Government Ally Dismisses Talk of Replacing Culture Minister Šimkovičová as Conspiracy

A Slovak government official has pushed back against speculation that Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová could be removed from her post, calling such claims conspiratorial. Tomáš Michelko, an ally of the ruling coalition, dismissed the rumors circulating in political discussion programs, insisting there are no plans to replace the minister. Šimkovičová, a member of the Slovak National Party (SNS), a junior partner in Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government, has been a controversial figure since taking office, drawing criticism over her management of cultural institutions and public broadcasting. The dismissal of replacement talk suggests the coalition intends to maintain its current cabinet lineup despite ongoing public debate over the minister's tenure.