Slovakia's cultural purge triggers international outcry and nationwide strike alert

The cultural landscape in Slovakia is undergoing a political upheaval, resulting in the dismissal of several leaders, including Alexandra Kusá, who has been at the helm of the Slovak National Gallery since 2010. Prime Minister Robert Fico, who returned after surviving an assassination attempt on May 15, is known for his opposition to progressive ideologies and Western perspectives on Russia. The newly appointed culture minister, Martina Šimkovičová, who took office in October 2023, has previously made anti-refugee and pro-Russian statements. Among those dismissed is Matej Drlička, director of the Slovak National Theatre. On August 13, over 230 cultural figures signed a letter protesting Kusá's ousting, warning of threats to cultural autonomy. On September 6, nearly 1,300 cultural workers issued a strike alert via Kulturny Strajk!, demanding an end to censorship.