In the ecstasy of the 2010 elections' outcome, a coalition of let's say "clean" political parties would move on together to mend what 4 years of Soviet styled Ficoism have caused to society. The political sigh of relief was tremendous. Expectations were high and as a first hand observer myself, I must affirm that the chances were at least moderately positive. In fact, since there was hardly another option, it was the only way out.
The ongoing months have been - as could be naturally expected - slightly turbulent, there were however some issues, which clearly demonstrate Slovakia's immature political life; at least in the sense of the western democratic model, which after all is the model the whole European Union is supposed to bank on.
Ironically, the very first hiccup initiated during the coalition negotiations was the controversy regarding the so-called Vatican Treaty, which like a rabbit-from-the-hat-trick was pulled out by the KDH (Catholic Democratic Movement) leader Ján Figeľ, causing not only an unwanted stir among the then potential coalition partners, but it suddenly added an unpleasant undertone in the presumed moral standing of the KDH - on the one hand a breach of an mutually agreed radio-silence among the coalition negotiators, and implying almost having a hidden agenda, which might seem alright with the average catholic voters, but the trivial slip of the tongue had far more serious consequences. Most surprising was the mere fact, that this very Ján Figeľ definitively is no rookie in politics. Au contraire, having spent years in Brussels, one would expect a more skilled politician.
The following clumsy missteps that we could witness were perhaps to an extent due to inexperience of those, who just entered the big world of big politics. However, as time would tell, the KDH party suddenly seemed far from an unblemished player.
The reference to the Vatican Treaty may have been to a degree partly a Freudian slip of the tongue, of perhaps even a wishful thinking, but it implied perhaps the ideal state, where the KDH politicians wanted to appeal to catholic values; ethics, moral, from martyrdom to leadership with clean hands and conscience.
Then how could one suddenly perceive the fact, that Mr Figeľ's generous EU perks, in relative terms giving him a more than royal income multifold of an average Slovak income, accepted a prestigious apartment in downtown Bratislava for almost nothing (believe me, far more people would be more than glad to receive such type of charity).
The 'mea culpa' by Figeľ was - one could say - a bit of a laugh. Perhaps, the catholic mind works different; just a few Hail Mary's and throw a couple of Paternosters, and the show can go on. Admittedly, it sounds a tiny but sarcastic, but that's exactly my point. So 'dealing with a residence issue' with such an income, Figeľ thought to get off the hook. Realising, the trick didn't work too well, he then gave in and declared that the apartment would be given to charity... I cannot imagine, that let's say 10 homeless souls are now finding a shelter in his luxurious historical monument.
Communal elections followed, and the somewhat controversial KDH mayor of Bratislava was replaced; when - surprise, surprise - some not very appropriate causes surfaced. In the meantime, the former mayor has a seat in parliament as well (conflict of interests has never been much of an issue). I trust some serious discussions followed behind the thick KDH doors, and last week Mr Figeľ announced that the ex mayor would 'voluntarily' and temporarily leave the party - but... insisting he would cling to his mandate and remain a parliament member.
The skin of a Slovak politician is definitively thicker that that of an elephant. Those who shout that only catholic values are the only acceptable moral and ethical values, suddenly lose a bit of their credibility. Or is it still the believe, that rulers have still the feudal rights of medieval kings and lords?
The most pious, contrary to the expectation could in the end become the highest risk. Have they never strategically looked into this? I begin to doubt. One has the impression of an unprepared rural club has visited the big town. Still much to learn.
