Slovakia political campaigning sparks debate over school visits and use of minors

Political figures in Slovakia are facing scrutiny over their engagement with students and the use of minors in political campaigning. Igor Matovič, leader of Hnutie Slovensko, stated in an interview that his campaign strategy involves creating an atmosphere where young people attend his meetings and subsequently engage in political debates or conflicts with their parents and grandparents at home.

Separately, the presence of politicians in schools has sparked debate regarding the thin line between educational visits and political propaganda. While the Slovak School Act prohibits the activity and promotion of political parties within schools, the mere presence of a politician is not illegal. Past incidents, such as Robert Fico’s lectures and protests by students in Poprad, have raised questions about whether schools should provide organized audiences for politicians and whether such interactions risk turning educational discussions into one-sided political influence.