In January, a major cultural event was held in Oulu, Finland, marking the opening of the European Capital of Culture, where Finnish Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie actively participated and shared updates on social media. In contrast, during the same timeframe, Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová hosted a reception and dinner at a significant cost but largely remained inside her hotel in Trenčín, avoiding public interactions and participation in the local events in Trenčín, which also shares the title of European Capital of Culture this year with Oulu.

The article highlights not only Šimkovičová's apparent reluctance to engage publicly but also critiques the missed opportunity for Slovak representation on the European stage. The lack of visibility in social media postings compared to her Finnish counterpart raises questions about her approach to promoting and supporting cultural initiatives. Additionally, it touches upon the broader context, where cultural ministers are expected to act as public figures and ambassadors of their respective cultures, especially during high-profile events that carry international attention.

The article also reflects on the sentiments expressed by former colleague Maďarič, who shared concerns about being among the people in public settings, implying a possible trend of discomfort among political figures regarding public appearances in light of current social dynamics. This situation raises important discussions on the role of cultural leaders in fostering community engagement and visibility, especially in times where cultural identity and promotion are more crucial than ever.