Smer MP Marián Kéry (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
Moscow-friendly MP Marián Kéry, a senior member of the ruling Smer party and one of the loudest voices in parliament against academic dishonesty, submitted a plagiarised university thesis to earn his master’s degree, according to a report by Slovak daily Sme.
In 2004, while already serving as Smer’s district chair in Zlaté Moravce, Kéry submitted a 33-page thesis on Pushkin’s “Belkin’s Tales” that is near-identical to one written four years earlier by his former classmate from grammar school, Martina Brodňanová. Both attended the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and studied Russian language and literature.
The similarities go beyond shared topics. The titles, structure, literature sources, and even entire paragraphs – including the opening line – match word for word. Despite this, Kéry signed a formal declaration of originality.
“Of course I consulted with her,” Kéry told Sme, referring to Brodňanová. “But I don’t think it’s a literal copy or plagiarism.” He added that it was his supervisor who pointed him to Brodňanová’s work, though he now claims not to recall whether he read it beforehand.
Kéry insists he faced personal challenges while writing the thesis – his father died during his studies, prompting him to switch to part-time education. The thesis was eventually graded a C.
The thesis submitted by Marián Kéry alongside the earlier dissertation he is accused of copying. (source: SME)
Kéry criticised other politicians over plagiarism
Despite this academic blemish, Kéry went on to teach history and Russian at local schools before entering regional politics. In 2012, he became a national MP. He recently completed a second degree in law from Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. That thesis, on prisoners’ rights, reportedly showed a 30 percent similarity score in plagiarism software, though its full text has yet to be published. His thesis adviser was Jaroslav Klátik, who was elected to the Judicial Council last year by members of the governing coalition – with Kéry himself among those who supported his appointment.
Kéry’s past criticisms of other politicians over plagiarism are now returning to haunt him. Just last year, he mocked SaS leader Branislav Gröhling, saying he was “better known as a plagiarist”. He also accused former Judicial Council head Ján Mazák of obtaining academic titles under questionable circumstances.
The university in Nitra has promised to investigate, a move that could lead to the revocation of Kéry’s degree. A 2021 law allows titles to be annulled if they were obtained through proven misconduct such as plagiarism.
The Slovak Student Council has condemned the case, calling it another blow to public trust in higher education. “What is striking is that it is public figures – those who present education as a marker of expertise – who are exploiting a broken system,” the council said.
Kéry, however, shows no intention of relinquishing his degree. “A thesis is not everything,” he said. “I went to school, I had problems, but I finished with the help of friends.”
“It’s a disgrace.”
Education Minister Tomáš Drucker of Hlas has declined to pass judgment on the case, saying it is up to each individual and institution to address such issues. The minister plans to scrap the requirement for final theses as part of upcoming university reforms.
Michal Šimečka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, was more direct: “In a normal, civilised country, anyone caught plagiarising would have stepped down long ago. In Slovakia, it sometimes seems plagiarism is a qualification for high office. It’s a disgrace.”
Kéry serves as chair of the parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
