Total contempt of citizens

Prime Minister Fico could perhaps be earnestly convinced of his righteous quest to lead his nation a into glorious future. Such a noble task would normally fall on the shoulders of legendary kings. Mr Fico, however, is merely a populist leader - but a skilled one - missing the finesse of a great statesman and his flaws are becoming more and more apparent. When arguing in debates, press conferences his ability as an ex-lawyer or as a current politician, who bears the political responsibility of the current government are becoming less and less convincing.

In my previous observation on the circus of "checking" on the ministries, where each ministry has fulfilled its five-year-plan... er.. sorry; the policies, we see a Ficoid chameleon, changing colours every other day: A week ago, the sole responsible Prime Minister declared how well the Ministry of Construction performed (hardly a surprising statement). And all this despite the fact, that initially this ministry is connected to the so-called "bulletin board tender". Announcing a tender on a bulletin board in a restricted area is not completely according to EU regulations, when a dodgy deal follows, with overcharged invoices for zero services, it is clearly not a clean deal. No wonder, the company was closely related to the nationalist SNS coalition party leader.

Initially, the responsible minister was sacked (which was a justified and a logical step), however to be succeeded by the very same person, who machinated the whole scheme. A total of three parliamentary motions to fire the minister followed, without any success, as the coalition parties had great interest to keep the club together. Fico was hardly bothered of creating an image of leading a Thieves' Club. 

And while still defending the reputation of the Ministry last week, the Supreme Audit Office concluded a few days later that there were doubts about the whole matter. A bit late, but still. Mr Fico then finally advised Minister Štefanov to resign himself - which the latter refused, so he had to be kicked out.

The soap continues, as the present supervising Education Minister has namely appointed the very same rookie as his personal advisor, based on his professionalism. How far can your contempt for the tax paying citizens go? In short: you steal; you get your boss' job; you get finally kicked out; and you remain to advise your successor how to run the shop. 

Fico has therefore never been a convincing politician (nor a lawyer). Passing the buck, without taking any political responsibility, which is inherent to his job, is the only thing he is capable of. But with this latest farce, he definitively has proven to be the greatest crook in town. A Prime Minister, regardless of his political party, is a Prime Minister of all the citizens. But his soviet-modelled mind seems not to be able to grasp this reality. But in all honesty; what kind of credibility do you emit, when supporting such criminal behaviour. Is this modern democratic politics? Not according to my book.

MS

podvodník

podvodník

Unwelcome guests

Prime Minister Fico is a skilled master in channelling information to the public. Either showing his 'dismay' how unpopular (i.e. critical) journalists are destroying Slovakia's reputation, or only partially disclose facts as in the case of OSCE Commissioner Vollebaeck's letter, regarding the dubious Language Act, cleverly leaving out a fairly essential passage. Firmly being in control of what the public should or should not know, projecting an incomplete or fairly untrue picture to the public, seems a clear objective.

Yesterday, however, a disciplinary court hearing took place. Can happen. The case was as follows, where a judge filed a case against Stefan Harabín, for trespassing his competencies as President of the Supreme Court - a position, which according to valid legislation, never should have gotten in the first place. But not being Harabín, who has all the political as well as personal interests to exert full control over the judicial system, with the blessing of the very same Fico, was nominated against all odds as the most powerful Judge of Judges. When filing a case against against Harabín results in being subject to disciplinary procedures (no verdict yet) it is not quite in line with usual justice principles.

Court hearings are public, but it was special this time, that some of the attending visitors were specifically diplomats from the United States, Denmark, Great Britain and the Netherlands. Not a very usual bunch of court watchers one could say.

My educated guess would be that such special attention by the said diplomats is far from making the leadership of Slovakia very enthusiastic. Seems that somehow, the numerous attempts of individuals to bring these trends to the attention of other countries - be it mainly the EU or even the USA, has brought some fruits.

In my view a slightly positive signal indeed. And I certainly hope, that somebody will be terribly annoyed about all this unexpected attention. Obviously, these guests are quite unwelcome to some people, but I consider them more than welcome. It was about time.

MS

Nationalism ... and History

Some recent developments in Slovakia's politics has put the Slovak National Party (SNS) onto the foreground. As the Vienna-based newspaper has called us already being the Pyongyang on the Danube - in my view not too much exaggerated by now - I also wearily shake my head at the nonsensical display of nationalism of this party. A party, which proudly propagates a national heritage I could still stomach; a party, which fanatically portrays some disfigured facts from the past is in my eyes purely suspicious.

Interestingly enough the Ministry of Education - a post held by a minister of the same SNS party - has recently changed the national curriculum on schools, which would de facto mean less world history and more Slovak history. My curiousity is seriously aroused.

Recently the party chairman Jan Slota and the second lady Anna Belousovová clumsily climbed through an attic-window in order to lay a wreath and bowing at the feet of a statue, representing Cyril and Methodius, two Greek envoys, who were sent by the Byzantine emperor at the request of Prince Rastislav in the 9th century. Unlike many nationalist might believe, Rastislav was not purely interested in the Byzantine church - he was a but concerned about the influential presence of the Bavarian monks, sent by the German emperor. Not because of their Catholic faith... rather to establish a political foot-hold in the Slavic state of Great Moravia. Rastislav's concerns were indeed justified, so nothing against that. Irritating the German emperor was surely a success. 

The legacy of the two brothers was slightly short-lived. Within a few decades, after they left, their influence was finally traded in for again the Roman rites. The Glagolitic (or Cyrillic) script, as invented by Cyril - based obviously on the Greek alphabet - never got into full practice; latin became the practice. 

Nevertheless, the naively faithful SNS leaders may solemnly bow and put down as many wreaths as they like, they are showing not reverence to the statue - it's unfortunately an embarrassing ignorance of historical knowledge.

The statement, that Cyril and Methodius were instrumental for the Slovak statehood, is as far fetched as it can be. Slovakia as a state (nor it's Czech counterpart by the way) didn't exist for many more centuries to come. The modern Slovak state, has no connection whatsoever with any Byzantine/Greek orthodox tradition or the like. The Cyriliic alphabet has never been used in Slovakia. Whether they brought Christianity to this region (as claimed) seems equally incorrect - why else would dear Rastislav bother to annoy the Bavarian monks... ? You tell me.

While on the roof, calling the two brother "Patrons of Europe" is more than a serious person could take. Nevertheless, these rhetorics are convincingly accepted by some of the followers. What disturbs me most when monitoring these nationalist events, is the pompous appearance of the leaders at Devin Castle. Large flags draping the castle, guards of honour, the Prezident, the Prime Minister at their best hailing the glorious past.

History is not merely a tool, it is a strong tool for politicians, and a dangerous one especially those who abuse it. Mr Slota and Ms Belousovová apparently are not A-grade students in history. I reckon, they flunked it. Interestingly, when watching the Devin spectacle... why does it remind me of a Riefenstahl movie..... ?

MS

PS - nobody has still convinced me, that the Slovak national anthem's melody is not of Hungarian origin

Niektoré posledný vývoj v politike Slovensko sa zaradilo Slovenská národná strana (SNS) do popredia. Vzhľadom na to, Viedeň-založené noviny nás povolal už v Pchjongjangu na Dunaji - podľa môjho názoru nie je príliš preceňuje sa - aj ja unavene sova sa obrátila na nezmyselný prejav nacionalizmu tejto strany. Strana, ktorá hrdo propaguje národné dedičstvo som ešte žalúdka; stranou, ktorá fanaticky deformácií vykresľuje niektoré skutočnosti z minulosti, je v mojich očiach len podozrivý. Zaujímavé MŠMT - miesto drží minister rovnaké SNS party - nedávno zmenila národný vzdelávací program pre školy, ktoré by de facto znamenalo menej svetových dejín a slovenské histórii. Moja zvedavosť je vážne vzrušenia. Nedávno predseda strany Ján Slota a druhá pani Anna Belousovová vyšplhali cez neobratné podkrovie-okná s cieľom položiť veniec a vydutosti k nohám sochy, predstavujúce Cyrila a Metoda, dva grécke vyslancami, ktorí boli odoslané byzantský cisár na žiadosť kniežaťa Rastislava v 9. storočí. Na rozdiel od mnohých nacionalistami môže domnievať, Rastislav nebol čisto záujem byzantský kostol - bol ale znepokojený vplyvný prítomnosti bavorského mníchov, poslal nemeckému cisárovi. Nie preto, že ich katolícka viera ... skôr vytvoriť politickú foot-hold v slovanského štátu Veľkej Moravy. Rastislav obavy boli skutočne oprávnené, takže nič proti. Dráždivý nemecký cisár bol určite úspech. Dedičstvo dvoch bratov bol trochu krátky-žil. Počas niekoľkých desaťročí, keď oni opustili, bol ich vplyv nakoniec opäť obchoduje za obrady rímskej. GLAGOLSKA (alebo azbuka) script, ako vynájdený Cyril - samozrejme na základe gréckej abecedy, nikdy som v plnej prax; latinka stala praxou. Však môže naivne veriaci SNS vodcovia lúk a slávnostne položil vence toľko, ako chcú sú zobrazené nie je úcta k soche - je to bohužiaľ trápnu neznalosť historického poznania. tvrdenie, že Cyril a Metod boli nápomocní pre slovenské štátnosti, ako ďaleko je pritiahnuté za vlasy, ako to môže byť. Slovensko ako štát (ani to český náprotivok by the way), neexistovala pre mnoho ďalších storočí prísť. Moderného slovenského štátu, nemá vôbec žiadnu súvislosť s byzantskú / gréckej ortodoxnej tradície a podobne. Abeceda Cyriliic nikdy bola použitá na Slovensko. Či už priniesol kresťanstvo do tejto oblasti (ako tvrdil) sa zdá byť rovnako nesprávne - prečo by to inak milý Rastislav obťažovať a obťažujú mníchov bavorskej ... ? To mi povedz ty. Kým na streche, volá dva brata "Patróni Európy" je viac ako seriózny človek mohol mať. Napriek tomu sú tieto rétorika presvedčivo prijaté niektoré z nasledovníkov. Čo ma najviac trápi pri sledovaní týchto nacionalistických akcií, je pompézny vzhľad lídrov na hrade Devín. Veľké vlajky zdobiace hrad, čestné stráže, Prezident, premiér na svoje najlepšie oznamovacích slávnej minulosti. História nie je iba nástrojom, je silným nástrojom pre politiku, a nebezpečný, najmä tých, ktorí zneužívajú ju. Pán Slota a pani Belousovová zrejme nie-grade študentov v histórii. Asi jo, oni flunked to. Je zaujímavé, že pri sledovaní predstavenia Devin ... prečo je mi pripomínajú film ..... Riefenstahl ? MS

Niektoré posledný vývoj v politike Slovensko sa zaradilo Slovenská národná strana (SNS) do popredia. Vzhľadom na to, Viedeň-založené noviny nás povolal už v Pchjongjangu na Dunaji - podľa môjho názoru nie je príliš preceňuje sa - aj ja unavene sova sa obrátila na nezmyselný prejav nacionalizmu tejto strany. Strana, ktorá hrdo propaguje národné dedičstvo som ešte žalúdka; stranou, ktorá fanaticky deformácií vykresľuje niektoré skutočnosti z minulosti, je v mojich očiach len podozrivý. Zaujímavé MŠMT - miesto drží minister rovnaké SNS party - nedávno zmenila národný vzdelávací program pre školy, ktoré by de facto znamenalo menej svetových dejín a slovenské histórii. Moja zvedavosť je vážne vzrušenia. Nedávno predseda strany Ján Slota a druhá pani Anna Belousovová vyšplhali cez neobratné podkrovie-okná s cieľom položiť veniec a vydutosti k nohám sochy, predstavujúce Cyrila a Metoda, dva grécke vyslancami, ktorí boli odoslané byzantský cisár na žiadosť kniežaťa Rastislava v 9. storočí. Na rozdiel od mnohých nacionalistami môže domnievať, Rastislav nebol čisto záujem byzantský kostol - bol ale znepokojený vplyvný prítomnosti bavorského mníchov, poslal nemeckému cisárovi. Nie preto, že ich katolícka viera ... skôr vytvoriť politickú foot-hold v slovanského štátu Veľkej Moravy. Rastislav obavy boli skutočne oprávnené, takže nič proti. Dráždivý nemecký cisár bol určite úspech. Dedičstvo dvoch bratov bol trochu krátky-žil. Počas niekoľkých desaťročí, keď oni opustili, bol ich vplyv nakoniec opäť obchoduje za obrady rímskej. GLAGOLSKA (alebo azbuka) script, ako vynájdený Cyril - samozrejme na základe gréckej abecedy, nikdy som v plnej prax; latinka stala praxou. Však môže naivne veriaci SNS vodcovia lúk a slávnostne položil vence toľko, ako chcú sú zobrazené nie je úcta k soche - je to bohužiaľ trápnu neznalosť historického poznania. tvrdenie, že Cyril a Metod boli nápomocní pre slovenské štátnosti, ako ďaleko je pritiahnuté za vlasy, ako to môže byť. Slovensko ako štát (ani to český náprotivok by the way), neexistovala pre mnoho ďalších storočí prísť. Moderného slovenského štátu, nemá vôbec žiadnu súvislosť s byzantskú / gréckej ortodoxnej tradície a podobne. Abeceda Cyriliic nikdy bola použitá na Slovensko. Či už priniesol kresťanstvo do tejto oblasti (ako tvrdil) sa zdá byť rovnako nesprávne - prečo by to inak milý Rastislav obťažovať a obťažujú mníchov bavorskej ... ? To mi povedz ty. Kým na streche, volá dva brata "Patróni Európy" je viac ako seriózny človek mohol mať. Napriek tomu sú tieto rétorika presvedčivo prijaté niektoré z nasledovníkov. Čo ma najviac trápi pri sledovaní týchto nacionalistických akcií, je pompézny vzhľad lídrov na hrade Devín. Veľké vlajky zdobiace hrad, čestné stráže, Prezident, premiér na svoje najlepšie oznamovacích slávnej minulosti. História nie je iba nástrojom, je silným nástrojom pre politiku, a nebezpečný, najmä tých, ktorí zneužívajú ju. Pán Slota a pani Belousovová zrejme nie-grade študentov v histórii. Asi jo, oni flunked to. Je zaujímavé, že pri sledovaní predstavenia Devin ... prečo je mi pripomínajú film ..... Riefenstahl ? MS

Politics-fatigue

Slovakia's political scene provides daily a number of new facts and developments, serious enough to keep a person busy. Unfortunately, not because it mainly would deal with dynamic prosperous or enriching the broad public with innovative programmes. On the contrary; mainly because the developments are seriously dangerous.

Generally, I am a person that would hardly lend an ear to certain conspirational theories, but as I have monitored Slovak politics for the past 3+ years - and lived within the society - even my most objective diagnosis of the whole matter is rather grim. How could this be possible within an EU country, which fulfilled the political ad economic requirements in order to be admitted into the EU in the first place? 

First of all, like a small boy, who behaved in order to get his candy reward, once putting it in his mouth the mischief continues (he got his reward already, so what the heck). The greatest and perhaps the deadliest mistake is in fact in the EU itself. While at the onset, the EU required strict standards, once inside, none of the European institutions has neither the time nor the sincere interest, to be bothered with mischiefs. Personally I know this from experience, where sending a report to Brussels has vanished in a black hole. Not even a thank you letter, apology... Corrective steps from Brussels are thus a fiction.

Secondly, politics has brought forth the worst trends one could imagine. While the previous government has managed to a great deal to truly introduce improvements and professionalism (to enter the EU), the present government has done the maximum to devastatingly erode all the positive achievements; the justice-system is highly corrupt and politicised, the police force has already be used for a political agitation, the media are dangerously pushed into a corner because of dodgy laws turning it into a cryptic latent censorship. The opposition, unfortunately, lacks the political skill to be an effective opposition, putting the whole political functioning of parliament into a pre-1989 theatrical farce.

Thirdly, the press, not only pushed back by legal threats, also lacking basic journalistic skills and professionalism. Regardless of direct real-time uncensored and freely accessible comparisons thanks to satellite television technology (at least BBC, CNN, CBS, SkyNews...), with a handful of exceptions, none of the present day reporters shows any true professionalism at all, making him/her merely a servile nodding tool, cleverly used by the powers that be. At least a critical line up of solidarity among colleague-reporters and journalists could perhaps break through the daily monotony of state propaganda.

Fourthly, the electorate in general, has - obviously - too little experience in political democratic processes. The mere fact, a very often heard argument, that every four years free elections is a proof of a functioning democracy is a fatal over-simplification. Education would have been a first step, yet not only has this been underestimated, it would take also a certain amount of time to become effective. Intense campaigns by NGOs, think tanks and the like would be an alternative, where it not that the connection between the 'intellectual ivory towers' and the masses is in practice almost non-existent. Similarly, a politically active intelligentsia to initiate valid public discussions as is common in e.g. Germany or France is completely absent.

Public direly needs to find out what is really going on. Sounds repetitive, but this is the greatest lack in society. A few know, nothing is done and the majority doesn't care. Up to the point, that the most often heard phrase becomes now; "I am not going to vote". Tired of all the politicking, maybe understandable, yet it is the greatest danger that lures. It is not about an arbitrary outcome of who will win; it is about the destruction or survival of Slovakia as a civic society. Justice has ceased to exist already, the only way to resuscitate is at peril. Present political ignorance is deadly but those who could make a difference are already politics-fatigue. 

MS 

Slovakia's political scene provides daily a number of new facts and developments, serious enough to keep a person busy. Unfortunately, not because it mainly would deal with dynamic prosperous or enriching the broad public with innovative programmes. On the contrary; mainly because the developments are seriously dangerous. Generally, I am a person that would hardly lend an ear to certain conspirational theories, but as I have monitored Slovak politics for the past 3+ years - and lived within the society - even my most objective diagnosis of the whole matter is rather grim. How could this be possible within an EU country, which fulfilled the political ad economic requirements in order to be admitted into the EU in the first place? First of all, like a small boy, who behaved in order to get his candy reward, once putting it in his mouth the mischief continues (he got his reward already, so what the heck). The greatest and perhaps the deadliest mistake is in fact in the EU itself. While at the onset, the EU required strict standards, once inside, none of the European institutions has neither the time nor the sincere interest, to be bothered with mischiefs. Personally I know this from experience, where sending a report to Brussels has vanished in a black hole. Not even a thank you letter, apology... Corrective steps from Brussels are thus a fiction. Secondly, politics has brought forth the worst trends one could imagine. While the previous government has managed to a great deal to truly introduce improvements and professionalism (to enter the EU), the present government has done the maximum to devastatingly erode all the positive achievements; the justice-system is highly corrupt and politicised, the police force has already be used for a political agitation, the media are dangerously pushed into a corner because of dodgy laws turning it into a cryptic latent censorship. The opposition, unfortunately, lacks the political skill to be an effective opposition, putting the whole political functioning of parliament into a pre-1989 theatrical farce. Thirdly, the press, not only pushed back by legal threats, also lacking basic journalistic skills and professionalism. Regardless of direct real-time uncensored and freely accessible comparisons thanks to satellite television technology (at least BBC, CNN, CBS, SkyNews...), with a handful of exceptions, none of the present day reporters shows any true professionalism at all, making him/her merely a servile nodding tool, cleverly used by the powers that be. At least a critical line up of solidarity among colleague-reporters and journalists could perhaps break through the daily monotony of state propaganda. Public direly needs to find out what is really going on. Sounds repetitive, but this is the greatest lack in society. A few know, nothing is done and the majority doesn't care. Up to the point, that the most often heard phrase becomes now; "I am not going to vote". Tired of all the politicking, maybe understandable, yet it is the greatest danger that lures. It is not about an arbitrary outcome of who will win; it is about the destruction or survival of Slovakia as a civic society. Justice has ceased to exist already, the only way to resuscitate is at peril. Present political ignorance is deadly but those who could make a difference are already politics-fatigue. MS

Slovakia's political scene provides daily a number of new facts and developments, serious enough to keep a person busy. Unfortunately, not because it mainly would deal with dynamic prosperous or enriching the broad public with innovative programmes. On the contrary; mainly because the developments are seriously dangerous. Generally, I am a person that would hardly lend an ear to certain conspirational theories, but as I have monitored Slovak politics for the past 3+ years - and lived within the society - even my most objective diagnosis of the whole matter is rather grim. How could this be possible within an EU country, which fulfilled the political ad economic requirements in order to be admitted into the EU in the first place? First of all, like a small boy, who behaved in order to get his candy reward, once putting it in his mouth the mischief continues (he got his reward already, so what the heck). The greatest and perhaps the deadliest mistake is in fact in the EU itself. While at the onset, the EU required strict standards, once inside, none of the European institutions has neither the time nor the sincere interest, to be bothered with mischiefs. Personally I know this from experience, where sending a report to Brussels has vanished in a black hole. Not even a thank you letter, apology... Corrective steps from Brussels are thus a fiction. Secondly, politics has brought forth the worst trends one could imagine. While the previous government has managed to a great deal to truly introduce improvements and professionalism (to enter the EU), the present government has done the maximum to devastatingly erode all the positive achievements; the justice-system is highly corrupt and politicised, the police force has already be used for a political agitation, the media are dangerously pushed into a corner because of dodgy laws turning it into a cryptic latent censorship. The opposition, unfortunately, lacks the political skill to be an effective opposition, putting the whole political functioning of parliament into a pre-1989 theatrical farce. Thirdly, the press, not only pushed back by legal threats, also lacking basic journalistic skills and professionalism. Regardless of direct real-time uncensored and freely accessible comparisons thanks to satellite television technology (at least BBC, CNN, CBS, SkyNews...), with a handful of exceptions, none of the present day reporters shows any true professionalism at all, making him/her merely a servile nodding tool, cleverly used by the powers that be. At least a critical line up of solidarity among colleague-reporters and journalists could perhaps break through the daily monotony of state propaganda. Public direly needs to find out what is really going on. Sounds repetitive, but this is the greatest lack in society. A few know, nothing is done and the majority doesn't care. Up to the point, that the most often heard phrase becomes now; "I am not going to vote". Tired of all the politicking, maybe understandable, yet it is the greatest danger that lures. It is not about an arbitrary outcome of who will win; it is about the destruction or survival of Slovakia as a civic society. Justice has ceased to exist already, the only way to resuscitate is at peril. Present political ignorance is deadly but those who could make a difference are already politics-fatigue. MS

Chauvinist terror

Times are changing - while we might think, that it is only a recent trend, this given has been omnipresent throughout all times, although truth is that except for a few revolutions in the past, our modern day developments have a higher velocity. Technology has shrunk our world around us, and we are easier in touch with other thoughts, cultures and people.

Cultural changes are millennia old. Diversity in Europe is an interesting case study for historians, demographers, anthropologists and the like. The creation and expansion of the European Union created unrestricted travel among nations, which previously were confined to borders even mine-fields and barbed wire.

This week, Slovakia's parliament has passed a bill, to establish "legal regulations to  support education towards patriotism", which stipulates the compulsory weekly listening to the national anthem, where every classroom should be adorned with the national flag, the picture of the president and a copy of the constitution, and that civil servants should swear an oath to the nation. The coalition's Slovak Nationalist Party (SNS), which initiate this law, has namely found it proper, to ensure that all its citizens should feel proud, and since this only was not enough, it should be enforced by 19th century styled law.

Feeling proud of one own country is not a mere virtue it should follow from the achievements of the nation. Be it culturally or else-wise. But this seems a bit of a hurdle for Slovakia. After more than 3 years of literal looting of the country by the present government, feeling proud is perhaps the least prominent perception which should come up in your mind. In addition, a party that has the most damaged the reputation, would now force upon the people a primitive and naive state-directed pride. 

What I presently feel about the whole matter is this; a true disgust, together a huge question mark. How was it ever possible, that hardly anybody from the opposition hasn't voted against this farce. True is, that in this context a large group of SNS-like electorate, regards a person, who is not a chauvinist patriot, easily as - let's say - a state-enemy or an outright traitor. A cheap and lame excuse, but unfortunately, the argumentative ability of the average voter does not go beyond that line. But nevertheless, this law has passed parliament without any critical remark.

The Vienna based newspaper Die Presse has had a striking headline; Bratislava has become a Pyongyang on the Danube. Sadly enough, I can fully agree. EU-member Slovakia in the 21st century has introduced chauvinist terror to create obedient citizens. But it's perhaps not so much about getting tears in your eyes when seeing the flag... rather to look away from the filthy and primitive corruption that goes on. Anyway, citizens have sworn their loyalty to the dear Slovak leaders...

MS

Times are changing - while we might think, that it is only a recent trend, this given has been omnipresent throughout all times, although truth is that except for a few revolutions in the past, our modern day developments have a higher velocity. Technology has shrunk our world around us, and we are easier in touch with other thoughts, cultures and people. Cultural changes are millennia old. Diversity in Europe is an interesting case study for historians, demographers, anthropologists and the like. The creation and expansion of the European Union created unrestricted travel among nations, which previously were confined to borders even mine-fields and barbed wire. This week, Slovakia's parliament has passed a bill, which stipulates the compulsory weekly singing of the national anthem, where every classroom should be adorned with the national flag, the picture of the president and a copy of the constitution, and that civil servants should swear an oath to the nation. The coalition's Slovak Nationalist Party, who initiate this law, has namely found it proper, to ensure that all its citizens should feel proud, and since this only was not enough, it should be enforced by law. Feeling proud of one own country is not a mere virtue - it should follow from the achievements of the nation. Be it culturally or else-wise. After more than 3 years of literal looting of the country by the present government, feeling proud is perhaps the least prominent perception which should come up in your mind. In addition, a party that has the most damaged the reputation, would now force upon the people a primitive and naive state-directed pride. What I presently feel about the whole matter is this; a true disgust, together a huge question mark. How was it ever possible, that hardly anybody from the opposition hasn't voted against this farce. True is, that in this context a large group of SNS-like electorate, regards a person, who is not a chauvinist patriot, easily as - let's say - a state-enemy or an outright traitor. A cheap and lame excuse, but unfortunately, the argumentative ability of the average voter does not go beyond that line. But nevertheless, this law has passed parliament without any critical remark. The Vienna based newspaper Die Presse has had a striking headline; Bratislava has become a Pyongyang on the Danube. Sadly enough, I can fully agree. EU-member Slovakia in the 21st century has introduced chauvinist terror to create obedient citizens. But it's perhaps not so much about getting tears in your eyes when seeing the flag... rather to look away from the filthy and primitive corruption that goes on. Anyway, citizens have sworn their loyalty to the dear Slovak leaders... MS

Times are changing - while we might think, that it is only a recent trend, this given has been omnipresent throughout all times, although truth is that except for a few revolutions in the past, our modern day developments have a higher velocity. Technology has shrunk our world around us, and we are easier in touch with other thoughts, cultures and people. Cultural changes are millennia old. Diversity in Europe is an interesting case study for historians, demographers, anthropologists and the like. The creation and expansion of the European Union created unrestricted travel among nations, which previously were confined to borders even mine-fields and barbed wire. This week, Slovakia's parliament has passed a bill, which stipulates the compulsory weekly singing of the national anthem, where every classroom should be adorned with the national flag, the picture of the president and a copy of the constitution, and that civil servants should swear an oath to the nation. The coalition's Slovak Nationalist Party, who initiate this law, has namely found it proper, to ensure that all its citizens should feel proud, and since this only was not enough, it should be enforced by law. Feeling proud of one own country is not a mere virtue - it should follow from the achievements of the nation. Be it culturally or else-wise. After more than 3 years of literal looting of the country by the present government, feeling proud is perhaps the least prominent perception which should come up in your mind. In addition, a party that has the most damaged the reputation, would now force upon the people a primitive and naive state-directed pride. What I presently feel about the whole matter is this; a true disgust, together a huge question mark. How was it ever possible, that hardly anybody from the opposition hasn't voted against this farce. True is, that in this context a large group of SNS-like electorate, regards a person, who is not a chauvinist patriot, easily as - let's say - a state-enemy or an outright traitor. A cheap and lame excuse, but unfortunately, the argumentative ability of the average voter does not go beyond that line. But nevertheless, this law has passed parliament without any critical remark. The Vienna based newspaper Die Presse has had a striking headline; Bratislava has become a Pyongyang on the Danube. Sadly enough, I can fully agree. EU-member Slovakia in the 21st century has introduced chauvinist terror to create obedient citizens. But it's perhaps not so much about getting tears in your eyes when seeing the flag... rather to look away from the filthy and primitive corruption that goes on. Anyway, citizens have sworn their loyalty to the dear Slovak leaders... MS

Information in society (part III)

When finishing my last blog, I assumed that the next article would cover a different subject. Last night however, an article appeared on the SME-website, which needed some attention to illustrate how systematically and cunningly government is manipulating media into its political alley. Realising, that the word cunningly would imply a whiff of 'hidden skills'; they openly admit it with impunity.

Since the dark Mečiar years, where Slovakia was subjected to political pressure, corruption, crime (including the abduction of the President's son), SME has been a daily in Slovakia that was not hiding from publishing critical notes. A cover-up scandal as the Dreyfuss-Affair was uncovered by continuous efforts of journalists and an elite intelligentsia (Emile Zola), and not to forget Woodward and Bernstein to unravel the murky connections in the Watergate scandal which eventually ended in the abdication of Richard Nixon. The press here assumed the correct role: Informing the public. Regardless of political leadership, all cabinets received equal critical attention - unfortunately, it must be said, a fact which is hardly realised by a group of readers, based on the sometimes nonsensical ranting in the discussions, making one wonder whether to to take it as sarcastic humour or a very sad and grim given.

The aforementioned article dealt with a personnel (ex)change of the Transmission Council of the Slovak Radio. Everywhere people come and people go, but when it pertains to let's say strategic positions, which should be in the public's interest, then of course the movements are to be watched a bit more closely. There is a clear tendency, that the influence of the governing parties is getting much stronger - where especially the HZDS (Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, the present coalition party lead by the very same Mečiar(!)). Not only has Mr Mečiar put a highly corrupt figure into the seat of the President of the Supreme Court, even the broadcasting will become a bit more 'partial'.

It was in fact, as the article opens, the Prime Minister himself, who in 2007 openly declared "obviously, we [the coalition] have a an interest, to have people voted [into the Transmission Council], who represent our views". A blunt statement, which in none of the decent democracies, would have been said without any immediate repercussions. Imagine the BBC becoming a propaganda instrument for Gordon Brown.

People - especially in this new independent state - do not fully realise what a public broadcasting organisation is supposed to be. The perception, that it's a state radio (or equally TV) and therefore must be aligned with the government. This fact gives the present government exactly the necessary leeway to abuse this position, and you can guess what happens next.

Slovak Television visibly lost some critical programmes (apparently as a cost saving exercise) while shallow entertainment came in lieu of it. I shall be fair to admit that the Slovak Radio in this respect is quality-wise still ahead of the television, and does broadcast some reasonably fair discussions, but in my view it's not good enough. 

As highlighted in my previous two articles, the professionalism of independent reporters is pivotal to the democratic functioning of societies. Slovakia is becoming more and more visibly manipulated from above. Not just visibly, but also highly effectively. It all will now depend on the ethical and professional conscience of the journalists - together with those who have the 'right stuff' - whether to succumb to the dangerous trends or to withstand. Else things will indeed soon turn quite ugly.

Meanwhile, I am going to watch "All President's Men" again...

MS

When finishing my last blog, I assumed that the next article would cover a different subject. Last night however, an article appeared on the SME-website, which needed some attention to illustrate how systematically and cunningly government is manipulating media into its political alley. Realising, that the word cunningly would imply a whiff of 'hidden skills'; they openly admit it with impunity. Since the dark Mečiar years, where Slovakia was subjected to political pressure, corruption, crime (including the abduction of the President's son), SME has been a daily in Slovakia that was not hiding from publishing critical notes. A cover-up scandal as the Dreyfuss-Affair was uncovered by continuous efforts of journalists and an elite intelligentsia (Emile Zola), and not to forget Woodward and Bernstein to unravel the murky connections in the Watergate scandal which eventually ended in the abdication of Richard Nixon. The press here assumed the correct role: Informing the public. Regardless of political leadership, all cabinets received equal critical attention - unfortunately, it must be said, a fact which is hardly realised by a group of readers, based on the sometimes nonsensical ranting in the discussions, making one wonder whether to to take it as sarcastic humour or a very sad and grim given. The aforementioned article dealt with a personnel (ex)change of the Transmission Council of the Slovak Radio. Everywhere people come and people go, but when it pertains to let's say strategic positions, which should be in the public's interest, then of course the movements are to be watched a bit more closely. There is a clear tendency, that the influence of the governing parties is getting much stronger - where especially the HZDS (Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, the present coalition party lead by the very same Mečiar(!)). Not only has Mr Mečiar put a highly corrupt figure into the seat of the President of the Supreme Court, even the broadcasting will become a bit more 'partial'. It was in fact, as the article opens, the Prime Minister himself, who in 2007 openly declared "obviously, we [the coalition] have a an interest, to have people voted [into the Transmission Council], who represent our views". A statement, which in none of the decent democracies, would have been said without any immediate repercussions. Imagine the BBC becoming a propaganda instrument for Gordon Brown. People - especially in this new independent state - do not fully realise what a public broadcasting organisation is supposed to be. The perception, that it's a state radio (or equally TV) and therefore must be aligned with the government. This fact gives the present government exactly the necessary leeway to abuse this position, and you can guess what happens next. Slovak Television visibly lost some critical programmes (apparently as a cost saving exercise) while shallow entertainment came in lieu of it. I shall be fair to admit that the Slovak Radio in this respect is quality-wise still ahead, and does broadcast some reasonably fair discussions, but in my view it's not good enough. As highlighted in my previous two articles, the professionalism of independent reporters is pivotal to the democratic functioning of societies. Slovakia is becoming more and more visibly manipulated from above. Not just visibly, but also highly effectively. It all will now depend on the ethical and professional conscience of the journalists - together with those who have the 'right stuff' - whether to succumb to the dangerous trends or to withstand. Else things will indeed soon turn quite ugly. MS

When finishing my last blog, I assumed that the next article would cover a different subject. Last night however, an article appeared on the SME-website, which needed some attention to illustrate how systematically and cunningly government is manipulating media into its political alley. Realising, that the word cunningly would imply a whiff of 'hidden skills'; they openly admit it with impunity. Since the dark Mečiar years, where Slovakia was subjected to political pressure, corruption, crime (including the abduction of the President's son), SME has been a daily in Slovakia that was not hiding from publishing critical notes. A cover-up scandal as the Dreyfuss-Affair was uncovered by continuous efforts of journalists and an elite intelligentsia (Emile Zola), and not to forget Woodward and Bernstein to unravel the murky connections in the Watergate scandal which eventually ended in the abdication of Richard Nixon. The press here assumed the correct role: Informing the public. Regardless of political leadership, all cabinets received equal critical attention - unfortunately, it must be said, a fact which is hardly realised by a group of readers, based on the sometimes nonsensical ranting in the discussions, making one wonder whether to to take it as sarcastic humour or a very sad and grim given. The aforementioned article dealt with a personnel (ex)change of the Transmission Council of the Slovak Radio. Everywhere people come and people go, but when it pertains to let's say strategic positions, which should be in the public's interest, then of course the movements are to be watched a bit more closely. There is a clear tendency, that the influence of the governing parties is getting much stronger - where especially the HZDS (Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, the present coalition party lead by the very same Mečiar(!)). Not only has Mr Mečiar put a highly corrupt figure into the seat of the President of the Supreme Court, even the broadcasting will become a bit more 'partial'. It was in fact, as the article opens, the Prime Minister himself, who in 2007 openly declared "obviously, we [the coalition] have a an interest, to have people voted [into the Transmission Council], who represent our views". A statement, which in none of the decent democracies, would have been said without any immediate repercussions. Imagine the BBC becoming a propaganda instrument for Gordon Brown. People - especially in this new independent state - do not fully realise what a public broadcasting organisation is supposed to be. The perception, that it's a state radio (or equally TV) and therefore must be aligned with the government. This fact gives the present government exactly the necessary leeway to abuse this position, and you can guess what happens next. Slovak Television visibly lost some critical programmes (apparently as a cost saving exercise) while shallow entertainment came in lieu of it. I shall be fair to admit that the Slovak Radio in this respect is quality-wise still ahead, and does broadcast some reasonably fair discussions, but in my view it's not good enough. As highlighted in my previous two articles, the professionalism of independent reporters is pivotal to the democratic functioning of societies. Slovakia is becoming more and more visibly manipulated from above. Not just visibly, but also highly effectively. It all will now depend on the ethical and professional conscience of the journalists - together with those who have the 'right stuff' - whether to succumb to the dangerous trends or to withstand. Else things will indeed soon turn quite ugly. MS

Information in society (continuation)

Pursuant to my previous posting, I would like to draw attention to another article by Transparency International Slovakia director Gabriel Šipoš, who frequently publishes his excellent analyses in his "Slovak Press Watch" blog. The example, which he highlights, demonstrates the underlying risks of disinformation followed by incompetent journalism. The whole thing is in fact too bizarre to believe, but I found it worthwhile to expose.

In short, Mr Šipoš points out how during a press conference the Slovak Minister of Health states a wrong picture. When being asked by the reporter of TV-JOJ, to explain why prices of medicaments have risen by 5.1% compared to the previous year (the number was taken from the Slovak Statistical Office) the Minister answered as follows: 

"A very good question. Since the index of consumer goods which are falling under healthcare deals with purchases, especially those done in a drug-store. We know that the number of drug-stores has doubled... This given is not correct, as it has nothing in common with many commodities, since in these shopping-baskets, which we call healthcare, we will find toothbrushes, pastes, facial masks, with permission: contraceptives and lubrication gels. In short, those are items, which people buy specifically because there are more of these drug-stores... You can see these commodities. There is this cranberries concoction or... This has nothing to do with healthcare. That would mean that everybody, who buys a toothbrush or paste is considered a patient. In other words, the increase is caused by the fact that the freely sold commodities have increased, but in reality are not medications, which are prescribed. It has nothing to do with the healthcare system. Either it is necessary to re-classify it in such a way that this data is not confusing..."

No, there is really nothing wrong with my translation. This is indeed literally what the Minister said. Does it make any sense...? I don't think so - at least not to me. If anybody can find a reasonable coherence, please write me.

Now a little insight. According to the reports of the Statistical Office, there are 4 classes of items; medication on prescription, medication without, pharmaceutical products and other health products. While the latter two showed a decrease of respectively 0.9% and 5%, the items falling under prescribed medication increased by 5.9% and those without prescription had an increase of no less than 9%. The reporter involved blindly quoted the Minister's explanation (taking it for face-value truth) without verifying the validity.

First of all, the mere unconvincing explanation of the Minister itself (let's call it highly clumsy and purely unprofessional) should cause a journalist/reporter to become suspicious and double check. It should be expected to inform the public, what was said and whether correct according to reality. Failing to do so, makes the journalist highly unprofessional as well - to put it diplomatically. In my amazement, seeing the seriousness of this mistake, I would prefer a more harsh expression, but I am afraid my late grandmother would not approve of such language.

This way, Slovakia's public shall remain erring in misty disinformation, hardly realising what really goes on. Herewith a warm tribute to Transparency International Slovakia for their professional analyses of current trends in the media.

To conclude this post just a little quiz-question for the readers: can you guess, why the present leaders are not much in favour of the said organisation? I don't think it's too hard to find that out...

MS

Pursuant to my previous posting, I would like to draw attention to another article by Transparency International Slovakia director Gabriel Šipoš, who frequently publishes his excellent analyses in his "Slovak Press Watch" blog. The example, which he highlights, demonstrates the underlying risks of disinformation followed by incompetent journalism. The whole thing is in fact too bizarre to believe, but I found it worthwhile to expose. In short, Mr Šipoš points out how during a press conference the Slovak Minister of Health states a wrong picture. When being asked by the reporter of TV-JOJ, to explain why prices of medicaments have risen by 5.1% compared to the previous year. The number was taken from the Slovak Statistical Office. The Minister answered as follows (and I shall literally translate the transcript): "A very good question. Since the index of consumer goods which are falling under healthcare deals with purchases, especially those done in a drug-store. We know that the number of drug-stores has doubled... This given is not correct, as it has nothing in common with many commodities, since in these shopping-baskets, which we call healthcare, we will find toothbrushes, pastes, facial masks, with permission: contraceptives and lubrication gels. In short, those are items, which people buy specifically because there are more of these drug-stores... You can see these commodities. There is this cranberries concoction or... This has nothing to do with healthcare. That would mean that everybody, who buys a toothbrush or paste is considered a patient. In other words, the increase is caused by the fact that the freely sold commodities have increased, but in reality are not medications, which are prescribed. It has nothing to do with the healthcare system. Either it is necessary to re-classify it in such a way that this data is not confusing..." No, there is really nothing wrong with my translation. This is indeed, what the Minister said. Does it make any sense... I don't think so - at least not to me. Now a little insight. According to the reports of the Statistical Office, there are 4 classes of items; medication on prescription, medication without, pharmaceutical products and other health products. While the latter two showed a decrease of respectively 0.9% and 5%, the items falling under prescribed medication increased by 5.9% and those without prescription had an increase of no less than 9%. The reporter involved blindly quoted the Minister's explanation (taking it for face-value truth) without verifying the validity. First of all, the mere unconvincing explanation of the Minister itself (let's call it highly clumsy and purely unprofessional) should cause a journalist/reporter to become suspicious and double check. It should be expected to inform the public, what was said and whether correct according to reality. Failing to do so, makes the journalist highly unprofessional as well - to put it diplomatically. In my amazement, seeing the seriousness of this mistake, I would prefer a more harsh expression, but I am afraid my late grandmother would not approve of such language. This way, Slovakia's public shall remain erring in misty disinformation, hardly realising what really goes on. Herewith a warm tribute to Transparency International Slovakia. A little quiz-question for the readers: can you guess, why the present leaders are not much in favour of the said organisation? MS

Pursuant to my previous posting, I would like to draw attention to another article by Transparency International Slovakia director Gabriel Šipoš, who frequently publishes his excellent analyses in his "Slovak Press Watch" blog. The example, which he highlights, demonstrates the underlying risks of disinformation followed by incompetent journalism. The whole thing is in fact too bizarre to believe, but I found it worthwhile to expose. In short, Mr Šipoš points out how during a press conference the Slovak Minister of Health states a wrong picture. When being asked by the reporter of TV-JOJ, to explain why prices of medicaments have risen by 5.1% compared to the previous year. The number was taken from the Slovak Statistical Office. The Minister answered as follows (and I shall literally translate the transcript): "A very good question. Since the index of consumer goods which are falling under healthcare deals with purchases, especially those done in a drug-store. We know that the number of drug-stores has doubled... This given is not correct, as it has nothing in common with many commodities, since in these shopping-baskets, which we call healthcare, we will find toothbrushes, pastes, facial masks, with permission: contraceptives and lubrication gels. In short, those are items, which people buy specifically because there are more of these drug-stores... You can see these commodities. There is this cranberries concoction or... This has nothing to do with healthcare. That would mean that everybody, who buys a toothbrush or paste is considered a patient. In other words, the increase is caused by the fact that the freely sold commodities have increased, but in reality are not medications, which are prescribed. It has nothing to do with the healthcare system. Either it is necessary to re-classify it in such a way that this data is not confusing..." No, there is really nothing wrong with my translation. This is indeed, what the Minister said. Does it make any sense... I don't think so - at least not to me. Now a little insight. According to the reports of the Statistical Office, there are 4 classes of items; medication on prescription, medication without, pharmaceutical products and other health products. While the latter two showed a decrease of respectively 0.9% and 5%, the items falling under prescribed medication increased by 5.9% and those without prescription had an increase of no less than 9%. The reporter involved blindly quoted the Minister's explanation (taking it for face-value truth) without verifying the validity. First of all, the mere unconvincing explanation of the Minister itself (let's call it highly clumsy and purely unprofessional) should cause a journalist/reporter to become suspicious and double check. It should be expected to inform the public, what was said and whether correct according to reality. Failing to do so, makes the journalist highly unprofessional as well - to put it diplomatically. In my amazement, seeing the seriousness of this mistake, I would prefer a more harsh expression, but I am afraid my late grandmother would not approve of such language. This way, Slovakia's public shall remain erring in misty disinformation, hardly realising what really goes on. Herewith a warm tribute to Transparency International Slovakia. A little quiz-question for the readers: can you guess, why the present leaders are not much in favour of the said organisation? MS

Propaganda or free press; the function of information in society

My greatest concerns when moving in Slovakia's society, is the level (and quality) of information people receive. A person somehow tends to adhere to certain habitual patterns, and the basis of his information-intake will determine to a great deal on his critical perception of information. Man is a social being, where the ability to communicate complex messages makes him differ from the rest of the living beings. Communication and information are the core of man's functioning - it creates society.

We all know from the past, how totalitarian regimes early recognised the necessity to channel news in order to direct the masses into whichever direction they wanted. Convincing the onlookers on what a massive popularity a speaker had from the audience, can make the onlooker sway into the camp of the said speaker and thus inducing an overall blindly following crowd. We saw it in Germany during the 1930s-1940s, the Soviet styled personal cults including those of Ho Chi Minh, Kim Il-Sung, Mao Ze-Dong or Fidel Castro. Some implicit pressure allowed.

What is apparent, though, that during totalitarian regimes, a small group of people - despite the risk of heavy repercussions - tend to spread information to reveal the flaws of the said regimes, since official journalists hardly wrote any relevant news. We all know the Samizdat, the clandestine self-publishers, who under danger dedicated much of their effort to get real news into the open.

Without becoming overly melo-dramatic, it can be argued that tendencies in Slovakia's society are becoming critical. It is a blatant irony, that under the umbrella of the EU, Slovakia has become dangerously backward as if still in the pre-1989 era. The fact, that we travel freely within the Schengen area, use Euros, receive satelite TV from all over the world, society is lulled into a dangerously complacent intoxication, naively believing it is a free country, while simultaneously, the three-and-a-half years of government led by Mr Fico has made Slovakia to plummet from place 76 to 127 of the corruption-ranking ladder (according to the World Economic Forum), where the judicial system has been systematically politically infiltrated and critical from within voices (at least those who dare to speak up) are ruthlessly silenced, even up to the police force, which is used as a political instrument to proclaim its support for the ruling party. The damage is not merely a temporary one - it has serious long-term repercussions.

Does this seem like a déjà-vu? Yes it does. Alarmingly close. The last straw, which could steer the broad public into a moderate direction would be a press, that would critically hold up a mirror, warn and inform on the spreading dangers. Yes there are a few individuals, but newspapers face severe financial fines from politicians who sue them to settle a personal score. Facing bankruptcy makes newspapers perhaps not always fully objective any longer - and to an extent, it can be understood. Furthermore, society is definitively not used to a critical press, and often enough, critical investigative articles are regarded with an air of dismay, as if it was a low-level tabloid sensation story.

Politics have damaged society quite severely, and the only critical eye has a tendency towards meek servility. True is, that professionalism of many reporters is often below an acceptable level. After all, whom to learn from? But if this basis is shaky already, then the future might be quite grim. Information is an essential tool, a powerful tool. The fact it is being misused should be fully realised and understood by all professionals involved and continuously be brought into the open. Wishing good luck to all those who are attempting this. They dearly need it, because society deserves it.

MS

ADDENDUM - while watching BBC News something struck me. Until January 2007, Slovakia had a BBC World Service frequency on the FM band. Admittedly, I was a grateful listener during my car-trips. Suddenly, without any forewarning, the channel was banned - allotted to a commercial broadcaster. Many experienced a brief period of being puzzled. The Ministry explained it, that the license was not extended, since the broadcast of the BBC was in a language which was not understood by the majority of (Slovak) listeners, and therefore it would not comply with requirements to extend the permission for transmission. Wasn't it a welcome channel for expats and even for those who would like to improve their English?

I have the feeling, the lame excuse given by the government, was just a another hidden censorship... in a 21st century EU country...

Religious contradictions

One of the highly prominent aspects of Slovak society is - despite a general secularisation trend in Western society - its religiosity. At least, having witnessed life in other countries, this given is quite striking, especially since it is in my eyes uncomfortably one-sided. 

In principle, I am open to people's diversity. Among my friends, there is hardly any major world religion, which is not represented. Living in a country where a different faith dominates has always been a reality and it has a certain charm as well. Keep you reminded of your own background. But when underlying currents are getting  out of hand, then it becomes  slightly disturbing

To a degree, I can find certain historic explanations. Slovakia's totalitarian past till 1989 explains a bit. And although this is often being used to explain the strong bond with the Catholic church, it is in my eyes not a satisfying argument at all. The truth is, that the influence of Slovak clergy may officially be detached from politics (a principle attributed to Locke, but traceable rather to Thomas Jefferson), the daily reality often shows that it is not necessarily clear.

Admittedly, one person's faith does to an extent influence his political thinking and performing. The clergy - and from their historical background, where they were to some extent literate and witnessing daily life in a time where aristocratic rulers had little interest in the fate of common man, it has perhaps created a specific tradition, where priests got political tendencies. 

Whereas a local priest Andrej Hlinka once propagated Slovak autonomy (already during the Austro-Hungarian domination, but equally during the first Czecho-Slovak Republic), another priest Jozef Tiso was leading a clerical-fascist puppet state during World War II. If it was a logical consequence of the Zeitgeist, I doubt it.

But coming to present day politics; an archbishop proclaiming that Tiso's state wasn't so bad after all, appeared perhaps in a few newspapers, but the archbishop remained an archbishop and lead his flock without any hindrance. (Imagine at how this would end if a German Bishop would dare to make such a similar statement). Interestingly, his successor now forbade him to ever come near the church or conduct masses, as a huge fraud is suspected. Seems that  ex-Archbishop Sokol was far from clean from other sides as well. One never stops to be amazed. In addition, another bishop last year explicitly criticised in his sermons one presidential candidate, which obviously lead to a preference shift in the final elections, as his views were broadly publicised in the media. In my view, utterly intolerable, but people meekly accept it.

What is a stark contrast, that the religiousness is always used into a certain direction: A European Court ruling to forbid catholic crucifixes in Italian public schools stirs totally unnecessary emotional debates in Slovakia, but when reminding people about very basic and simple christian values for the present day's politicians ("Thou shallst not steal", "Thou shallst not lie") in a time of the worst corruption in all Slovak's history, it suddenly is not an issue. When confronted, neither minister or prime minister have hardly ever admitted responsibility for any scandal. It's the fault of the others, the former cabinet, the journalists, the oposition, etc.

It seems that famous latin liturgical statements "mea culpa, mea ultima culpa" - a concept, which underlines man's humbling struggle with guilt - has vanished from the vocabulary of the people. Of the believing people, that is. Mr Fico's huge preferences - despite of all the stolen millions  of euros - is mainly attributed to the less critical electorate outside Bratislava that in effect would fall into that aforementioned category. To me, that is one of the gravest religious contradictions in Slovakia. But maybe, this is their version of the division between state and church. 

MS

Circus in town

The last two weeks have been a fairly quiet period. After a total chaos in January, where the Interior Minister as well as the Transportation Minister clearly failed to manage a serious crisis within their departments, it was followed by a soap opera performance, where the Prime Minister Fico successfully showed how a lawyer should never have behaved. Obviously, it did not bring him any Oscar and neither increased his political credibility. The storm suddenly calmed down, whereas now we enter the comedy stage.

While other governments are being controlled by weekly cabinet meetings, external audits by specially assigned state institutions, Slovakia's Prime Minister is conducting a repetitious ritual of visiting all individual Ministries, to check on his colleagues, whether they did their assignments. 

I am truly curious how this goes in practice; Fico arrives, the respective Minister ushers him into his luxurious ante-chambre, where his long legged personal assistant brings the aromatic freshly brewed coffee. Immediately to business - there's much to do. Fico asks, about the achieved goals, any specific highlights, any areas of concern. Goes on a guided tour to shake hands with nicely dressed and trimmed staff. Shakes hand, a few mobile-pics to be taken for the family, and then after some hours of intense briefing off they go to a press conference. 

Prime Minister Fico, with a nostalgic pathos of foregone times is generously hailing the achievements of another Ministry, which has truly fulfilled all its duties and goals. Even one case, a solemn "never before has this Ministry been managed as by the present Minister" as been pronounced. It reminds me slightly of teh Soviet-styled party monologues about fulfilling another 5-year-plan (while the whole economy was in complete shambles). I could not help but rolling in laughter, when seeing such pathetic non-information.

But apart from that, with our modern communications - where we shoot data through the virtual highways within fractions of a second to each other, why must a Prime Minister waste weeks of his time to go through this farce? And truly, there are enough serious problems, that should be addressed very urgently. 

Well, it is after all election time, and not only has the present government proven to be far remote from being a serious and a professional government, this simply adds up to the whole show: Circus has come to town!

MS

Return of the Pink Panther

Perhaps some of my readers will remember the mentioned comedy, where the clumsy chief-inspecteur Clouseau is about to solve a criminal case, with rather good luck (paired with a series of the usual slapstick mishaps) than a shrewd professional strategy. Such cumulation of stupidity is only possible in movies. So I thought until now.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico, when throwing mud at the opposition's alleged money-laundering scandal, bragged on organising a trip to Switzerland, to personally investigate alleged bank-accounts and connections in order to prove the opposition's guilt. A series of embarrassingly loud mouthed press conferences followed.

Interestingly enough, ever since Mr Fico has suddenly been suspiciously quiet. In my view, he should have been quiet from the very beginning; not only is it not-done for a Prime Minister to demonstrate financial allegations - which are about 10 years old - against his political opponents. One can imagine, the state has other organisations within the fiscal or economic investigative units to do so. Secondly, the opposition might or might not have been getting loans from POBox-companies, and this in essence is not immediately a criminal offence (given the legal conditions in 2000 it could even be understood, but that is a technicality). What is ironic about the whole matter is that Mr Fico's government has embezzled a multi-fold of millions in dodgy and far from transparent business.

To my knowledge, not only has a Prime Minister other priorities than to go and play a detective in a Swiss bank. According to a yesterday's newspaper web-article - which was the first after 2 weeks of silence - plans better contact with Switzerland - at least in the exchange of bank-information. Apparently, last Thursday, the Prime Minister spoke with Switzerland'w President Doris Leuthard. What do I think of it? I have doubts about the whole thing.

One, it can be hardly imagined, that by next week Fico will be granted full access to bank information. Two, the matter looks like a clear cover-up show, to create mist around his own scandals which outdo all previous governments plus an embarrassing stream of criticism from Brussels. After all, elections are ahead, and the money hungry ministers have a large interest in continuing their activities and stay away from justice - at all costs. Three, when skimming the Swiss newspapers (or any other authoritative financial periodical), one would expect this to be mentioned as well. That a President is discussion another Swiss bank secrecy related matter with a foreign politician would be officially a matter to mention, I would guess. So far, I have found none whatsoever. The last entry on the official pages of the Swiss Federal  Department of Home Affairs on an official visit by a Slovakia's Prime Minister are from 2008, a visit which was cancelled...

Another question which arises in my mind is, the mere fact, that the Swiss President is not formally the head of state - just a rotating one-year primus inter pares within her own department and specifically without any authority over other ministries. Ms Leuthard is leading the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In my view, banking falls usually under Finance. 

Compared to Fico, our dear and clumsy Clouseau suddenly looks like a serious and effective professional authority. But perhaps some fresh alpine air would do him some good, to get back to his senses. ... or perhaps not...

MS

Success in Slovakia

Slovakia is delirious; hardly have the Olympic Winter Games commenced, and a tiny country in the very heart of Europe has already earned two medals - Gold and Silver. How impressive! At least.... were it not, that the winner of these precious metals in fact is not Slovak at all, but Russian.

Personally, I must honestly admit, that I have not watched any Olympic event (not even the opening ceremony), but when listening to the radio while driving or clicking on the daily news on the internet, it is a fact that hardly can be overlooked. And I must further add, that I fully wish her all the medals she can get. 

What is ironic about the whole thing, is that earning Slovakia (the state?) medals seems an ultimate honour - for the Slovaks that is. The fact that the person is not of Slovak origins, seems on the onset irrelevant, but there is something else: Being a foreigner in general can pose some kind of barrier. 

Being a foreigner brands you as an outsider, who perhaps has some extra abilities which could pose a certain threat to Slovaks. Perhaps being more pragmatic, experiencing other cultures and thoughts, being more effective. Even to some Slovaks, having stayed outside, it may become a stigma. On top of it, there are certain jobs, which are by regulations closed to foreigners. The reasons are sometimes far too ridiculous to be taken seriously.

When looking from the other angle; Slovakia's government (and all ministers are pure Slovaks), have for more than 3 years clearly proven to be an absolute disaster. Not just for Slovakia's credibility, its PR abroad, but even deplete the state's treasury for the next generations to come. Even every measure taken by the government is receiving negative evaluation from Brussels. How come???

The hanging question mark is, whether Slovakia wouldn't be better of, if only Slovaks would admit that foreigners could have more possibilities in public life. They have in all fairness better records.

MS

Struggles for Identity

Currently we can simultaneously witness two most bizarre attempts to define a national identity. On the one hand - while I zap through my French channels - the "broad national debate" in France, while on the other hand on this very day, Mr Vollebaek of the OSCE is visiting Slovakia to have another closer look at Slovakia's attempt to safeguard its national language by a questionable Language Act. The identity-gods are playing an ironic game with us.

What both news-items have in common, is the fact, that both assumed objectives, as initiated by either governments, have been overtaken by less noble forces. Sarkozy's France, though a country which has relatively speaking been open to other cultural influences, having absorbed large numbers of immigrants from its former colonies, has had some turbulent events, where social unrest in the French banlieus have become a somewhat bad PR for the country. A sore open wound. The initial thought, to philosophically reflect on what makes a person having a certain 'nationality', is from an academic point of view interesting. The debate has suddenly moved into very dirty and polarised "we-against-the-immigrants" discussion. So badly, that monsieur le président has withdrawn his hands from the debate and passed the hot potato to his prime minister.

Slovakia's Language Act might seem a fairly innocent measure, to identify and determine when and where Slovak (read Slovak speaking citizens) have the right to communicate in their own language. Basically, it would be an open door, and one would ask, whether such a specific legislation is indeed necessary. In all frankness, I could imagine a few exceptional cases, which - in my humble view - would have been more easily solved in a different manner. The main problem is twofold; the implementation of this law has been forced down the throat without any open consultation of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia (a fact, which has quite cynically been confirmed by the president himself). Secondly, the interpretation of the law, has even caused within the responsible Ministry questionable discrepancies. As an objective onlooker, one gets rather the idea, that this law has become rather a tool to purposely provoke Hungarian-speakers, which understandably has thrown oil on the fire of the already tense Hungarian-Slovak relationship. In connection, with a coalition party that has initiated somewhat crypto-fascist laws, it can hardly be a surprise which direction this discussion goes.

Slovakia has still to learn a lot about civic society. But the aforementioned examples only show, that balancing on such dubious themes is rather damaging than contributing. Polarising their own society is the worst a government can do. Not only on a national scale.

MS

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A drowning victim

Slovakia as a constitutional state has ceased to exist. A European country, a full member of the EU, the Euro-zone and the Schengen Area, has within 4 years become again a state, which does not meet many EU standards, as were stipulated as preconditions for its membership. One of the reasons has been a certain level of complacency brought along by - ironically enough - the very same membership.

Regardless of Slovakia's past, there is absolutely no excuse of the grave deterioration of basic democratic principles. It is one of my greatest concerns, however, that seeing serious breaches of standards only to be addressed by a blogging community, rather than a massive media attention be it from so-called watch-dogs or other institutes, of which one would expect such knowledge or tools. Politicians from the opposition sometimes keep quiet, because they might feel it would unnecessarily politicise the problem (oh? - a highly politicised judicial system and the police force is enough reason to address it politically as well), so called think tanks do not want to overly get involved into political discussion - avoiding to be accused of working for a certain political stream or specific party (why?), and journalists either do not identify it as a problem or fear being immediately sacked when bringing this into the open, or otherwise face huge compensations from the poor criticised politicians through pretty predictable court cases. It remains mysteriously hidden.

All in all, it is a spiral, that goes dangerously fast downwards and has crossed a certain limit. One argument being used - in my eyes incorrectly - is that society must solve these issues by itself. The broad public, however, is not fully aware of its rights, and nobody continuously reminding them, is hardly going to improve this position they are in. Education is the most neglected, and thus the one that should have played a role, which it simply cannot fulfil. 

Ever since the entry into the EU, most institutes that until than have been active in monitoring the democratisation processes, like e.g. the Helsinki Committee, have stopped their activities. Being in the EU seemed enough proof of compliancy. But equally, as passing your driving test is not a guarantee, that the driver will remain a responsible road user, a state with such a brittle tradition in democracy, should be monitored even the more. 

Still, there are some minor, some bigger, organisations dealing with these matters. As a relatively skilled internet user, I am quite able to search for any hidden files, texts, or whatever. Searching for materials on Slovakia's democratic ventures, is not the easiest job. For the average citizen, it is therefore a completely hidden area, for whom the whole discussion is more than only an academic one.

In my view, violating democratic principles, perhaps may be regarded as a political issue, equally they are of consequence to the whole civic society. The third sector, in such a case, should definitively not hide behind its so-called 'a-political' façade to imply a certain impartiality. They possess the institutionalised intellectual know-how, and from this it follows, that it is their civic duty per sé to jump into this discussion vacuum.

It reminds me of a canal, where someone fell into; a large group of people is standing around watching the victim drowning. Some discuss, whether to call the police, the ambulance or the fire department. The only way to help is for someone to jump. Now! 

Meanwhile, Slovakia is a drowning victim. When to act then? Now! Since passivity kills.

MS

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