become so strong, that he himself - lawyer or not - did no longer see the logical consequences of his acts.

Fico is out; a schoolboy with whom nobody wants to play, and sice Saturday he is meek and desparately tries to save what he can. He has the biggest party, and a political facade from his presidential buddy perhaps gives the fasle image, that he is in the process of negotiating possible coalition talks with other parties. To no avail.

During one of the discussion programmes on public TV, one political analyst declared even that Fico truly was a statesman. And this is the danger of Slovakia; Fico is not a statesman. As a ruthless and an egocentric narcissist, his acting could be regarded as mere criminal, and an accomplice to crime., and that makes him far from being a statesman at all. But as long as the media - and therefore many viewers take it for granted - servilely portray such statements then this country has hardly enough chance to radically change and get rid of its problems. The dreadful fact remains, that every 3rd Slovak voted for this red comrade.

Fico is out, and it highly is desirable that he will stay out forever. May the country finally realise this once and for all.

MS

Heavy tasks ahead

Despite the day-after euphoria due to the surprisingly positive election results, it would be fair enough to add a few critical remarks as well. While the final definitive results show a majority for the 'rightist' parties, there is still a considerable support for the previous coalition, be it perhaps below the surface.

What we can see, is still that - equally as recently was the case in the Czech Republic - that the social democratic party SMER has received the most votes, albeit that losing its coalition allies makes further governing practically impossible. Yet reality is, that every third voter, despite scandalous causes, despite impertinent stealing, despite shameless nepotism, still has supported this party's programme - or rather its leader. 

It clearly shows, that populist propaganda has a considerable impact on the voters; in other words, the political or democratic consciousness of society is requiring still a long learning process; being able to distinguish from realistic political measures or hollow populist phrases. One of the noticeable maxims heard during the campaigns - and to be honest, even on the opposition's side - was this constant left-right labelling. Yet it is a fact, that when compared to Western style political parties, SMER-SD is far from a social democratic party and thus not leftist while the opposition parties (at least most of them) are not even truly rightist. Thus the "landslide" change as we wish to view it, is hardly such a landslide, but most of all, the turnaround is very brittle.

The biggest change will be needed in the judiciary system, which is severely corrupted, or at least has been servile to the HZDS-meciarist-pressure from above. If at least this change would be successfully implemented, it would be a giant leap forward. This basic human right (to be protected by laws) - almost non-existent till now - is essential in a western EU country. Equally, the financial state is deeply in danger; corruption and misappropriation of funds is endangering EU Funds - it should be realised, that failing this, the tax-payer will be the one to cough up the gap. It's not to be trivialised, as did the current ministers.

And let's not always fall back into these continuous polemics that Slovakia has a communist past, that other countries are perhaps worse of, that it has been the case ever since. Let's stop blaming others, history, or whatever. If there is a challenge now, solve it now. Not wail.

Every Slovak knows this, complains in the pub, but does in principle hardly anything. A change of mind would be helpful. Now that SMER got an ear-bashing, hopefully some positive trends will become lasting ones. Time to take a firm grip and act. Regardless whether rightist, leftist, everyone needs to take the responsibility.

MS

A new morning

Yesterday's elections, and especially the counting of the results were quite an experience. The day was hot and humid; as if time was ruthlessly stalling. After my better-half went voting, we attended a local ceramics market festival in our town, which felt like trying to read a pleasant book before going to the dentist. In the evening, right before the closing of polls, a severe thunderstorm broke out. On Facebook, I jokingly added, whether this was a sign from above that Fico's era has ended.

After the polling stations finally closed - due to the said thunderstorm, there was a brown-out and the polling stations had to close approximately 45 minutes later than planned - so the whole nation was glued to the TV to get the first results; be it only estimates for the meantime.

The first figures were astonishing, and while the online data, tv discussions and the like continued into the little hours of the morning, the astonishing first projections slowly proved to be fairly exact: The present government was finally sacked, with the greatest achievement, that the dreaded HZDS - after 20 years - was completely out of parliament! 

The outcome is a huge sigh of relief. The victory was far from certain, and especially the relatively high participation in the Bratislava area brought in the necessary votes for change. Comrade Fico has ended up without his most loyal coalition partner - while the second nationalist party got a thorough beating. In all, no possible coalition with Fico. 

After 20 years, Meciar-ism is finally over. Slovakia has gotten a great chance to open the windows wide and let in fresh air. The new-comers SaS - Freedom and Solidarity - as well as Most-Híd - the Hungarian-Slovak party - will certainly bring in the much needed fresh air. The upcoming days will show, whether the will to move away from a bolshevik styled meciarist oligarchs is indeed there. 

Now the priorities should be a thorough restructuring of the state budget, equally the judicial system. But also propel the media into a more professional and democratic tool of controlling the public sector, as it should be. We should not be complacent yet - there is much to be done. But it is a new morning and indeed one, where we look forward to the new day with new energy. And yes, it is a calm, sunny and peaceful Sunday! Slovakia, congratulations! Make it a great day.

MS

Unfair elections?

Slovakia is going to vote today. Having monitored politics and Slovak society for almost 4 years - basically almost the whole period of the present government - my observations caused me more than mere amazement, awe or surprise. As a Westernised cosmopolitan person I had certain expectations about these elections. But meanwhile, and my readers can sense my feelings, these expectations have slightly turned into anxiety and concern.

Entering the European Union, a country has to comply with a set of minimal requirements - not only economically there should be a sound governance. Politically a transparent structure and human rights must be in line with the minimum standards of the EU. When passing the gate - for those who made it - it seems that suddenly these requirements are regarded to be obsolete. Not only by the interested leaders, but equally the European institutions seem hardly interested to further monitor the trends of the new members. A recent correspondance between myself with a European organisation has proved, that Europe is hardly committed to put gross excesses on the agenda. 

Today the Slovak people will give their voice. A voice which in general is merely a formal one, because the general tendency has been that rulers rule as if the Divine has bestowed them with the right to loot and do whatever Heaven has forbidden. Openess about public finances, decisions and the like is non-existent. Critical voices are regarded to be the work of the 'bad bad oppposition', and critical journalists - even judges - are systematically pushed into a corner of self-censorship, if not being completely ousted from their job.

The campains were dull - the monotonous repetitious populist mantras of Mr Fico, not allowing any criticism, the cover-up of serious issues. Need not to go further. The nation has hardly a clue, what danger it is facing. The soviet styled rhetoric of Fico is still effective enough, and the average Slovak is fine being robbed by some power-lusted oligarchs. Slovaks consider this to be the normal way of politicians, and this all in 2010. An empty vote once every 4 yours is considered to be democratic. Time has not stopped in 1989, but rather in 1489.

If these elections are fair? Considering the populist dosage, considering that the press has hardly the professional skills to counter-attac Fico's unheard of behaviour. The picture of the political scene is so disfigured, that I can hardly agree that these elections in 21st century EU are fair. It is as fair as making your kids believe that Santa Claus really comes with Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. But the negative ramifications of a possible 4 more years of Fico are more severe than most will ever realise. Democratic principles are not just voting each 4th year. This notion, however, is still non existant in Slovakia. Alas!

Only hoping that a miracle happens. Fingers crossed....

 

MS

Last Hurdles and Prejudices

After a brief trip from abroad, I returned to Slovakia right into the very middle of a turbulent atmosphere; elections ahead and in the meantime scandals continuing, even escalating. While catching up on current activities, the developments were too many. Where to start first?

Slovakia has exhibited its very worst. While major Western cities are regularly holding gay pride parades, the discussions behind the scenes were indeed shocking. On the very day, not only was the police force way too understaffed, the police officers seemed hardly being bothered by extremists throwing tear-gas bombs at the crowds. Only thanks to the direct intervention of an Austrian parliament member, who was present, calling via Austria, from Ministry to Ministry some action was set into motion. A major blunder for not only the police but also politics.

The political pre-election debates are outrightly boring. Even the opposition is too passive, hardly using any effective argument against the ongoing corruption of Mr Fico's gang. While the prime-minister was rather focusing on trivialities like financing the manicure of a model, the electronic toll system proves indeed to be a complete farce (as expected since the very beginning). Even this week's festive presentation of 'King Svätopluk", while the country is suffering severe floods, is a decadent distaste of the leadership. An orgasmic show, televised live, reminded the viewer of Leni Riefenstahl's pathetic and megaloman glorification of Hitler from the 1930s.

Czech politics have shown - thank goodness -  that even a post-communist country can have sufficient political sense, to impose changes. Slovakia, will pobably remain fully apathic, assuming that the present politburo will again take care of the happy socialist society. 

If most politician show hardly a skill to debate and come with plausible arguments, then what could be expected from the broad masses? One still tends to hope for a slight miracle, and there are moments, where one loses hope when witnessing what is going on.

This government has shown an alarming disrespect for its citizens, for democratic values. The corruption rating has placed Slovakia among the worst countries in the world. Keeping this coalition in power is the biggest crime of all. Let's get them out of here. Vote!

MS

PS - to schoolboy Robert Fico; please study again the history chapter on Svätopluk... he was never a king, and not even the socialists will be able to change this historic fact.