Good to have you with us! Here is the latest edition of Today in Slovakia - all the top news from Thursday, wrapped up in one place!
Fico’s coup claims show cracks
PM Robert Fico speaks to the media after the Security Council meeting on January 23, 2025. SIS head Pavol Gašpar stands right behind the premier. (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
Prime Minister Robert Fico keeps claiming that Slovakia is facing an orchestrated attempt to destabilise his government, alleging that opposition-linked NGOs are plotting a “Slovak Maidan” as part of a broader, foreign-backed strategy. Citing a secret service (SIS) report he described as evidence-based, Fico issued a stark warning during a press conference on Wednesday, following a cabinet meeting.
“The model being prepared is very simple and has been tested in many countries. Ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm that there is a group of experts operating in Slovakia who were actively involved in events in Georgia and directly on the Maidan in Ukraine. This group is financed from various sources,” the prime minister stated, adding that the group is under strict surveillance. He also suggested that funding for this group originates from the United States. “You can laugh all you want, but it’s the truth,” he remarked.
The NGOs organising protests across the country have openly acknowledged the existence of an email outlining how the demonstrations could unfold. They even admitted that it was drafted using ChatGPT. This week, they published the email on social media, where it mentions non-violent occupation of public buildings as one possible course of action.
“We will not let the country be torn apart,” Fico declared on Wednesday. However, as an opposition politician, Fico himself had a history of organising protests. He famously urged: “Let’s take sticks and shovels and go to parliament,” and on another occasion, “We’ll bring 10,000 people here, and the parliament will be reduced to a pile of rubble.”
Tibor Gašpar, a former police chief and Smer’s charged deputy parliamentary speaker, who is also the father of the current head of the SIS spy agency, Pavol Gašpar, suggested that the situation is merely waiting for a “trigger.” This, he explained, could be a moment that sparks mass protests similar to those in 2018, following the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. According to Fico, such a trigger could involve clashes between protesters and security forces, especially in the case of attempted occupations of government buildings.
Among the protesters’ grievances is Fico’s unannounced December meeting with Vladimir Putin, as well as his criticism of Ukraine. These actions have fuelled fears that Moscow-leaning Fico may be steering Slovakia towards leaving the EU. While official documents affirm Slovakia’s membership in the EU and NATO – a stance Fico continues to reiterate – he has also stated that the EU must undergo significant changes if it is to survive.
Despite these tensions, Fico has emphasised that the state will not intervene against protesters. In fact, he encouraged citizens to express their opinions within the boundaries of the law.
“Go freely and express your opinion at the protests, all in accordance with the law. However, once you cross the boundaries set by the constitution and applicable laws, you are committing a serious violation of the law. That is all I can say at this moment,” Fico said on Wednesday, adding that there are no plans to deploy water cannons against demonstrators.
The prime minister also accused the opposition of attempting to overthrow his government through street demonstrations, claiming they fear fair competition. He expressed confidence that his party, Smer, would win another election. However, January polling indicates otherwise, predicting Smer would come in second. Even if the party were given a chance to form a government, it is unlikely they would succeed. Additionally, the majority of people are dissatisfied with Fico’s performance. If early elections were to take place – a possibility Fico has not ruled out – the reason would more likely be internal conflicts within the coalition rather than the alleged Maidan.
PM Robert Fico and his cabinet on January 23, 2025 (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
Just do nothing: On Thursday, the Security Council convened, notably without any opposition representatives present. However, President Peter Pellegrini, a former protégé of Prime Minister Fico, attended. In fact, he insisted on the meeting. Pellegrini, who parted ways with Fico in 2020 only to reunite with him in government following the 2023 elections, aligned himself with Fico’s claims of an attempted coup (He avoided using the word “coup.” – Ed.). Paradoxically, despite the government’s rhetoric about a supposed coup, no concrete measures were adopted. According to President Pellegrini, there is currently no risk of a state of emergency (výnimočný stav) being declared – a move that can only be triggered by violent street unrest in specific areas and for a limited period. “I consider it a disgrace that Prime Minister Fico is being assisted by President Pellegrini,” said opposition leader Michal Šimečka from Progressive Slovakia.
Rumours: Smer MP Dušan Jarjabek has invoked a notorious rumour from November 1989 ahead of planned protests on Friday, referencing the fabricated story of student Martin Šmíd, who was falsely reported to have died during a police crackdown. The story contributed to the fall of the communist regime. “Beware that some lunatic doesn’t try to exploit emotions in the same way again,” Jarjabek wrote on social media. In 2018, Prime Minister Robert Fico alleged an attempted coup and pointed the finger at George Soros. At the time, a fake news story circulated about a mysterious Marcello Fabiani – allegedly Soros’s “right-hand man” and an expert in orchestrating uprisings – arriving in Slovakia. No such person ever existed. Speculation later suggested the name was a distorted version of Marcela Fabiánová, a former parliamentary assistant to Robert Kaliňák, the current defence minister and a Smer stalwart.
The opposition demands answers: Former Slovak ambassador to NATO, Peter Bátor, of Progressive Slovakia, raised serious questions on Thursday about the government’s handling of alleged coup claims. He queried how a Slovak Information Service (SIS) report, supposedly detailing a planned coup, could be classified only at the second of four secrecy levels if the situation is as grave as Prime Minister Fico suggests. Bátor also criticised the presence of the SIS director alongside Fico during the press conference – an unusual move, given that military intelligence, which reportedly also holds information on the alleged coup, was notably absent. Zuzana Števulová, an MP from Progressive Slovakia, questioned why the SIS failed to inform the parliamentary committee tasked with overseeing its operations about the supposed coup preparations, despite months of ongoing protests. She pointed out that the committee is not scheduled to meet until a week after Fico publicly revealed portions of the SIS report in parliament. Meanwhile, the opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) announced plans to call for the removal of SIS director Pavol Gašpar. Igor Matovič, leader of the Slovensko party and Fico’s rival in the 2020 elections, accused the coalition of attempting to distract voters from their declining support. “Robert Fico is destroying Slovakia, and he’s facing the threat of defeat in the next election. What we’re witnessing is a desperate attempt by coalition parties to stave off their looming electoral disaster,” Matovič stated. Opposition leaders have called on citizens not to be intimidated by the government and to join peaceful protests on Friday.
SIS spy chief Pavol Gašpar (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
Charged Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tibor Gašpar (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
Kyiv responds to PM Fico: Kyiv has accused PM Fico of intimidating the public with claims of a so-called Maidan uprising in Slovakia. “This is the same narrative used by the leadership in Georgia. It’s a standard fairy tale,” said a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The spokesperson, Heorhiy Tykhyi, dismissed Fico’s comments as a tactic to frighten the Slovak public and consolidate his political base. “We consider these statements an attempt to intimidate Slovak society and rally his own electorate – nothing more, nothing less,” Tykhyi said. He suggested that Fico should instead reflect on his own actions, which are contributing to tensions within Slovak society. (TASR)
Pensioners for PM Fico, others for a democratic Slovakia: Slovakia’s Pensioners’ Union (Jednota dôchodcov) and other groups have thrown their support behind the government’s attack on non-governmental organisations. Following a meeting with Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer), they signed a statement criticising initiatives such as Peace for Ukraine (Mier Ukrajine), the Open Society Foundation, Not in Our Town (Nie v našom meste), and Open Culture (Otvorená kultúra). “These organisations damage the reputation and character of the entire civic sector,” the statement declared. In contrast, student and youth initiatives are calling for a democratic and pro-European Slovakia. Alongside psychiatrists and psychologists, representatives of the academic community have also sent an open letter to Robert Fico’s government. The signatories warn that the coalition’s actions risk undermining the fundamental principles of democracy. (Denník N)
What to expect on Friday: While anti-government protests are anticipated to erupt across Slovakia on Friday evening, the eastern city of Košice has already stolen a march. On Thursday, approximately 10,000-15,000 people took to the streets for a demonstration titled “We’re joining forces against the evil”. The event was spearheaded by Mier Ukrajine (Peace for Ukraine) - often attacked by PM Fico - and other civic initiatives. The mood was defiant, with placards making sharp political jabs. One read: “You’ve turned the Tatra Tiger into a dead fish on the Danube,” – a stark comparison between Slovakia’s economic success during the second tenure of Mikuláš Dzurinda (2002-2006) and the governance under Robert Fico. Protesters voiced their discontent with Fico’s Moscow-friendly stance, Euroscepticism, and his failure to address critical issues like brain drain and polarisation. Concerns also ran high about the erosion of Slovak culture and environmental degradation under his leadership. Protest organisers, following consultations with security forces, anticipate the demonstrations will proceed peacefully on Friday. (Korzár)
Protest in Košice on January 23, 2025. (source: Korzár/Katarína Gécziová)
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
Coming soon: Bratislava’s riverside is set to welcome a new brewery and restaurant in about a month.
Push for a Slexit referendum: As the governing coalition ramps up warnings about NGOs and a supposed plot to overthrow the government, a pro-Russian organisation has launched its own controversial initiative. The group is campaigning for a referendum to withdraw Slovakia from the European Union and urging citizens to form local “cells”.
Fico can’t quash protests: Despite attempts to channel Viktor Orbán’s playbook from Hungary, Prime Minister Fico is struggling to quell protests sweeping across Slovakia.
Have fun: Looking for something to do in the coming days? From celebrating Poland’s EU Council presidency at the Philharmonic to a kid-friendly science event, our curated list has something for everyone.
Closed on Saturday: In a sudden reversal, the Foreigners’ Police in Bratislava has announced its office will remain closed on Saturday, just days after suggesting otherwise.
If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.
FEATURE
Slovak astronomer helps uncover star’s self-destruction
The WeSb1 planetary nebula. The regions in red are hydrogen, while oxygen is represented by blue and green colours. The picture was taken from the NOT and INT telescopes on the Canary Islands. The central star of the nebula can be seen slighty above the middle of the picture. (source: Klaus Bernhard)
A Slovak astronomer has played a key role in a groundbreaking discovery about a star that may have destroyed its own planetary system. Observations from Slovakia’s High Tatras and telescopes in the Canary Islands reveal how the binary star WeSb1 likely destabilised its planets, forming massive dust clouds. The findings shed light on what could happen to our own Solar System billions of years from now.
To stay up to date with what scientists in Slovakia or Slovak scientists around the world are doing, subscribe to the Slovak Science newsletter.
LOSER OF THE DAY
SNS leader Danko and his bison story
Last Sunday, Andrej Danko, deputy speaker of the Slovak parliament and leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), reignited his attacks on the LGBT+ community. In a televised interview, Danko referenced a “binary bison on Netflix,” a nod to the children’s series “Ridley Jones”, which Netflix quietly cancelled in 2023. He criticised such programmes, claiming they also bothered former US President Donald Trump. “Europe needs to wake up,” Danko declared.
By Wednesday, Danko doubled down during a press conference, making inflammatory remarks about supposed American “madness,” including baseless claims about someone marrying and kissing a donkey. “There are only men and women,” he said, echoing Prime Minister Fico’s push to define male and female in Slovakia’s constitution.
“I respect how people live, but perversions must be stopped,” Danko insisted, once again referencing the cartoon bison. He further claimed, “You’re practically abnormal in today’s society if you’re not gay. This has to stop.”
IN OTHER NEWS
President Peter Pellegrini has accused a group of Hlas MPs, led by Samuel Migaľ, of demanding high-ranking positions in exchange for loyalty. Without specifying details, Pellegrini urged the MPs to stop using his name for leverage. Migaľ, along with Roman Malatinec, Ján Ferenčák, and Radomír Šalitroš, has been critical of the government. Pellegrini, who founded Hlas, one of the coalition parties, after splitting from Smer in 2020, has aimed to distance the party from its former ally.
The Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre Authority (ÚGKK) has launched a new website, kataster.vugk.sk, featuring updated land registry data as of January 3, 2025. The authority warned of potential outages due to high public interest. In January, a foreign cyberattack disrupted the ÚGKK’s systems, forcing temporary closures of cadastral offices. Operations have gradually resumed in recent days. (TASR)
Slovak National Party (SNS) leader and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko suspects intelligence agencies have infiltrated the coalition, citing unrest among MPs Rudolf Huliak (independent) and Samuel Migaľ (Hlas). Danko proposed legislation requiring public officials to declare they have no ties to foreign intelligence. He also called for a law to regulate NGOs and urged the Culture Ministry to establish a media authority with the power to act against independent media.
The Bratislava Regional Court revealed that it approved 276 out of 303 requests by the Slovak Information Service (SIS) to deploy surveillance measures last year. The information, provided to Denník N, follows coalition claims of wiretapping linked to recent protests. It remains unclear how many of these cases involved phone tapping.
Roman Michelko, an MP from the Slovak National Party (SNS), claimed that Robert Fico’s parliamentary reading of a secret report on Tuesday contained no substantial revelations. “It was just a list of protest organisers,” coalition MP Michelko told the pro-Russian outlet Infovojna. This contrasts with other coalition members who described the report as shocking but refused to share details. Protest organisers, however, have long been publicly known. (Denník N)
Researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) have identified a molecule that could significantly enhance the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases.
FRIDAY WEATHER BRIEFING: Expect cloudy to overcast skies, with the occasional tease of thinner clouds during the day. Here and there, fog might make a guest appearance, alongside light drizzle, rain, or even a bit of snow. Daytime highs will hover between 0°C and 5°C, with a lucky few in the south reaching a balmy 7°C. Winds will stay gentle. (SHMÚ)
Visitors are cross-country skiing on the track at the beach swimming pool in the Winter Sports Complex in Banská Bystrica on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (source: TASR - Ján Krošlák)
PARTY TIME: January 24 is Timotej’s special day, so if you happen to know one, don’t forget to send him your warmest wishes. Všetko najlepšie!
Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.
P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator). For news from Slovakia in Ukrainian, click here or follow Novyny on Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
