During a recent council meeting of STVR, Lukáš Machala, the deputy chairman and secretary general of the Ministry of Culture's office, noted improvements in the public broadcaster's journalism. However, he expressed concerns about the deep-rooted activism among journalists, which he compared to ingrained dirt, stating that handling this issue is challenging. His comments suggested a prevalent polarization within society, exacerbated by figures like athlete Petra Vlhová, who has made political statements urging vaccination and engaging with social issues.

Machala specifically targeted Vlhová for her social media engagements and public endorsements, accusing her of representing only a progressive political stance in Slovakia. He remarked that, while he wishes her well for her Olympic endeavors, he refuses to support her due to her divisive comments that he believes further split public opinion. According to Machala, athletes and entertainers should refrain from political involvement, as their influence can polarize societal views and create a rift among the public.

This statement reflects a broader concern regarding the role of public figures and media in shaping political discourse in Slovakia. Machala's criticisms of both journalists and public personalities underscore an ongoing debate about the responsibilities of those in influential positions. As societal divisions deepen around various issues, the call for a more neutral and objective media landscape becomes increasingly important to foster dialogue and unity in a polarized society.