PS to File Criminal Complaints Over Gonzaga Bust and STVR Licencing Contracts

Bratislava, July 9 (TASR) – The Progressive Slovakia (PS) party has filed two criminal complaints with the Prosecutor-General's Office; one concerning the transfer of the bust of Cecilia Gonzaga, and the other related to sports licensing contracts signed by public broadcaster Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) with the Slovak Football Association (SFZ). The moves were announced on Wednesday by Zora Jaurova, PS's House culture and media committee vice-chair. "We've already informed the public about both cases in the past, but we waited to file the complaints until we received additional information from the relevant authorities," noted Jaurova. Regarding the bust, Jaurova criticised the lack of transparency about its current location and future handling. She described the Culture Ministry's announcements about it as sporadic and incomplete. Given the value of the bust and how it was handled, she called the matter "a serious issue", claiming that it crossed "multiple legal and ethical boundaries". Based on information obtained via a freedom of information request to the Interior Ministry, the complaint cites suspicions of theft, concealment of property, misuse of public authority and mismanagement of public assets. The second complaint concerns licencing agreements between STVR and SFZ. Jaurova claims that Igor Slanina, the outgoing interim director of STVR, signed contracts with a total value exceeding the legal limits for someone in his position. She also questioned the pricing, which she says is higher than in previous deals. Explanations from both STVR and SFZ are deemed unsatisfactory. The complaint alleges misuse of power and mismanagement of public funds. The bust of Cecilia Gonzaga was transferred from the Slovak National Museum – Spis Museum in Levoca on 29 May. The Culture Ministry maintains that this complied with all legal and safety protocols. Regarding the licencing contracts, STVR previously dismissed PS's claims as false and misleading, accusing the party of politicising an issue that requires factual discussion. SFZ also firmly rejected allegations of inflated pricing for rights to broadcast football matches that cover the 2025–2029 seasons. mf/df