Cultural Organizations in Slovakia Threaten Strike Against Government Intimidation

Hundreds of theatres, galleries, and cultural organizations in Slovakia threatened to strike if the culture ministry, led by Martina Simkovicova, did not halt its alleged intimidation tactics. Discontent is rising following actions against management at cultural institutions and criticism of liberal art. The ministry respects strike rights but insists on respect for its democratic mandate.

Hundreds of theatres, galleries, and other cultural organizations in Slovakia have issued a strike threat against the culture ministry, accusing it of intimidation tactics.

Led by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, the ministry has been at odds with prominent cultural figures, citing their management for failure and criticizing liberal art. Simkovicova, from the far-right SNS party, has also stopped funding LGBT educational projects.

In response, the Culture Strike initiative, representing 340 organizations, announced strike alerts, escalating to a full strike if needed. The Culture Ministry acknowledged the right to strike but emphasized the importance of respecting its democratic mandate.

(With inputs from agencies.)