Video recap: State of Delusion: Slovakia’s Descent into Conspiracism

How far can Robert Fico go in using disinformation and extremism to consolidate power in Slovakia – and what does it mean for the EU?

The big picture: Disinformation in Slovakia is no longer something found in the fringes, but a mainstay feature of the very institutions that govern the country. PM Robert Fico and his Smer-led coalition have given prominent conspiracy theorists – such as Daniel Bombic and Peter Kotlár – roles in the government.

Driving the story: Marcin Król Fellow Eva Mihočková and Rasťo Kužel of MEMO 98 discussed the causes, domestic consequences and regional implications of Slovakia’s descent into disinformation.

Editor’s Pick: Read Eva Mihočková’s article How Slovakia’s Government Mainstreamed Extremism and Undermined Democracy to get a deeper analysis.

State of play:

• A constitutional majority might mark a point of no return for Slovakia’s democratic descent. While Fico’s Smer-led coalition does not currently have such a majority – limiting its ability to reshape institutions like in Orbán’s Hungary or during PiS’s governments in Poland – the threat remains.
• The risks and consequences of disinformation extend beyond Slovakia’s borders. Sectors like healthcare are particularly vulnerable, where conspiracies legitimised in Slovakia may distort public opinion in neighbouring countries.
• Pushback from civil society, scientists, doctors and even coalition partners may appear ineffective – but it communicates a message of hope. These expressions of resistance are key to driving voter turnout and political participation.

Zoom out: The peddling of disinformation is part of Fico’s broader grievance with liberal democracy. He has repeatedly praised the efficiency and longevity of autocratic regimes, such as those in Uzbekistan and China. Such rhetoric may be preparing the population for future elected authoritarianism.

Slovakia’s trajectory is closely watched by its neighbours. A shift away from illiberalism would mark a symbolic victory for pro-EU and centrist forces, while the continuation of the status quo would embolden Fico-like actors across the region.

Speakers:

• Rasťo Kužel – media & election expert with over 26 years of international experience. Since 1998, he has been running MEMO 98, a media-monitoring organisation with extensive experience in delivering analyses and technical assistance to OSCE and many other international organisations.
• Eva Mihočková – Marcin Król Fellow 2024 at Visegrad Insight. She is the Editor in Chief of Foreign Policy SFPA, a media website operated by the Slovak Foreign Policy Association. She is also a member of Team Europe Direct and works as an investigative journalist for Stop the Corruption Foundation.

The discussion was moderated by Galan Dall, Visegrad Insight Managing Editor.

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This post was drafted by Simon Xiao.

• Disinformation
• policy
• Róbert Fico
• Security
• Slovakia