Civil society’s response to Slovakia’s democratic backslide: mobilising resources & resistance

In the second of our new Spotlight on Civic Space series, chair of the Slovak Fundraising Centre Eduard Marček shares insights into the situation in Slovakia since Fico and his party’s most recent return to power.

In October 2023, Slovakia witnessed the return to power of Robert Fico’s fourth government. This self-proclaimed “Slovak social democrat” formed a coalition with ultra-nationalists and a party led by his former proxy. Their election campaign was driven by disinformation, fear-mongering, and societal polarisation. At its core, the government’s agenda appeared to be one of retribution – aimed at neutralising attempts to prosecute Fico, his allies, and associated oligarchs for corruption.

Upon assuming power, the government launched an immediate and aggressive assault on institutions. Law enforcement authorities became a prime target, as did ongoing corruption investigations, which were undermined through sweeping changes to the penal code. These continuous actions threaten the foundations of the rule of law, justice, and democracy.

Eduard Marček

The repressive measures extend across various sectors. Independent institutions are weakened, the public broadcaster has been dismantled, and private media outlets have faced threats and intimidation. Experienced professionals and experts are dismissed en masse. Cultural and artistic institutions, including the national gallery and national theatre, are directly affected, as are environmental protections. Policies reducing the protection of nature reserves and permitting excessive culling of wildlife (such as bears and wolves) exacerbate environmental concerns. Marginalised groups, including minorities, face intensified discrimination. The sheer speed and scale of these changes have been both shocking and unprecedented, with long-term consequences for Slovakia’s democratic stability.

Civil society under attack                                                            

Civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have not been spared. They were, in fact, branded as public enemies – particularly watchdog groups, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, with these groups derided as “political NGOs” accused of meddling in politics. For the first time since Slovakia’s transition from communism, civil society has been excluded from the government’s manifesto as a partner.

A series of measures aimed at restricting NGO operations was also proposed. Public and media backlash have managed so far to prevent the most draconian reforms from materialising but verbal attacks against civil society continue unabated, with attempts to label NGOs as “foreign agents” or “organizations with foreign support”. Fears of losing EU funding – given the precedent set by the European Court of Justice in Hungary – have also prevented the coalition from agreeing on concrete legislation. Instead, the government wants to pursue subtler approaches, such as proposals to classify NGOs as lobbyists subject to special regulation and higher scrutiny.

There have also been financial restrictions with grants for human rights, LGBTIQ+ and minority organisations, advocacy groups, and cultural projects severely curtailed. Attempts to limit tax allocation mechanisms (allowing individuals and companies to donate percentage of their income tax to NGOs) were proposed but ultimately failed. Nevertheless, civil society organizations have found themselves excluded from decision-making processes, which had previously enabled them to influence policies and governance.

Public access to information and participation in decision-making processes are also being curtailed, further marginalising civil society’s role in governance.

A roadside billboard announcing that the ultra-right Slovak National Party has stopped funding LGBTI projects. Picture: Tina Bednár, Facebook Saplinq, o.z.

Civic backlash and resistance

Despite the onslaught, these restrictive measures have sparked widespread public resistance. Massive demonstrations, strikes, and petitions have reflected growing dissatisfaction and polarization, ultimately culminating in an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico in May 2024.

Civil society has refused to retreat to government’s restrictive measures. Instead, it has responded with heightened mobilisation and collaboration. New coalitions advocating for democracy, cultural preservation, and environmental protection have begun to emerge. Crowdfunding campaigns have become a visible form of protest, enabling citizens to assert their voices and influence.

A striking example of this mobilisation was the Ammunition for Ukraine campaign (below, left). In response to the government’s decision to halt official military aid to Ukraine, Slovaks raised €4.7 million from more than 70,000 donors – a testament to public solidarity and defiance.

Similarly, when journalists from Slovakia’s leading private TV network, Markíza, protested against editorial interference, key figures were dismissed. Among them was the country’s most influential political presenter, who subsequently launched 360°, an independent online news platform. With the support of a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised €593,704 (above, right), the platform quickly gained traction.

Dozens of similar crowdfunding efforts have supported cultural initiatives, law enforcement authorities, media monitoring, fighting misinformation and anti-corruption campaigns.

These grassroots movements underscore public determination to resist the government’s efforts to stifle democracy and civil liberties.

A fight for democracy

Civil society in Slovakia is proving resilient. While the government’s repressive measures are testing the nation’s democratic foundations, the public response is demonstrating a robust commitment to preserving freedoms and human rights. Citizens are making their voices heard, and their collective efforts have become a formidable counterweight to the government’s authoritarian tendencies.

Slovakia’s civic mobilisation highlights the power of grassroots activism and independent (crowd)funding as tools for safeguarding democracy and could serve as inspiration for other countries with repressive governments.

Main picture by William Gevorg Urban on Pexels