Slovakia's Culture Ministry Accused of Turning Museums Into 'Feudal Fiefdoms'

The Slovak Ministry of Culture is attempting to return to a "medieval feudal system" where independent cultural institutions become the property of chosen officials and experts are reduced to puppets of power, according to Zuzana Denková from the Platform for Free Museum Work. Denková, speaking in a video podcast, warned that Slovak museums face government retaliation that threatens both national memory and valuable museum buildings and collections. The Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Martina Šimkovičová, has been pursuing controversial reforms across cultural institutions since taking office as part of the current ruling coalition. The Platform for Free Museum Work represents museum professionals opposing what they view as political interference in cultural institutions that should maintain professional independence from government control.