Opposition MP Files Criminal Complaint Against Culture Minister Over Festival Funding Cuts

Progressive Slovakia deputy chairwoman Zora Jaurová has filed a criminal complaint against Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, citing what she calls unlawful actions that have devastated Slovak culture during the minister's two-year tenure. The complaint appears to be related to threats against major cultural events including the Kremnica Gagy comedy festival and the popular children's television program Slniečko. Progressive Slovakia is a liberal opposition party that has been critical of the current government's cultural policies. Šimkovičová, who has served as culture minister since 2022 under the ruling coalition, has overseen significant changes to Slovakia's cultural landscape that opposition parties argue have undermined the country's artistic and media independence.