Culture Ministry Rejects KDH Criticism About Selection of FPKNM Head

Bratislava, 30 July (TASR) – The selection process for the new director of the Support of National Minority Culture Fund (FPKNM) is, according to House Culture and Media Committee member Jozef Hajko (Christian Democratic Movement/KDH), yet another chapter in what Hajko calls the “our people” scenario [a reference to cronyism - ed.note], TASR learnt on Wednesday. The Culture Ministry, however, maintains that the process was transparent and conducted in accordance with the law. The ministry announced the selection process at the start of the summer holidays, allowing candidates to apply until 10 July. The interviews were scheduled for 24 July. „Although we had the opportunity to learn about the selection process, everything else happened behind the closed doors of the ministry, in a secretive manner,” Hajko stated. He pointed to a lack of information about the composition of the selection committee, the course of the proceedings, and whether the candidates met the required qualifications. „There are questions surrounding the alleged winner, particularly regarding his professional experience and reported family ties to a member of the Arts Support Fund,” the MP added. The ministry has dismissed Hajko’s remarks as a politically motivated misrepresentation of facts. It said the selection committee was properly established and that applicants were evaluated according to pre-defined criteria. „Based on the results of the selection process, the candidate who placed first will be appointed by mutual agreement,” said Petra Bacinska, head of the ministry's communications department, without further details. She stressed that the ministry operates strictly within the law, “respecting professional and legal criteria when filling any job positions.” The public FPKNM fund was established in 2017. Its mission is to support and promote the culture of national minorities, with annual budgeting of €8.8 million. mf/mcs