The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has embraced a new pastime of engaging with students through meetings he describes as discussions. However, these encounters seem to be dominated by Fico's lengthy monologues, which sometimes exhaust the participants rather than foster real dialogue. Despite being labeled as discussions, the format allows Fico to speak freely without interruption, limiting student engagement to occasional questions amidst his speeches.

Fico has selected the venues and orchestrated these gatherings himself, seemingly designed to create a controlled environment favorable to his speaking style. This arrangement benefits Fico, as it shields him from assertive questioning that might otherwise come from a more critical audience, such as journalists or political opponents. The atmosphere is structured to illustrate a positive image of the Prime Minister, yet the lack of real debate might indicate an underlying uncertainty about his leadership.

These meetings, held in various locations such as Poprad, Bratislava, Modra, and Nitra, serve not only as platforms for Fico to convey his ideas but also act as litmus tests for his political condition. The reactions and engagement levels of the students provide insight into Fico's popularity among younger voters and could reflect broader trends in public sentiment towards his government. As Fico continues with this strategy, observers will keenly watch how it influences his political future and relations with the electorate.