Simkovicova: Criticism of FPU Often about Disagreement with Changes to System

Bratislava, 23 July (TASR) - Not every criticism of the current set-up of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) is a criticism of the way that it operates; in many cases it's disagreement with changes to the system and with changes regarding who decides on the allocation of public funds and how, said Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) in response to Matus Olha's announcement that he's resigning as FPU Council chair and to the circumstances surrounding his decision. Like Olha when he explained his decision, Simkovicova pointed to what she described as the systematic questioning of the Culture Ministry's leadership and of the people that she appointed to posts as the minister. "We're subject to extraordinary scrutiny, and often to criticism that doesn't come after results have been evaluated, but before the changes that we're introducing have even had a chance to be seen. We're working in an environment in which not only individual decisions are being challenged, but often the very legitimacy of the changes that we're pursuing," stated Simkovicova, who thinks that the pressure isn't linked to the ministry making more mistakes than other ministries. "It's primarily related to the fact that the way in which decisions on public resources in culture are made is changing," she said. She stated that Olha's tenure at the helm of the FPU Council coincided with a period during which the way in which the fund functions became one of the most widely debated issues in the field of culture. "Despite intense criticism and pressure from parts of the cultural community and the media, he ensured that the fund continued to fulfil its tasks stemming from the law," said the minister. At the same time, Simkovicova declared that the ministry under her leadership will continue to create the conditions necessary for FPU to carry out its mission in a professional and transparent manner for the benefit of the entire artistic community. "We'll continue to promote distributing public funding in culture based on clear rules, transparent procedures and the public interest," she added. Matus Olha decided to step down as FPU Council chair earlier on Thursday. He stated that his decision was prompted by what he described as "a sustained media lynching" that he was no longer willing to endure. He'll continue to work in the council as a member. The council will be led by its vice-chair Lubomir Klestinec until a new chair is elected. ko/df