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.

Amazing

The speed of news in politics surfacing these days is accelerating at such a pace, that one can hardly react. The main reason is not so much the quantity, it's rather the contents. It leaves a reader in absolute awe as in how far politics, in particular government, is able to pull their behaviour on the brink of (or even far beyond) ridicule. 

Just to summarise a few highlights: The Slovak Supreme Court excelled with a remarkable verdict, that official documents are not to be seen as information (and therefore no to be disclosed; the public has therefore absolutely no right to appeal on the Free Access of Information), making the already murky decision-making even less transparent as it is. For a so-called democratic EU country, a very bitter but simultaneously a ludicrous explanation. 

Going back a bit further, Slovakia's Foreign Minister Lajčák, in a newspaper interview, called the Hungarian president being arrogant. With all due respect for a minister of Foreign Affairs, but would one expect from a diplomat to openly label another head of state being arrogant? Whether one has perhaps a different opinion; for an interview this is definitively not a suitable quote, especially not for the boss of diplomacy.

Prime-minister Fico still refuses to go into a duel with his main opponents. Call it whatever you like, but what is the least a political leader is expected to do in a democratic state, remains a silly game of hide and seek. Despite some small critical pin-pricks in the press, public television is hardly doing anything to draw attention.

This week, the Slovak Minister of Justice, Ms Petríková was announced as a speaker at the UN conference in Brazil's Salvador da Bahía. A moustached man - definitively not a Ms, but the Slovak Ambassador - appeared behind the microphone, and without any explanation why the announce minister was not able to speak, he read a English text full of grammar errors (seems Slovakia's government has a chronic difficulty to hire a person sufficiently well equipped with Shakespeare's language). For two days this performance was a shrouded mystery - no communication even from the Ministry. Except of some boulevard type of accusations towards the opposition, when inquiring in the matter. just pitiful.

One can really not keeping pace with all these matters and they double and triple each day. One can only stay in awe. One's jaw dropping every time you open the newspaper. How far, is this government able to stretch the patience of the people, making government into a cheap satirical theatre. With one footnote; it is lacking humour. This costly theatre is surpassing it all. It's in one word more than amazing!

MS

The speed of news in politics surfacing these days is accelerating at such a pace, that one can hardly react. The main reason is not so much the quantity, it's rather the contents. It leaves a reader in absolute awe as in how far politics, in particular government, is able to pull their behaviour on the brink of (or even far beyond) ridicule. Just to summarise a few highlights: The Slovak Supreme Court excelled with a remarkable verdict, that official documents are not to be seen as information (and therefore no to be disclosed; the public has therefore absolutely no right to appeal on the Free Access of Information), making the already murky decision-making even less transparent as it is. For a so-called democratic EU country, a very bitter but simultaneously a ludicrous explanation. Going back a bit further, Slovakia's Foreign Minister Lajčák, in a newspaper interview, called the Hungarian president being arrogant. With all due respect for a minister of Foreign Affairs, but would one expect from a diplomat to openly label another head of state being arrogant? Whether one has perhaps a different opinion; for an interview this is definitively not a suitable quote, especially not for the boss of diplomacy. Prime-minister Fico still refuses to go into a duel with his main opponents. Call it whatever you like, but what is the least a political leader is expected to do in a democratic state, remains a silly game of hide and seek. Despite some small critical pin-pricks in the press, public television is hardly doing anything to draw attention. This week, the Slovak Minister of Justice, Ms Petríková was announced as a speaker at the UN conference in Brazil's Salvador da Bahía. A moustached man - defenitively not a Ms, but the Slovak Ambassador - appeared behind the microphone, and without any explanation why the announce minister was not able to speak, he read a english text full of grammar errors (seems Slovakia's government has a chronic difficulty to hire a person sufficiently well equipped with Shakespeare's language). For two days this performance was a shrouded mystery - no communication even from the Ministry. Except of some boulevard type of accusations towards the opposition, when inquiring in the matter. just pitiful. One can really not keeping pace with all these matters and they double and triple each day. One can only stay in awe. One's jaw dropping every time you open the newspaper. How far, is this government able to stretch the patience of the people, making government into a cheap satirical theatre. With one footnote; it is lacking humour. This costly theatre is surpassing it all. It's in one word more than amazing! MS

The speed of news in politics surfacing these days is accelerating at such a pace, that one can hardly react. The main reason is not so much the quantity, it's rather the contents. It leaves a reader in absolute awe as in how far politics, in particular government, is able to pull their behaviour on the brink of (or even far beyond) ridicule. Just to summarise a few highlights: The Slovak Supreme Court excelled with a remarkable verdict, that official documents are not to be seen as information (and therefore no to be disclosed; the public has therefore absolutely no right to appeal on the Free Access of Information), making the already murky decision-making even less transparent as it is. For a so-called democratic EU country, a very bitter but simultaneously a ludicrous explanation. Going back a bit further, Slovakia's Foreign Minister Lajčák, in a newspaper interview, called the Hungarian president being arrogant. With all due respect for a minister of Foreign Affairs, but would one expect from a diplomat to openly label another head of state being arrogant? Whether one has perhaps a different opinion; for an interview this is definitively not a suitable quote, especially not for the boss of diplomacy. Prime-minister Fico still refuses to go into a duel with his main opponents. Call it whatever you like, but what is the least a political leader is expected to do in a democratic state, remains a silly game of hide and seek. Despite some small critical pin-pricks in the press, public television is hardly doing anything to draw attention. This week, the Slovak Minister of Justice, Ms Petríková was announced as a speaker at the UN conference in Brazil's Salvador da Bahía. A moustached man - defenitively not a Ms, but the Slovak Ambassador - appeared behind the microphone, and without any explanation why the announce minister was not able to speak, he read a english text full of grammar errors (seems Slovakia's government has a chronic difficulty to hire a person sufficiently well equipped with Shakespeare's language). For two days this performance was a shrouded mystery - no communication even from the Ministry. Except of some boulevard type of accusations towards the opposition, when inquiring in the matter. just pitiful. One can really not keeping pace with all these matters and they double and triple each day. One can only stay in awe. One's jaw dropping every time you open the newspaper. How far, is this government able to stretch the patience of the people, making government into a cheap satirical theatre. With one footnote; it is lacking humour. This costly theatre is surpassing it all. It's in one word more than amazing! MS

Election Fever

Election time is fast approaching and not only in Slovakia. How refreshing, but also an interesting comparison materials for politics watchers, to be able having access to other foreign television channels or via internet, to see some other habits. Currently, next to the said Slovak developments, I equally follow the upcoming elections of both Britain and the Netherlands as well.

Last night, the BBC aired the first election debate between the leaders of the three parties running for the favour of their electorate. Given the historical fact, that Britain has traditionally been a two party system - only recently augmented by a third player - the debating styles are nevertheless intriguing to follow. The Dutch, equally accustomed to open debates, yet a tiny bit more direct than their counterparts from across the Channel, offer a slightly different flavour, albeit that the discussion partners involved are thoroughly prepared and factual.

Slovakia's offer is, sad to say, a poor contrast to the previous examples, as no serious media debate is available at all. Prime-minister Fico refuses to appear directly in one TV programme with another opposition party leader for a direct discussion. Usually another person is sent to the studio, and for whatever the excuse may be, this is a rather unprofessional behaviour. Not appearing by the British or the Dutch prime-minister in any debate would be a sign of weakness and up-front resignation.

Why Slovakia's case is as depicted, is a combination of many factors; Firstly, there is hardly a tradition in open political debates - formerly, the Communist Party dictated every discussion concerning any imaginable matter relevant to society. This style is, even after 20 years of democracy, joining NATO or EU membership. Society has hardly understood, what democracy is about.

Equally responsible would be the inadequate attitude of e.g. the press, teachers in schools, or even intellectuals. Except from an individual attempts of those, who exceptionally feel committed, the large masses remain uniformly grayish and far from knowledgeable to have at least a clue of how far their democratic principles are at risk. To them, free elections enough to believe that democracy works. The lack of any effective control mechanism, accountability, and not to forget an independent judicial system, has demoted this weak democracy in a totalitarian wolf in sheep-skin.

If free, well-balanced, factual and open debates are fairly non-existent (and even then it is a repetitious monologue of propagandistic or populist mantras), how free then are the elections de facto? In reality, democracy in Slovakia is non-existent. Despite their EU membership, Schengen, and the like. Very sadly, it is a mere "Balkancracy": The 21st century still hasn't arrived yet.

MS

Machiavellian Objectives on Freedom

When analysing Slovakia's red prince Robert Fico - in the meantime holding only the official title of "Prime-Minister" - one can make a fairly accurate educated guess, how this person thinks and what seem to be his ulterior motives. Even, when those analysed outcomes may appear rather retro "pre-1989" soviet styled or totalitarian, it would give an average person a certain feeling of absurdity, such that these thoughts would finally be regarded as too far fetched and far from realistic. Not quite.

Fico has one slight weak point (though this attribute is not exclusively his alone), and that is that he somehow has not the capability to fully cover up certain faux pas. His constant clumsiness is sometimes becoming not just embarrassing, but to a point perhaps even utterly pitiful.

A recent Czech publication where a former Czech social-democratic prime-minister Miloš Zeman, quoted Fico during one of his visits. The quote is not very flattering, as Robert Fico openly admitted that his strategy to win the favour of his electorate is just giving them higher social welfare and not freedom [sic.].

Admittedly, it is not so much of an bolt-out-of-the-blue type surprise. Au contraire. What is comical, that comrade Fico, when directly asked during a press conference about this quote, our dear leader refuses to answer (in fact, he doesn't even deny it), only murmuring that journalists should pose more logical questions. 

The question in fact is more than logical, since the nature of his implication is serious enough, and as a journalist one would certainly have a profound interest to have this confirmed or not. My reaction as a reader is, that I would have preferred a prime-minister, capable of giving a more logical answer. Fico was clearly exposed, especially by his answer. One may have been doubting Fico for a long time, but the more time goes by, the more these doubts are being confirmed by facts.  In addition, the very fact itself, that the source is a politician from the same political spectrum and that Mr Zeman clearly holds a different view as transpires from the article, says enough about the level of Fico's behaviour and even his 'political wit' (...  rather the lack of it)

Comrade soviet style Fico, has proven to have a rather Machiavellian ideas on what to do with Freedom: To ruthlessly trample it, and then cynically laugh society into its face. If only he could at least pretend to have some good manners...

MS

Corruption at full speed?

Recently, the fixed term of the chairman of the Office for Public Procurement expired. Coinciding with the nearing end of the present cabinet, for some vague reasons, the government has rushed a law through parliament, extending the exchange of chairs till after the elections. Personally, I see no logical justification - from whichever angle it may be looked upon - and one may in all earnest wonder what the ulterior motive might be.

Theoretically, one might assume that keeping the present chairman (belonging to the opposition party) in charge would be a more than noble gesture of the ruling regents. Another logical assumption would be that the leaders - who otherwise are thoroughly skilled in bending any possible law and generously stuffing their greedy pockets - would keep a low profile right before the elections. Especially, since Brussels is closely and uncomfortably breathing in the neck of the EU funded projects, or the exposed violated tenders. However, there is a remarkable "but"...

The law is a mere smoke curtain to divert attention; while seemingly (but only pretending) a generous standing, the loop-hole is that while the chairman's mandate is temporarily extended, one article from the competencies of the said office has been omitted; to be able to act in case of a violation. The rationale is that it has not been applied in the past. 

In reality, the authority of the Office for Public Procurement has been clipped to its maximum, being just a lifeless and useless ornament without any effectiveness. While Minister's Tomanová's projects not only receive maximum criticism from Brussels and the EU funding is at utmost peril, Ms Tomanova has shortly before election time managed still managed to issue a major IT order - whether according to the proper rules? Make an educated guess.

It seems that the government has with full consciousness ordered a perfect way to thrust corruption even at far higher speed than it has been ever before. Just a small question to Mr Lajčák... your statement on Slovakia not being a banana republic was just a joke, right?

MS

Rationale, argumentation, logic, debate...

Who hasn't enjoyed fierce debates, where a couple of speakers contested each other's formulation of argumentation, in order to convince the opponent of their point of view? One of the requirements to hold such discussions is that one has the ability to listen to the arguments given and appropriately respond to them. Maybe most will confirm these activities, but lately I have serious doubts, whether enough people have witnessed a balanced debate. 

Debates are useful; since antiquity mankind has seen this as a way to fathom certain truths - even to be informed with perhaps completely new facts, that could contribute to arrive at a conclusion - or (and) to be convincing to your group of followers. It sharpens the mind, as one has to analytically keep track and stay alert. Most of all, basic logic (another Greek word!) is essential. The last few days, I have witnessed a few disturbing things, which has truly made me slightly sombre about the general ability of people around to understand the rules of the debating game.

Perhaps, my previous blog would have been a sufficient show-case; the Supreme Court boss, who blackmails justice and free press to his liking, is wailing about "intimidation" from Western diplomats. Furthermore, last night, a televised discussion programme - traditionally being a critical broadcast, it was finally ousted from the public network, due to some censorship attempts. The theme was about the alarming trends in the Tatra National Park developers' mega projects, causing negative influence on nature. 

In short, two activists and two entrepreneurs were to exchange their views. The whole debate was a useless repetition of the developers nagging of feeling to be put in a bad daylight, while the activists in vain tried to bring up factual trespassing. The entrepreneurs complained of the being the victim of demagogy, politicising the problem, and the like. Even one argument was applied; that the whole process was a democratic process - since the voted for politicians, who knowingly allowed murky practices, were chosen by the people [sic].

Another, and admittedly shocking, observation I came across on Facebook. As we all know, the great Pontiff Ratzinger is somewhat in an embarrassing situation, since it surfaced, that he has been informed from the onset on the child-abuse scandals in the US decades ago. Mgr Ratzinger, who was even then not completely without any influence, preferred to keep this hush-hush. Well, the magnitude of these practices was a bit more serious and more widespread than many would believe, so there is a serious problem. Changing his name to Benedict does hardly absolve him from this sin. In my view, a man having protected paedophile violators is no more than the devil himself. Pope or not. 

Surprisingly, a Slovak group has been created, to support their Pope against all evil attacks.  To give openly support to such a heinous criminal, is an indication how little respect these followers have for the victims, who were defenceless and traumatised for the rest of their lives. Believe it or not; almost five thousand followers.

People can make many mistakes - we all do. But willingly being superficial and ignoring facts is not mere a mistake. Yesterday prime-minister Fico spoke to journalists about a dialogue with the next Hungarian prime-minister, yet warning against any chauvinist-nationalist trends. Eh... what is his neo-fascist coalition partner doing? Need I say more?

MS

Lajčák's error

Politics should be a transparent business; it is where the mandate of the people is taken care of by a group of people that execute this task for the broad public. The core of the whole concept is indeed the mandate: Who gives it to whom, and who is therefore accountable to whom, where those who demand insight rightly get it. 

Admittedly, in reality this is very idealistic, where some other-than-public interests often interfere with the wishful state. Nevertheless countries like e.g. Sweden, New Zealand or Canada, among others, maintain a fairly high standard of this transparency and adhere to the principles more successfully than others do. But then, the people's general sophistication with this subject is essential to up-keep such a status-quo. 

Being aware of basic principles of the game is not just a theoretical subject, when once learned to pass your sociology class to be immediately dismissed to the trivia department. Its immediate appellation by the public once breached is vital for maintaining democracy's survival.

Slovakia is, regrettably, a state, which visibly at all level of government has little interest in any democratic principle at all. Despite perhaps the attempts of a few bona fide individuals, each government transforms the whole administrative system in such a way, that those shortly in power will succumb to maximise the reaping of wealth whilst they can. To this extent, an individual citizen could always demand rectification through legal channels, provided the judicial system will be fully independent.

Here we arrive at a major issue; while prime minister Fico has knowingly sold out the judiciary to a party that has serious interests to undermine justice, the systematic erosion of its impartiality and political pressure among judges has become more and more apparent. This trend finally was even noticed by foreign diplomats, who started to visibly attending and monitoring certain court hearings.

Slovakia has not no reason any longer to belong to be considered a constitutional state. Supreme Court president Harabin has choked justice to death with the blessing of Fico. The prime minister covering every inch of each scandal that pops up. Not only does Harabin extort huge amounts from the critical press to 'cleanse his good reputation' (speaking of which; he hardly had), his remark on the Western diplomat's interest he called it an act of 'spreading fear'. Even up to the point, where the journalists are being blamed of politicising justice (tried to find some sense in that statement, without any success).

Ruthless rulers do often end up, losing sense of reality. Indeed, in the EU it is unusual for diplomats to attend court sessions of other countries, but then, in the EU such gross violations of public interest is equally unheard of. The lamentation of Harabin reminds me of the joke, where a youngster in court, accused of killing both his parents pleads for clemency since he is an orphan. Slovak Foreign Minister Lajčák commented that "Slovakia is not a banana republic". Well, that's somewhat a misjudgement... De facto Slovakia IS a banana republic.

These gross violations, contrary to most corrupt governments, are hardly done in a sly way, trying to conceal. The sheer amateurish stupidity with which they are carried out is surpassing any disbelief. Perhaps the most ironic thing is, they are in fact, presented on a silver tray by the culprits, but the lack of public sophistication in this matter results in a complete apathy.

While 'banana republic' is perhaps to be considered more of an ironic expression, the reality is very harsh unfortunately. Perhaps even worse than we can only guess. Diplomatic pressure is now the only rope we can cling on.

Naive Offers, Naive Choices

The upcoming elections have caused the usual campaigning, where each party tries to formulate its goals, become more than visible; the standard expected objective being the wish to become the most wanted party in order to gain as much as possible number of voters.

The trend - globally speaking - of vanishing borders between the traditional political mains streams, has in most cases resulted in blurred and unclear programmes, where voters would need supernatural skills to find the faintest difference. Whichever political programme one wishes to scrutinise, the current state is not so much whether one prefers liberalism, leftist, outright conservative or whichever, it is in all aspects a question; how realistic are the proposed programme-bullets to be implemented - with a stress on the balance sheet, of how much is it going to cost the national treasury chest.

While ideologies might have been almost a thing of the past, Slovakia struggles with ideologies; It's Roman Catholic trait cannot be overlooked, while similarly, a vast group of economically lesser opportunities cling to the pseudo soviet-styled propaganda of the current prime minister Fico - promising them glorious prospects and a caring mother-state, while at the same time looting the place barren. An ironic mix and mind you; a very stubborn one.

It is therefore too sad to see an opposition, that cannot find hardly any workable consensus to join forces against the present state's mismanagement, when even among themselves they quibble about minute trivias. What I found most repulsive - and repulsive is a mild word - was Ján Čarnogusrký's recent article in one of the dailies. 

Mr. Čarnogusrký was somewhat belonging to a dissident group at the end of the totalitarian era, being mainly persecuted for his strong religious involvements - after the 1989 Velvet Revolution he therefore became one of the leading Slovak figures in politics. It has been somewhat an enigma to me, how this distinguished 'éminence grise' regularly expresses a Russophile opinion. To a degree, were it merely cultural, I could live with it; his openly flirting with the political Russia makes it very equivocal.

Clearly it demonstrates, that the public memory is always very short - while Germany and France have dug their feuds very deeply into the EU soil, Slovakia and Russia seem to have a hidden undertow of attraction. The difference between the former and the latter is the mere fact, that Germany and France in my view are far more decent countries than Russia is nowadays, be it that the Soviet Union is passé. Nevertheless, Russia's behaviour on the world political stage is far from reassuring. Recent terrorist attacks in Moscow or any place else are not a sign of trivia like shortage in foreign cheese or licorice. The memory is not just short, it is a total amnesia, and a dangerous one too.

But Mr. Čarnogusrký's naivety is illustrative, as well as the continuous superficial pricks of political parties show nothing more but an impotent political scene. The parties are all similar to each other, programmes are hardly relevant, and debates are practically non-existent. The alternatives offered are naive and thus the people vote naively too.

Blogger versus Journalist

For an average journalist, life in Slovakia is far from dull. Especially, when this journalist is fully aware of his power as an investigative reporter and his professional ethics demand from him to dig to the ultimate bottom. Politics in Slovakia contain so much controversies, that a journalist could spent 3 lifetimes of daily writing to get the most out of it. Even then it would still be a tip of the iceberg.

Yet, journalism has its function and that somewhat implies, it has its obligations. A modern, open and a democratic society wants to be informed. Must be informed. So, whether you can physically write for 3 lifetimes or not, the job you do (in this lifetime at least), you should do with all gusto; enough lies ahead.

Here we arrive at a certain enigmatic problem; when observing politics and monitoring the media, there is a certain level of uncomfortable feeling arising at the back of my mind: For years we witness increasing corruption (just call it theft), and journalists seem to be happy enough with an evasive answer. The fact that the prime-minister tells you a lie, is hardly a reason to pursue the matter. One question, one answer, thank you prime-minister.

For crying out loud: What's wrong with all of you?!? Has the watchful eye of Justice choked newspapers so much, that being too critical could mean an economic end of a newspaper? In my view, if journalists were to be more persistent and confront the soviet-styled cronies with hard facts, public would be more aware of the dangers. This way, journalists have a co-responsibility, why a prime-minister, who is politically responsible for his criminal cabinet, can again get away with an embarrassing ranting-press conference on a stupid logo or text of the opposition, instead of being held accountable for the billions damage he has been causing to the state. Some kind of collective stance would have been more appropriate; eventually fully ignoring (boycotting) the politicians, staying demonstratively away from say one or two press conferences would dramatically embarrass the present politburo, so they would be a bit more cautious. No, you prefer to play the game.

Journalists nowadays hardly have the skills they should have; instead a bunch of bloggers have demonstrated far superior analytical skills than most of the professional reporters, with more insight in legal matters or thorough economic overview. It is a sad reality, because these bloggers will hardly be able to reach to the majority of Fico-voters, who are cleverly manipulated by Mr Fico's populist propaganda-skills.

A sad realisation. It should have been the other way around. But it isn't. The intellectual level of the nation does not want to move out of the 1950s jacket. The role of journalists has become dangerously compromised. (But, thanks for the few exceptions that persist, be it, that I can count them on one hand).