# Slovak Culture Minister leadership and administrative shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-culture-minister-leadership-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-09T08:24:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová has faced sustained criticism and boycotts from the nation’s artistic community over political decisions, including restructuring public broadcasting and changing the national anthem.

Conflict intensified following the dismissal of Art Fund (FPU) board members Peter Grutka and Adriana Tomičová. The dismissed members allege their removal was retaliation for refusing to support candidate František Kornaj and for raising concerns regarding employee surveillance. Minister Šimkovičová denied these claims, stating the dismissals were intended to stabilize the fund following demands from the opposition and certain coalition MPs.

On September 9, 2026, the dismissal of Lukáš Machala, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture’s service office, was implemented. Machala, described by some as a highly influential figure and the de facto leader of the ministry, will be replaced by Ivan Gašpar. Minister Šimkovičová stated the dismissal was due to a need for a different management approach and the necessity of “trust and compatibility” between the minister and the secretary general, citing long-standing differences in vision rather than a single specific event.

However, political observers and former officials have suggested the move relates to tensions over approved subsidies for Pride and Inakosť events. The cultural platform ‘Otvorená Kultúra!’ welcomed the dismissal but demanded the minister's resignation, citing systemic issues and personnel losses. Meanwhile, political figures from KDH and SaS noted that while the dismissal is a significant change, it may not address deeper structural problems within the Slovak cultural sector.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Lukáš Machala dismissed as Slovak Culture Ministry Secretary General

Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová has dismissed Secretary General Lukáš Machala, citing a need for new management. Ivan Gašpar is set to succeed him amid political debate.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-culture-minister-proposes-dismissal-of-luk-machala

### 2026-09-03: Slovak Culture Minister dismisses two Art Fund board members

Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová dismissed two Art Fund board members ahead of a director election, amid claims by the dismissed members that the move targets their refusal to support a specific much

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-culture-minister-dismisses-two-art-fund-board-members

### 2026-08-30: Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová faces artistic backlash

Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová faces mounting criticism and boycotts from the artistic community over controversial political decisions and public associations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-culture-minister-martina-imkoviov-faces-artistic-backlash

---
Cite as: Slovak Culture Minister leadership and administrative shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-culture-minister-leadership-controversy