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