Slovakia retains controversial culture and justice ministers despite opposition outcry

Even after Wednesday, Slovakia will continue to have a minister who undermines culture and those who work in it, stated Zora Jaurová (PS), vice-chairwoman of Parliament’s Committee for Culture and Media, following the parliament's decision not to dismiss Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová (SNS nominee). The Progressive Slovakia party (PS) also condemned Minister of Justice Boris Susko (Smer-SD), who also retained his position, claiming he is the worst minister in independent Slovakia's history. "None of the 76 MPs who supported it actually think that they are up to their task. Thus, even after today, Slovak culture will be held hostage to the narrow survival of the fourth government of Robert Fico (Smer-SD)," Jaurová stated, emphasizing the chaos resulting from the MPs' refusal to recall Šimkovičová.

PS argues that Susko, in his year in office, has failed to advance justice and has instead enabled impunity for his associates. MP Zuzana Števulová (PS) criticized Susko for pushing through a "pro-mafia amendment" to the criminal codes, which she claims has led to an increase in petty crime. "He literally subverted the ministry, is unable to fulfill the recovery plan, but manages to release Dušan K from serving his sentence. This coalition kept him for a simple reason—they don't care about people; they only care about themselves," she added.

MP Martina Bajo Holečková also voiced criticism, asserting, "Martina Šimkovičová is not competent to lead the Ministry of Culture, and Boris Susko releases criminals from prison. In a normal country, the prime minister would be ashamed of them and they would have to quit as ministers. However, we live in Slovakia, so both remain ministers while the prime minister praises them."

Both Šimkovičová and Susko retained their positions after the vote. The opposition aimed to remove Susko, particularly for his appeal regarding the suspended prison sentence of legally convicted former special prosecutor Dušan Kováčik. They criticized him for enforcing an amendment to the criminal codes and argued that he should resign to combat corruption. Meanwhile, Šimkovičová faced accusations of incompetence, with opposition blaming her for attempting to politically dominate cultural institutions and criticizing her personnel changes within these organizations. Both ministers affirmed their commitment to their actions.

Source: TASR