I think I have not only the right, but also the duty to speak up if I feel that democracy is threatened …
Our culture is our identity and our culture shall be free, independent, not controlled by politicians! Free media, freedom of speech, etc. are the norms in democratic countries … Just examples of very challenging situation in Slovakia are political purges in the Slovak National Gallery and the Slovak National Theater – just examples (there are many other contra steps together with restrictions, abuse and bending of the law, etc.).
Peaceful demonstrations in Slovakia: I was there when it was freezing, I was there during extremely hot summer day, and I will go again (even if it rains heavily for example):
And when I came to the Slovak National Gallery to see this amazing support from people, I also jumped to see the current exhibition:
I was in the cinema for this excellent movie:
Czech-Slovak historical thriller drama VLNY (WAVES), 2024, based on true story and events – directed by Jiri Madl and set during “Prague Spring” and subsequent Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia (the film had its world premiere at 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival where it won audience award):
What is this movie about? A compromising recording can change history. Will you sacrifice your family for your country? Courageous journalists – celebrities of their time, whose posters decorate the walls of many households – work in the famous newsroom of the international life of the Czechoslovak Radio under the leadership of Milan Weiner. Among the icons of that time, Viera Stovickova, Lubos Dobrovsky or Jiri Dienstbier, comes the young Tomas. However, he has no idea that the local editors are watched by the secret services, which are bothered by free and uncensored radio broadcasting. They become even more interested in the activities of the editorial office when a compromising recording appears, the broadcast of which could change the entire history. Time is running out, tension is rising, action must be taken. Will Tomas protect his younger orphaned brother or will he, together with other colleagues, go down in history and change the fate of the country?
They risked everything in the fight for freedom …
And something from the history of Czechoslovakia (as a memento):
On 20–21 August 1968 the Czechoslovak Republic was jointly invaded by four Warsaw Pact countries (Soviet Union etc.): about 250,000 troops (afterwards rising to about 500,000), supported by thousands of tanks and hundreds of aircraft. The invasion stopped Alexander Dubcek’s “Prague Spring” liberalisation reforms and strengthened the authoritarian wing of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Pact_invasion_of_Czechoslovakia
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/soviet-invasion-czechoslavkia
Do you see any parallels between history (incl. movie VLNY) and today’s times in Slovakia? Unfortunately I do … I think every Slovak should see this film (because maybe we forgot our past too soon …).
The New York Times about how the Prime Minister of Slovakia has purged prosecutors, cultural officials, journalists and others he believes fueled “hatred and aggression” against him: “The head of the national library, a children’s museum and other institutions have lost their job […]. A revised criminal code that went into force recently reduces sentences for economic crimes and tightens the statute of limitations for prosecution, meaning that politicians from Mr. Fico’s party who faced prosecution before last year’s election now have little to fear. An elite anti-corruption police unit was disbanded […].” Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/world/europe/slovakia-robert-fico.html
Michal Simecka, the leader of the main opposition party (Progressive Slovakia) in the New York Times: “The only agenda they have now is a vendetta — and making sure that Smer and people connected to Smer are free from justice.” Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/world/europe/slovakia-robert-fico.html
In recent weeks, a targeted campaign was conducted against Michal Simecka and his family by the Slovak coalition.
Czech personalities called for the Czech House of Representatives to cut ties with the Slovak Parliament in the event of Simecka’s dismissal from the post of vice-chairman of the Slovak Parliament. Source:
The Slovak coalition dismissed Michal Simecka from the post of vice-chairman of the Slovak Parliament on Sept. 17, 2024 (this is an unprecedented act).
During the plenary session of the European Parliament, MEP and chairwoman of the French liberal political fraction Let’s Restore Europe Valerie Hayer drew attention to the situation in Slovakia connected with the dismissal of Michal Simecka (Progressive Slovakia) from the post of vice-chairman of the Slovak National Council: “This is another serious attempt to destabilize the opposition and its leader in Slovakia. It is time for this House to stand up against these autocratic practices! […] Our fraction is determined to support democracy in Slovakia. I call on all democrats in the European Parliament to wake up.“
Source 1:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DADyB3So2js/
Source 2:
Another example of the political “culture” in Slovakia is the statement of the Minister of Culture of Slovakia: “Europe is dying out. New children are not born because there is an overpressure of LGBTI. And the strange thing is that with the white race.” Dear reader, this is not a joke, this is a fact (xenophobia and homophobia and, as an aggravating circumstance, from the mouth of a government official). The Institute of Human Rights of Slovakia filed a criminal complaint against the Minister of Culture of Slovakia on suspicion of racism (and anti-semitism as well). Sources:
What to say to that? I strongly recommend to cultivate values of tolerance, respect, compassion and empathy for others – for all people regardless of their race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, status, nationality, ethnicity, property, etc.!
Verdi´s ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’ production team (an international team led by the Polish director Karolina Sofulak) withdraws from Slovak National Theatre due to Minister of Culture of Slovakia: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the decision to withdraw our concept, designers, and participation in the production following the unconscionable actions of Slovak’s Minister of Culture. In support and solidarity with Martin Leginus, we will not lend our names to legitimize the new apparatchik management of SND, and allow for opera to be trumped by politics yet again. [….] We are writing this open letter to you in hopes that this case might serve as an example of how political appropriation of public institutions such as opera houses affects the very survival of the genre. [….]“
Source 1:
Source 2:
Another example of beyond all understanding political statement: Buying books is said to be the domain of the rich people in Slovakia. (What??). To be specific, the part of the Slovak government’s consolidation measures will increase VAT on books from 10 to 23%. The Ministry of Finance of Slovakia justifies this with an analysis that proves that “buying books is the domain of the wealthier parts of the population”. The student council of Slovak universities opposed the proposal. The immediate response of the editor-in-chief of the Slovak daily news Aktuality.sk – Peter Bardy: “Our books must reach readers. Robert Fico was right about one thing when he said at the SNP’s 79th anniversary meeting that “who burns books will also burn people“. If Fico’s government decided to attack the book market, publishers, writers and readers by increasing the VAT on books to 23%, we react in the opposite way. From now until midnight on Sunday, September 22, all books by Aktuality.sk will be at a 23% discount. Why? Because we write them in the public interest, to document the times, bring new findings, uncover political scandals and missteps. And because it’s important to us that you get the facts in the face of massive political propaganda and disinformation campaigns. By buying our books, you will also support the critical and investigative journalism of the Aktuality.sk editorial office. We will continue to serve the public.” Source:
Dear Peter Bardy, many thanks!
Dear friends, dear students, let’s quickly buy some books!
By the way, what am I reading now? In addition to the acts (laws), travel books and another (probably already the 15th) book by my favorite writer Haruki Murakami (Murakami has received honorary degrees (Doctor of Letters) from the University of Liege, Princeton University, Tufts University, Yale University and University of Nova Gorica), an interesting book about brain plasticity: The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge (psychiatrist and psychoanalyst):
I love music. And music also helps me not think too much about the political situation. Examples what I like to listen to now (Mayra and Roberto are just great!):
PS: Buy some books with current 10% VAT and go to the cinema to see a movie VLNY.
PPS: I am aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).
Warm greetings from me (and from Africa):-):
