Slovakia's psychologists and psychiatrists slam Fico’s behavior, urge to quit
More than a hundred experts in psychology and psychiatry from all over Slovakia signed an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Fico, calling for his resignation over his “dehumanizing behavior” toward citizens and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Aktuality news outlet reported on Jan. 19.
The authors of the letter are two prominent figures in psychiatry and psychology - Jozef Hašto and Anton Heretik. They are concerned about Fico's actions, which increasingly show "a forceful authoritarian style, manipulation of facts, lies, attacks on political opponents, journalists and ordinary citizens.
Fico is also criticized for his foreign policy initiatives, which contradict the policies of the European Union and NATO, negative attitude towards Zelenskyy, while demonstrating friendly relations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The experts hope that Fico will "reflect on his behavior and consider leaving high politics".
The Slovak Chamber of Psychologists has also published a similar letter, warning of rising social tensions in Slovakia as the tense relations between politicians are transmitted to citizens.
They call on politicians to "realize their responsibility and refrain from making statements that could incite violence," and to set an example for society by promoting respect and tolerance.
Fico responded to the letter on social media, accusing its authors of being long-time opponents of the government and using their profession for political purposes. He called their actions a "tired joke" and claimed that they allegedly reject the basic principle of democracy and do not respect the results of elections.
Democratic elections, not "pseudo-medical brochures," should lead to a change of government, Fico said.
Slovakia's opposition also called for Fico's impeachment after his recent visit to Moscow to meet Putin, accussing him of bowing down to dictators instead of governing the country.
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