Slovakia’s Government Accused of Constructing State Propaganda Apparatus

The Slovak government under Prime Minister Robert Fico continues its concerning trajectory regarding press freedom, as highlighted by multiple incidents within just the past week. The tension between the administration and independent media has reached new levels following Fico’s inclusion on Reporters Without Borders’ list of press freedom “predators.”

The watchdog organization cited multiple concerns, including social media attacks on journalists funded by ruling parties and partisan appointments to both the public broadcaster and media regulatory body. The Government Office, under Fico’s control, quickly dismissed the ranking as a “pseudoranking” and portrayed the prime minister as a long-standing defender of press freedom throughout his political career.

While the international ranking has drawn criticism for placing Fico alongside authoritarian figures like Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, observers note that the Slovak leader’s record on media relations remains deeply problematic. Recent actions by his administration provide ample evidence contradicting the government’s claims of supporting press freedom.

The deteriorating media environment in Slovakia reflects broader trends seen across parts of Central Europe, where populist governments have increasingly sought to control narrative through state media, regulatory pressure, and public criticism of independent journalism. Slovakia, once considered among the region’s more progressive nations regarding press freedoms following its EU accession, has experienced significant backsliding under Fico’s leadership.

This pattern of antagonism toward independent journalism comes amid other controversial policy positions taken by the Slovak government. Notably, Fico has declared that “not a single cent” from Slovakia will support Ukraine’s future military funding—a statement that places his administration at odds with much of the European Union’s approach to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

The government’s approach to media extends beyond rhetoric into institutional changes. Through appointments to regulatory bodies and the public broadcaster, the administration has positioned allies in key oversight roles, raising concerns about editorial independence and balanced coverage. Media experts point out that these structural changes may have longer-lasting impacts than the verbal attacks, potentially reshaping Slovakia’s information landscape for years to come.

Meanwhile, the country recently marked a somber anniversary—two decades since a high-profile murder in Bratislava that became symbolic of neo-Nazi violence in Slovakia. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the vital role independent media plays in documenting extremism and holding authorities accountable.

For journalists working in Slovakia, the current climate presents daily challenges. Reporters face increased scrutiny, public criticism from officials, and a growing sense that the government views independent media as adversaries rather than essential components of a functioning democracy. International press organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, with some expressing concern that Slovakia could follow the path of neighboring Hungary, where media independence has been significantly compromised.

The European Commission has taken note of these developments, with press freedom featuring prominently in its assessments of rule-of-law conditions across member states. Slovakia’s trajectory has raised questions about potential future actions at the EU level should conditions continue to deteriorate.

As Slovakia approaches the halfway point of Fico’s current term, media watchdogs, opposition parties, and civil society groups are increasingly vocal about the need to safeguard journalistic independence. The coming months will likely prove crucial in determining whether the current tensions represent a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in how Slovakia’s government approaches media freedom and democratic principles.