Musician Oskar Rózsa, commissioned by the Slovak Minister of Culture to create a new version of the national anthem, is facing backlash over a controversial video posted on social media. In the video, Rózsa claims that the anthem is "not for everyone" and warns critics that their "time is running out."
The video was filmed in London, where Rózsa traveled with the Culture Ministry’s Chief of Staff, Lukáš Machala. During their visit, they also met with Daniel Bombic (known as Danny Kollár), a controversial figure with extremist ties. Bombic, who resides in the UK, is facing prosecution for disseminating extremist materials and is subject to three international arrest warrants for offenses related to extremism and cyberbullying.
In the video, Rózsa appears dismissive of public reception to the anthem’s new adaptation.
"I'm not making this anthem for you," he says, addressing his critics. "You still haven't understood that it’s not your anthem. And believe me, there are significantly more of us than there are of you, no matter how loudly you squawk. Your time is radically running out. So please, crawl into your holes."
The project to create a new version of the Slovak anthem has sparked widespread debate and drawn attention from both the public and coalition partners.
The Ministry of Culture has allocated €46,500 for the entire project, with €20,000 earmarked for Rózsa’s work on the adaptation. The remaining funds are designated for production costs, including the sound recording.
In the London video, Rózsa is seen seated next to Slovak politician Lukáš Machala. Machala later claimed on the Telegram platform that their trip included participation in a private "voluntary radicalization training."
This claim has provoked strong reactions. The Slovak Anti-Fascist Movement is now calling for Machala's dismissal from the Ministry of Culture, accusing him of endorsing extremist behavior. The movement has highlighted a photograph taken in London that shows Rózsa, Machala, and Bombic together, with Bombic making a neo-Nazi gesture.
Source: tvnoviny.sk, noviny.sk, dennikn.sk
