Mass Protests in Bratislava Against Dismissals of Cultural Leaders

Mass Protests Erupt in Bratislava Over Cultural Institution Dismissals

On Monday, a significant wave of discontent swept through Bratislava as approximately 9,000 demonstrators took to the streets to voice their opposition to the recent dismissals of several key cultural institution heads by Slovakia’s Culture Minister, Martina Šimkovičová. The protest unfolded in front of the Slovak National Theatre and the Culture Ministry, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing tensions between the government and the cultural sector.

The uproar followed the dismissal of notable figures, including Matej Drlička, the director of the National Theatre, and Alexandra Kusá, the head of the National Gallery. Many in Slovakia perceive these actions as a deliberate political purge aimed at suppressing dissent within the cultural community. In a statement shared on Telegram, Minister Šimkovičová justified her decision to dismiss Drlička by alleging his involvement in “political activism.” She accused him of repeatedly criticizing her ministry and even blamed him for a chandelier incident that occurred during a performance at the theatre.

In response to her dismissal, Kusá rejected the minister’s claims, labeling them as “vague and largely fabricated.” She pointed out that her familial connection to Martin Kusý, the architect who oversaw the gallery’s reconstruction, was public knowledge prior to her appointment back in 2010.

Minister’s Controversial Background

The controversy surrounding Kusá and her colleagues has been exacerbated since Prime Minister Robert Fico appointed Martina Šimkovičová as culture minister last October. Šimkovičová’s tenure has been marred by scandal; she previously faced backlash for anti-refugee comments made on social media, which led to her dismissal from Markíza TV after she mocked Syrian refugees. Since taking office, she has garnered attention for her outspoken anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, her opposition to COVID-19 vaccinations, and her pro-Russian stance.

One of her initial decisions in her ministerial role was to revive cultural relations with Moscow, which had been suspended after Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Furthermore, Šimkovičová has notably opposed the Istanbul Convention, a treaty from the Council of Europe aimed at protecting women from violence.

Prime Minister Fico recently made headlines by appearing in public for the first time since surviving an assassination attempt on May 15, where he was shot in the abdomen. The assailant was swiftly apprehended and now faces terrorism charges. During his address marking his recovery, Fico expressed strong opposition to progressive ideologies and criticized the West’s approach towards Russia.