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