Trenčín Mayor Criticizes Government Control Over Culture and Media

Richard Rybníček, the mayor of Trenčín who has served since 2010, criticized the current government's approach to cultural and media institutions, stating that "culture could not be directed by communists or fascists, nor can it be done by these red Ludaks." The 56-year-old mayor, who announced he will not seek re-election in upcoming local elections, has extensive media experience, having helped launch television station JOJ in the early 2000s, served as its director in 2002, and later as general director of Slovak Television from 2003 to 2006. Rybníček's comments appear to reference the ruling Smer-SD party, led by Robert Fico, which critics often link to the historical Ľudová strana (People's Party) that collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions over government influence on public media and cultural institutions in Slovakia, reflecting broader concerns about press freedom and cultural independence under the current administration.