Monitor: Drucker: Neutrality in Foreign Policy Dangerous for Slovakia

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', 29 June) Statements promoting neutrality in the context of foreign policy are very dangerous for Slovakia as a whole, Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) said on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday. Drucker views such rhetoric as a political game by Smer-SD and SNS aimed at voters of the far-right Republic party ['Republic' has been recording increasing popularity in the polls, eroding the voter base of Smer-SD and SNS in the process - ed.note]. However, Drucker considers Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and SNS leader Andrej Danko to be responsible politicians and does not believe they always mean those statements literally. „I regret that our two coalition partners sometimes succumb to a near-panic fear of 'Republic', and that’s why they occasionally engage in political posturing,” Drucker said in response to a question about Slovakia’s foreign policy. He added that in private, face-to-face conversations, Fico and Danko have quite different views. He warned that statements made by Smer-SD or SNS could lead major investors to consider avoiding Slovakia. He emphasized that Slovakia, as a small country, must remain part of a strong alliance. As for the planned legislation on lobbying, Drucker welcomed the launch of a public website where the public will be able to access the legislative framework and analysis, as well as contribute ideas. He reaffirmed his belief that many NGOs provide valuable services. „If Mr. Andrej Danko has a problem with specific organizations, he should name the specific issues and the organizations involved,” Drucker underlined. He noted that Danko is creating a political bogeyman based on personal issues or generalized concern — a manufactured enemy that often does not exist in practice. In addition, Drucker addressed claims about the indoctrination of LGBTI ideology in schools, calling such claims “absolute nonsense.” The minister touched on upcoming changes in the education system as well, including the merging of primary schools together and a bill on the financing of schools and educational institutions. He rejected claims that a discussion on the school funding reform was lacking and accentuated that he remains open to debate. mf