Representatives of Slovak culture warned that Czech Republic may follow the Slovak path
More than 700 Slovak cultural figures expressed concerns about the potential actions of Czech culture minister Ota Klempíř and offered support to their Czech counterparts in defending against possible power attacks.
Over 700 representatives from Slovak culture, including actors and directors, have raised concerns over the future actions of Czech Culture Minister Ota Klempíř. In an open letter, they expressed their support for Czech colleagues and suggested that the current situation in the Czech Republic bears striking resemblances to the circumstances in Slovakia. They warned that when a coalition majority is heavily dependent on a smaller partner, the political will to curb destructive actions is significantly weakened, a scenario they argue is evident in both Czech and Slovak culture ministries, currently helmed by parties with far-right rhetoric.
The letter highlights that Klempíř's recent discussions with his Slovak counterpart, Martina Šimkovičová, suggest a willingness to adopt Slovak methods of governance, raising alarm among the signatories. Notable signatories such as actors Martin Huba, Zuzana Kronerová, and Emília Vášáryová, alongside director Peter Bebjak, emphasized the need for vigilance against potential encroachments on cultural autonomy in Czechia, mirroring issues faced in Slovakia.
This development signals that representatives of Slovak culture are not just concerned about their own political situation but are actively calling attention to regional threats to cultural integrity that could affect both nations. The collaboration and solidarity expressed in the letter serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultural policies and the potential repercussions of political moves within the framework of a coalition government dominated by right-wing ideologies.