In a recent address to students, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed that he has never had the backing of media outlets, portraying himself as a victim of a hostile journalistic campaign. He described the political successes of his party, Smer, as a 'political miracle,' emphasizing their ability to win parliamentary elections five times without media support. However, this assertion contradicts the reality, as Fico and his party have benefited from various media channels, including public media, influencers, and commercial outlets.

Fico's portrayal as a media outsider falls short, as his party has consistently relied on platforms affiliated with the News and Media Holding (NMH), a media group owned by the Penta Financial Group. The article highlights the influence of Penta’s media outlets, particularly the free newspaper Plus 1 deň Špeciál, which has shown a favorable bias towards Fico and his government's initiatives. The relationship between politicians and media in Slovakia raises important questions about the independence of the press and the way political narratives are constructed.

The article suggests that despite Fico's claims, the presence of supportive media significantly shapes the political discourse in Slovakia, ultimately creating a narrative aligned with the interests of both the government and the financial interests of media owners. This situation highlights the broader implications of media ownership on democratic processes and accountability within a political context, further complicating the dynamics of public perception and information dissemination in the country.