Composer and conductor Oskar Rózsa, who last year caused controversy with his rendition of the Slovak national anthem, has been hired by the Defence Ministry.
“He is known for his drug problems, for breaking the law when composing a €50,000 anthem that failed to meet legal requirements, and for attacking everyone in the opposition — including me and now my son,” former defence minister and non-parliamentary Demokrati chair Jaroslav Naď said at a press conference on 6 October.
Who is next?
Naď questioned who might be hired next, mentioning by name extremist influencer Daniel Bombic.
Bombic, extradited from the United Kingdom earlier this year, remains in custody awaiting trial. In letters sent from prison, he has directly appealed to Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) and other government officials to intervene in his case, at times implying he was betrayed by the very party he once promoted. Bombic is represented by David Lindtner — a former judge, current legal adviser to Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), and partner at the defence minister’s law firm.
Later on Monday, Kaliňák confirmed to tvnoviny.sk that Rózsa is working with the ministry.
“After my excellent long-term experience with Mr. Oskar Rózsa collaborating on the successes of the Interior Ministry’s music projects (Kaliňák served as interior minister during previous Fico governments – Ed. note), I took the liberty of asking him to cooperate again, this time with the Military Music of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. He has been contracted and prepared arrangements for the musical program during the Central European Defence Conference at Bratislava Castle — a successful representation of Slovakia before foreign partners,” said Kaliňák.
“We are proud he works for us”
On 7 October, Defence Minister Kaliňák elaborated on Rózsa’s engagement, saying the composer had produced a number of successful concerts in the past, which was why the ministry had decided to hire him. Rózsa will arrange compositions for a 70-member military orchestra.
“We are proud that he works for us,” said the minister, who had previously collaborated with Rózsa during his time at the Interior Ministry.
Kaliňák did not disclose how much the Defence Ministry will pay Rózsa, saying only: “We’ll find out, look it up, and let you know.”
However, on 9 October the minister revealed that Rózsa will serve as his adviser, responsible for arranging and coaching the military band. He had originally been expected to work on a temporary contract.
He added that he plans to bring in several other “big names”, though he did not specify who.
“The military band represents our country and welcomes foreign guests during visits to Slovakia,” he said.
Vulgar response to criticism
On 8 October, Rózsa reacted crudely to the uproar surrounding his Defence Ministry contract. Writing on Telegram, he referred to his critics as “posranci” (“shit-scared cowards”), “pošťankine” (“those who piss themselves”), and “retardovaní dementi” (“morons”).
According to Kaliňák, Rózsa is to arrange music for the military orchestra, which will perform at official events and welcome foreign delegations.
Attacks on Demokrati
Naď also pointed to what he described as a wave of recent attacks on Demokrati members, claiming that while the prime minister, coalition parties, Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, and the Slovak Information Service remain silent, the assaults are escalating.
According to Naď, three party members were recently attacked: on 4 October, regional Demokrati chair Ján Kvasnica in Považská Bystrica, who is recovering and expected to need 14 days; another by Smer MP Marián Kéry in Zlaté Moravce; and a third by a supporter of the extremist Republika party in Detva.
Naď compared the situation to the case of Peter Laťák, a Demokrati member who, dressed in traditional folk costume and holding a valaška (shepherd’s axe), said during an opposition meeting that it was “the final nail in the prime minister’s coffin” and that Fico “will go down”. Following that statement, at a press conference marking the anniversary of the assassination attempt on Fico, Laťák was portrayed as a potential future assassin.
Naď called on Šutaj Eštok and the police leadership to publicly condemn the recent attacks. He added that no one had made any statement regarding the incidents.
