The prerogative of politics

Ever since antiquity, rulers - usually born into their function, or believed to be predestined by a divine scheme - exercised their power with fairly little interest to the masses over which they ruled, up to the extent that life and death was decided within a second. Perhaps the Hellenistic conception of the first forms of democracy were in their lifetime exceptional, until the Enlightenment not much has changed. 

Especially the Enlightenment philosophies, where suppression of the common man was being questioned - and again; especially the divine justification for suppression - many fled the absolutist European nations to settle in a new world, which in the end culminated in the creation of the United States of America. This deed, to sever political ties from the old world, would finally inspire Europe as well - to begin with the French Revolution, as you know.

The concept of politics changed dramatically; it was the people themselves, who gave the mandate to their representative to exercise power in their name. History has shown us, that not all attempts and systems worked out quite the way they were intended, but the foundation of modern politics was laid. Somewhat after the carnage of two horrifying world wars perhaps most understood where the boundaries of power should lie - at least in some western countries.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the role model of the west became the idol to the newly freed nations, who have been suppressed for another odd 40 years under a rigid totalitarian system. Especially that experience together with a role model next door, one would expect they wouldn't fall into the same trap. 

Independence and a new economic system brought new responsibilities as well as experience. The framework of a NATO membership followed by entering the EU was a great step with especially high political symbolism. 

Nevertheless, something didn't go as smooth as expected; Though communist parties either forbidden or marginalized, practically disappeared from the political arena, yet politics itself differed slightly from the 1989 period. Except for some cosmetic changes, where elections were free (I dare to challenge, whether they were fair) politician, even those who embrace democratic, 'christian', conservative, liberal whichever western sounding values, would do exactly the same mistakes democratic leaders should not do; dodgy business because of absolute power. Including bribes, cronyism and the like. 

The level of acceptance - or being powerless to do something against these ongoing trends - makes the players complacent. Slovak politics is proving, despite a reformist approach and definitively many shades better than the former government, that except a handful of individuals with genuine good will, people based on a lack of awareness of accountability repeat over and over again the same absolutist slash totalitarian streaks, leading to a considerable mismanagement. 

The very few who protest are stigmatized, whereas the majority seems to be clueless. Journalism - as a perfect tool to raise this missing awareness - plays almost an unprofessional and marginal role, not in the least because of laws to curb them. And thus, despite the aforementioned memberships, Slovakia is appearing rudderless in a pool of fascist nationalism, corruption, xenophobia, an inefficient justice system up and including corrupt judges.

Politics is not a prerogative, politics is a responsibility. Else society will hardly move forward as it should. One can point perhaps at Berlusconi, but that's not the point and not a valid argument - else we would start justifying anything which is wrong. One could likewise point at countries with a more solid democratic tradition; the UK, Netherlands, Scandinavian countries, etc. Hungarian instigated double-nationalities, language acts, Vatican treaties; those are futile non-issues, which should be of a far lesser priority and definitively not being used as another excuse for media (or politicians themselves) shouting of another cabinet crisis. Politics has no vision, no leadership, no character, poor experience. 

After the elections, many replacements in government functions were indeed necessary.  Slovak corruption was back to dramatic levels. Unfortunately, but understandably, they remain to be political nominations, and in the end effect, in some cases they appear not always to be a success; a meritocratic system still does not fully exist. An opposition candidate - as long as (s)he has a good record, could equally qualify for a key position. In the meantime, far more vigilance from all of us is needed and foremost, more ethical objectives with a proper understanding, what politics is about. In the end; we all will in some way be affected. 

Thus the only prerogative politics should have is: To be professional and accountable.

A national tragedy

Not that the Catholic Church has been completely absent during the former coalition, yet the new government with a certain emphasis on christian oriented ' objectives'  has given it a renewed impetus to re-establish its hold on society. Not in the least, the slip of the tongue of coalition partner leader Ján Figeľ by referring to a Vatican Agreement, was not just a mere Freudian error.

This morning, although intended to have a relaxed weekend off; while the temperatures were still low spring was in the air. However, two articles somewhat disrupted this weekend bliss. The first article by Oľga Pietruchová as a response to an ongoing discussion regarding sex education. Ms Pietruchová, a leading activist on women issues among others, justly holds up a mirror against the generally used shallow argumentation of the overly conservative catholic clergy. Her article clearly summons up the nonsensical arguments, why the church should finally stop repetitively interfering in state school curricula, and her references to biblical passages to prove her point are thorough and relevant. Albeit that the article may sound provocative, having experienced a number of discussions myself, I know the feeling where one cannot help to become a bit sarcastic.

The disturbing part is, that the reactions which follows are - to say the least - scary. It sadly shows, how utterly un-informed society seems to be. But that would not be all:

Another article by Miroslav Kocúr reflects e.g. on two very recent developments, where a member of the clergy in a pastoral letter openly criticizes so called 'anti-religious' elements for hindering the beatification of a local priest. The fact that the said priest was openly collaborating with the Nazis during WWII, whereas in the other instance the municipality of Rajec wants to honour a fascist official with a statue. Equally, the fascist element is none of the concern of the involved activists. Here as well, the discussions around the said issues would raise your eyebrows, where openly proclaimed anti-Semitic remarks are not too uncommon.

There is a painful tragedy here; too many - and I could fully believe that it is purely a matter of ignorance, rather than intended ideological conviction - seem to have too little awareness regarding the historical dimensions of their past. Being proud of your origin is fine, glorifying a fascist period is dangerous. Even the more, when the Catholic Church becomes a tool in providing them the pseudo-intellectual ammunition.

Slovakia - despite an explicit constitutional reference - does not fully recognize a separation between state and church. And a Catholic Church supporting fascists is perhaps not a new given, but in a 2011 European Union this is out of the question. Simply unacceptable.

Much ado about nothing...

In order to keep politics lively, most politicians might think, we should - instead of governing - make a lot of noise. Noise about how difficult, even unbearable, our position is, preventing us from ... governing.

An economically unstable country like Slovakia, having felt not only a severe whiplash from the 2009 crisis (albeit not in the banking sector), but equally being paralised by a traditionally high corruption, should need a government, which takes quick, adequate and firm measures to get the vehicle out of the mud.

But instead a government sweating over fixing the soaring deficit - after the successful looting rampage of former prime minister Fico, a totally different, even an off-topic issue is paralysing the new coalition to get things done; the double nationality issue.

A sound mind would freeze with shock over such a scenario, but indeed the question whether Slovak nationals should or should not be able to hold two passports, is perhaps the least pressing matter. No matter how annoyed anyone could be about Hungary issuing citizenships to magyars-descendents abroad, it is hardly worth it to put the country's political - and thus economical - future at stake.

The threat of a come back of crypto-communists, who managed not only to squander the state treasury but even justice as well,  is more than just imaginary. Instead of playing big-egos in a kind of 3rd rated B movie, politicians, especially those who are currently responsible and accountable, should move on. And fast!

Slovakia's Justice; a European problem

The fact that Slovak politics in the past have allowed gross violations of civic rights in general is a well known fact. Even in Brussels. When inquiring with EU officials, what could be done about it, the answer is sadly enough a big apathetic "disinterest" - once being within the EU (already having passed the entry test), no institution is further interested, whether the status quo of a member state would suddenly deteriorate for whatever reason. And such attitude is regarded to be 'normally accepted'. Interestingly enough, having had a general medical chceck-up at the age of 25, never gives you any guarantee that at the age of 30 you will still in perfect health nor do I remember a case, where a policeman would not issue a speeding ticket, since the offender has passed his driving exam. In short; the EU logic simply does not apply, and therefore should not.

After several rounds of votes to nominate a new general prosecutor, as Mr Trnka's term has - in my view: fortunately - come to an end, the former prosecutor finally is exit. Yet, with a very remarkable 'farewell speech' on television. 

Not only has Mr Trnka very willingly swiped several cases under the carpet; where even a blind person could see that it was a servile gesture to accommodate former prime minister Fico's cronyism. All of a sudden, Mr Trnka appeared to be the martyr and started to recite a list of negative assessments at the address of the present government and particular persons in politics. So far, I think this is the prerogative of journalists, analysts or bloggers. 

A person, who should be non-partisan, neutral, serving the justice for all citizens, is broadcasting political messages to the public. Not a mere faux pas, but - when taken his exact wording into account - a pure vulgarism pur sang. An official, trespassing to such an extent his formal and informal competencies, should not only be charged for his misconduct, but finally initiate Brussels' apathy to turn into a more vigilant role to play in order to sustain  democratic values throughout its EU states. Brussels' silence might be perceived as being a silent accomplice. And this, in my view, definitely has not been the initial idea of the European founding fathers. 

Downfall of the pious

In the ecstasy of the 2010 elections' outcome, a coalition of let's say "clean" political parties would move on together to mend what 4 years of Soviet styled Ficoism have caused to society. The political sigh of relief was tremendous. Expectations were high and as a first hand observer myself, I must affirm that the chances were at least moderately positive. In fact, since there was hardly another option, it was the only way out.

The ongoing months have been - as could be naturally expected - slightly turbulent, there were however some issues, which clearly demonstrate Slovakia's immature political life; at least in the sense of the western democratic model, which after all is the model the whole European Union is supposed to bank on. 

Ironically, the very first hiccup initiated during the coalition negotiations was the controversy regarding the so-called Vatican Treaty, which like a rabbit-from-the-hat-trick was pulled out by the KDH (Catholic Democratic Movement) leader Ján Figeľ, causing not only an unwanted stir among the then potential coalition partners, but it suddenly added an unpleasant undertone in the presumed moral standing of the KDH - on the one hand a breach of an mutually agreed radio-silence among the coalition negotiators, and implying almost having a hidden agenda, which might seem alright with the average catholic voters, but the trivial slip of the tongue had far more serious consequences. Most surprising was the mere fact, that this very Ján Figeľ definitively is no rookie in politics. Au contraire, having spent years in Brussels, one would expect a more skilled politician.

The following clumsy missteps that we could witness were perhaps to an extent due to inexperience of those, who just entered the big world of big politics. However, as time would tell, the KDH party suddenly seemed far from an unblemished player.

The reference to the Vatican Treaty may have been to a degree partly a Freudian slip of the tongue, of perhaps even a wishful thinking, but it implied perhaps the ideal state, where the KDH politicians wanted to appeal to catholic values; ethics, moral, from martyrdom to leadership with clean hands and conscience. 

Then how could one suddenly perceive the fact, that Mr Figeľ's generous EU perks, in relative terms giving him a more than royal income multifold of an average Slovak income, accepted a prestigious apartment in downtown Bratislava for almost nothing (believe me, far more people would be more than glad to receive such type of charity). 

The 'mea culpa' by Figeľ was - one could say - a bit of a laugh. Perhaps, the catholic mind works different; just a few Hail Mary's and throw a couple of Paternosters, and the show can go on. Admittedly, it sounds a tiny but sarcastic, but that's exactly my point. So 'dealing with a residence issue' with such an income, Figeľ thought to get off the hook. Realising, the trick didn't work too well, he then gave in and declared that the apartment would be given to charity... I cannot imagine, that let's say 10 homeless souls are now finding a shelter in his luxurious historical monument. 

Communal elections followed, and the somewhat controversial KDH mayor of Bratislava was replaced; when - surprise, surprise - some not very appropriate causes surfaced. In the meantime, the former mayor has a seat in parliament as well (conflict of interests has never been much of an issue). I trust some serious discussions followed behind the thick KDH doors, and last week Mr Figeľ announced that the ex mayor would 'voluntarily' and temporarily leave the party - but... insisting he would cling to his mandate and remain a parliament member.

The skin of a Slovak politician is definitively thicker that that of an elephant. Those who shout that only catholic values are the only acceptable moral and ethical values, suddenly lose a bit of their credibility. Or is it still the believe, that rulers have still the feudal rights of medieval kings and lords?

The most pious, contrary to the expectation could in the end become the highest risk. Have they never strategically looked into this? I begin to doubt. One has the impression of an unprepared rural club has visited the big town. Still much to learn.

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