Slovak psychiatrists and psychologists demand Prime Minister Fico’s resignation

In Slovakia, more than a hundred experts in the field of psychology and psychiatry have sent an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Fico, in which they draw attention to his behavior and demand his resignation. This was reported by the Slovak media outlet Aktuality.

The authors of the letter are two leading figures in psychiatry and psychology – Jozef Hašto and Anton Heretik. In addition to them, the letter was signed by experts from all over Slovakia.

They stated that Fico’s behavior is increasingly characterized by “a forceful authoritarian style, manipulation of facts, lies, slander, and attacks on political opponents, journalists, and ordinary citizens.”

“You do not shy away from attacking the families of opposition leaders, as was the case with the family of (opposition leader Michal) Šimečka,” the letter says.

The letter also points out that Fico’s foreign policy initiatives contradict the policies of the European Union and NATO, of which Slovakia is still a member. They criticize his negative attitude toward Ukraine and the Ukrainian president, as well as his friendly relations with the Russian aggressor.

“We hope for your ability to introspect and the possibility of correcting your political behavior, including consideration of leaving big politics,” the letter reads.

The Slovak Chamber of Psychologists published a similar letter. In it, they warn of rising social tensions and negative moods in Slovakia. They also assert that the citizens are absorbing the tense relations between politicians.

In the letter, the Chamber of Psychologists calls on politicians to “realize their responsibility and refrain from making statements that may incite violence.” They want politicians to set an example for society and encourage respect and tolerance.

Robert Fico responded to the criticism on social media. He called psychiatrists and psychologists longtime opponents of the current government and accused them of abusing their profession for political purposes. He claims that they reject the basic principle of democracy and do not respect the election results.

The day before, Fico accused the opposition of “kowtowing” to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fico and Zelenskyy are engaged in a verbal dispute in absentia through statements in the media after Ukraine refused to renew the deal on the transit of Russian gas through its territory to Slovakia.

Ukraine’s motive is to prevent Russia from making money for the all-out war it haa been waging against Ukraine for nearly three years. It has been known for a long time that the deal is expiring and the Russian war is ongoing. However, the Fico government has not found an alternative energy supply.