Thousands rally in Bratislava, Slovakia, to defend Culture
Thousands protested in Bratislava against the cultural policies of the Slovak government under the leadership Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The "Open Culture Platform" had called for the demonstration under the slogan "A major cultural mobilization! One like this has never been seen before."
The organizers criticized the fact that Slovakia's cultural life has fallen into a deep crisis, blaming the government, especially the nationalist Minister of Culture, Martina Simkovicova.
"Instead of supporting culture, dissenting voices are being silenced, mass layoffs are taking place, and organizations and projects are being deprived of their last remaining funds," the platform explained its protest. All types of cultural workers are affected by the cuts, from lighting technicians, wardrobe staff, and technicians to writers, actors, and producers.