Slovakia's 9th of May Holiday: A Political Battlefield

Slovakia's 9th of May Holiday Debate: Fico's Resistance Sparks Controversy Slovakia is embroiled in a political debate over the 9th of May holiday, a date commemorating the end of World War II. Former Prime Minister Robert Fico has firmly opposed calls to abolish the holiday, despite its strong association with the Soviet Union and its 32-year absence from Slovakia's official calendar. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from current political figures, including Igor Matovič. "This shows the mentality of a communist," Matovič stated in a recent interview, referencing Fico's refusal to remove the holiday. Matovič further criticized Fico's alleged pro-Putin stance, suggesting that the holiday's continued celebration reflects a lingering pro-Soviet sentiment. Fico, however, maintains his position, arguing that the holiday holds historical significance for many Slovaks. The debate has ignited a wider conversation about Slovakia's historical legacy and its relationship with Russia in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of navigating historical memory in a rapidly changing political landscape.