Oxford Research Flags Slovak Government's Systematic Attacks on Media and NGOs

An international analysis has identified systematic attacks by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's government against journalists and non-governmental organizations, drawing scrutiny from researchers at Oxford University. The study highlights a coordinated campaign targeting independent media and civil society groups, with Fico's ruling Smer-SD party — a left-wing nationalist movement that returned to power in 2023 — paying for hundreds of targeted advertisements on social media platforms to amplify its anti-media messaging. Despite the pressure, Slovak investigative news outlet Aktuality.sk was recognized among top-performing media organizations. The findings are significant as they add to growing international concern about democratic backsliding in Slovakia, where Fico's government has repeatedly clashed with independent journalists, sought to restructure public broadcasting, and curtailed funding for civil society groups. Attacks on press freedom in an EU member state carry implications beyond Slovakia's borders, as the European Union closely monitors media independence and rule of law standards among its members.