Slovakia Divided - Between Russia and Europe | DW Documentary

Why It Matters

Slovakia’s shift toward authoritarianism threatens EU rule‑of‑law standards and could undermine collective sanctions on Russia, while accelerating emigration that erodes the nation’s economic and political stability.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Robert Fico faces assassination attempt, deepening political crisis.
• Slovak society split between pro‑EU youth and pro‑Russia older voters.
• Anti‑corruption institutions dismantled, raising EU rule‑of‑law concerns significantly.
• Bear management politicized, reflecting broader mistrust of government policies.
• Emigration rises as citizens lose faith in Slovakia’s future direction.

Summary

The DW documentary examines Slovakia’s growing political fault line as Prime Minister Robert Fico steers the nation toward Moscow, prompting fierce protests and an attempted assassination that underscored the country’s volatility. It follows a cross‑section of citizens—from mountain‑lodge manager Veronica Baronic, who penned an open letter condemning Fico’s indifference to Ukraine, to 74‑year‑old Victor Baronic contemplating exile—illustrating how the divide cuts across generations and regions. The film highlights the systematic erosion of anti‑corruption safeguards, including the dissolution of the special prosecutor’s office and changes to the criminal code, while also showing how even mundane issues like bear culling have become politicised symbols of governmental mistrust. The narrative warns that Slovakia’s drift could weaken EU cohesion, stall sanctions on Russia, and accelerate a brain‑drain, leaving the country’s democratic institutions and economic prospects in jeopardy.

Original Description

Slovakia stands at a crossroads between western and eastern Europe - and not just in geographical terms. Amidst growing social and political divisions in the country, Prime Minister Robert Fico is using his power to amplify tensions and stir up fear.

Once a mainstream Social Democrat, Robert Fico has reinvented himself as a leftwing nationalist - repeatedly attacking the media while pursuing friendly relations with Moscow and stalling EU sanctions against Russia. With confidence in the government and public institutions steadily eroding, many young people are leaving the country - while others take to the streets to fight for democratic values and strengthening Slovakia's ties to the EU.

Located at an altitude of 2,250 meters, Chata pod Rysmi is the highest mountain lodge in Slovakia. It's run by Viktor Beránek: not just a warm-hearted host but also a legendary sherpa - and a vocal critic of populist prime minister Robert Fico. The country's longest-serving mountain hut manager has now lost his lease after almost half a century, likely due to his political positions. He's now considering his homeland.

Down in the liberal-minded capital Bratislava, locals gather regularly to protest - against sweeping interventions in the judiciary, government pressure on the media, and attempts to align the country closer to Russia while the prime minister makes friendly visits to Moscow. Peter Bárdy, editor-in-chief at the Aktuality.sk news portal, has been following these developments and says they are driven not by ideology but rather business interests, cronyism and the pursuit - and preservation - of power.

On the other side of the political divide are people like 22-year-old Terezka Mičianiková (from the town of Trnava), who believes in a strong government that puts Slovakia first. In her eyes, the EU intervenes too heavily in domestic issues and is a far bigger source of problems than Fico. The law student and influencer wants to see a confident and more nationally-oriented Slovakia - maintaining a clear distance from Brussels.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the European Parliament traveled to Bratislava to gain a first-hand impression of the judiciary, media freedom and anti-corruption measures. Slovakia is increasingly being called the EU's new "problem child", as its government continues to question the EU's values and expectations.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs

______

DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.

Subscribe to: ‬

⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumentary

⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumental

⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocarabia

⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDochindi

⮞ DW Dokumenter (Indonesian): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDokumenter

⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDoku

For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610

Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/

Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G