Demokratischer Aufbruch in der Slowakei?
A Democratic ‘Fresh Start’ in Slovakia?

Civil Rights Activist Zuzana Čaputová Is Elected President

Summary/Abstract: Zuzana Čaputová, a political newcomer, civil rights and environmental activist, was elected Slovakia’s first female President on 31 March 2019. She succeeded Andrej Kiska who took office in 2014. Čaputová campaigned for a “decent and fair Slovakia”, civility in public life and transparency in government. Kiska had clashed on several occasions with the populist-nationalist SMER-SD government under then Prime Minister Fico. The mass uprising of the civil rights movement with the “Initiative for a decent Slovakia” after the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak helped Čaputová to victory over an oligarchic and, as some say, corrupt national government. After a long period of political apathy large parts of Slovakia rose to the occasion. They were strongly in favour of membership in the EU and NATO, but plagued by right wing populist and even neo-fascist movements, government indecency and criminal practices. Now citizens have taken to the streets to force the country to become more democratic and its politicians and bureaucrats more law abiding. Has all of this already changed the small Central European country for the better? What can and will be the role of Čaputová, the new bearer of hope? Will she be able to make the democratic difference Slovakia has been waiting for so long?

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