Open Culture Platform Calls for Simkovicova's Ouster amid Growing Crisis

Bratislava, 7 April (TASR) - The Open Culture platform is calling for a solution to the situation surrounding the Culture Ministry, demanding that political accountability must be taken including, inter alia, with the ouster of Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee), TASR has learnt from platform representatives. The demands have been sent via open letters to President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and members of Parliament. "The Culture Ministry's long-term disregard for expert criticism has deepened the systemic crisis. Rather than engaging in professional dialogue with the cultural sector or correcting its decisions, the ministry leadership is exacerbating systemic issues that impact both the work of institutions and cultural staff," stated the Open Culture platform. In the letter, the platform also mentioned a disruption of cultural infrastructure and worsened working conditions, due in particular to how the sector is currently being managed. Therefore, it's called for an urgent solution, including the dismissal of Simkovicova and members of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) Council, as well as the ouster of general director of public-service broadcaster STVR Martina Flasikova. It also expects "a swift response from constitutional officials". The Culture Ministry has responded by stating that Simkovicova proceeds consistently in line with the government manifesto and that she plans to continue to do so in the future. She sees no reason to repeatedly react to the same claims and narratives that have appeared since she took up office, as the criticism has long maintained the same tone and fails to provide any new facts that would require further comment. "The ministry and its leadership remain focused on fulfilling its programme goals and adopting specific measures aimed at benefiting the development of culture in Slovakia," said head of the ministry's communications department Petra Demkova. jrg/df