Ľubica Laššáková is a woman with a wide range of interests. A native of Piešťany, Slovakia, she spent many years working in radio, was employed at the State Scientific Library, and served as minister of culture from 2018 to 2020. Now, as a member of the National Council of Slovakia for HLAS-SD, she focuses on social issues and supports students, though culture remains close to her heart.
You serve in the National Council for HLAS-SD, yet you have also held the position of minister of culture. I assume this area still interests you. Which domestic cultural achievements have made you happy in the past year?
A relationship with culture and art cannot be learned. You either have it in you, or you don’t. I remember performing in an amateur theater group as early as elementary school. I have particularly fond memories of a play directed by Ms. Lokvencová, based on the Czech fairy tale The Devil and Kate. I played the lead role of Katarínka alongside my math teacher. At least we got along on stage, since math was never my favorite subject. I have been involved in culture my entire life. For years, I chaired the Culture Commission as a regional councilor, and my nearly 25-year career as an editor and presenter at (then) Slovak Radio was also closely tied to culture. I enjoy a good film, but I prefer theater because of the direct connection with the performer on stage. It’s almost tangible. You can read emotions on their face, share in their experience just a few meters away, be drawn in by their gaze, expressions, smiles, tears... The State Opera in Banská Bystrica, where I live, has an outstanding repertoire and takes great care in its casting. It boasts excellent local performers, many of whom are award winners. Just recently, the Bystrica opera hosted an extraordinary concert featuring recipients of the Gabriela Beňačková International Award. Artists from Japan, the Czech Republic, the USA, Korea, and other countries left an impression that has lingered for weeks. The State Chamber Orchestra in Žilina and the Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava offer fantastic concerts and great opportunities for musical appreciation. I try not to miss premieres of major works. In recent months, I’ve attended Die Fledermaus, the operas Aida, Andrea Chénier, Turandot, as well as the musicals Nunsense and Painted on Glass at the Andrej Bagar Theatre in Nitra. Honestly, I can’t even recall all the productions I’ve seen in the past six months. On the other hand, there’s reading – a deeply personal experience, a companion in good times and bad. You don’t even have to leave home; just throw on a hoodie and jeans, find a quiet corner, and dive in. I prefer literature that provides facts – those “pink” romance novels are, to me, a waste of time (I hope their authors forgive me, but I don’t read them). I thoroughly enjoy books by authors I personally know; reading them is an entirely different experience. Jozef Banáš, Miloš Jesenský, Janko Riapoš, Gusto Murín, and many others – theseare remarkable people in real life, and conversing with them is always a delight. Another fascinating chapter in my reading preferences is collections by our renowned Slovak lyricists – Kamil Peteraj, Boris Filan, and my former radio colleague Ľuboš Zeman, who wrote lyrics for Karel Gott and Věra Špinarová.
With Slovak President Peter Pellegrini
How would you assess the current state of the Slovak cultural scene, which is going through a challenging period?
Culture has always reflected the times. It is a mirror of its society. And a mirror shows both the good and valuable as well as the painful and unflattering – things people rarely boast about. Culture praises, but it also criticizes. It looks straight ahead and speaks the truth, if I may paraphrase a well-known actor’s quote about acting. That’s why culture will never have an easy time, in any society. What’s important is that, when advocating for culture, we don’t let emotions sweep us away to the point that we lose reason and clear judgment. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be effective advocates – not for culture, nor for anything else we care about.
What is your opinion on the dismissal of certain leaders of major cultural institutions (SND, SNG, Slovak Literary Center…)?
Regarding this wave of personnel “reassignments” (to borrow a theater term), it’s true that in recent times, there have been many leadership changes in Slovakia’s cultural institutions. These changes would have happened eventually. However, given their frequency within a short time frame, they have sparked considerable debate. Many people involved in culture – whether as creators, audiences, or mere observers – are left with questions, which are valid. Ultimately, audits will answer some of these questions, while the quality of work and outcomes delivered by the new directors will answer others. For now, I wouldn’t jump to premature conclusions. Most importantly, we must ensure that the impassioned controversy surrounding culture does not overshadow the passion that culture itself should inspire.
Slovak artists continue to maintain strong connections with their Czech counterparts, which is great news. Czech-Slovak films are being produced, theater performances are crossing borders in both directions, and concerts follow suit. Do you think there‘s still room for improvement in this cooperation?
Absolutely. Our mentalities, cultures, and ways of life are so similar that our collaboration feels natural and beneficial. I used to visit Prague often and always enjoyed it. My Czech counterparts, former ministers of culture, were wonderful and well-read individuals. Our joint Czech- Slovak cultural events had high standards and were enriching for both audiences and creators. I particularly cherish memories of concerts and the grand celebrations marking the ????00th anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s founding, as well as the Year of Milan Rastislav Štefánik. I had the honor of preparing the Slovak side of the commemorations, and together with our Czech partners, we ensured these events had the “spark” that such a historical figure deserves. At the moment, I feel these close cultural ties are somewhat lacking on both sides. I try to contribute in my own way by supporting the „From Potsdam to Helsinki“ international history competition for Czech and Slovak high school students. The organizers at the Cheb Gymnasium do an incredible job, and I wholeheartedly support their efforts.
You also have close ties to the media. As a trained journalist, you spent many years at Slovak Radio. How did that work shape your career?
I studied broadcast journalism and was fortunate to spend a quarter of a century in a field I saw not just as a job, but as a calling. Radio taught me responsibility to listeners, punctuality, and a professional approach to both gathering and delivering information. A journalist must be observant – otherwise, they’re not a journalist. They should notice details others overlook. This curiosity about every aspect of life has stayed with me. As a radio editor and presenter, I primarily covered social issues, arts, culture, and history. As a student, I worked summers as a tour guide at Krásna Hôrka Castle. It was a great lesson in engaging with people and seeking knowledge beyond what was in the guidebooks. That passion has never left me. I carried many of these experiences into my role as minister of culture in Peter Pellegrini’s government. One of our key initiatives was a multi- million-euro program to support Slovakia’s folk ensembles, helping them acquire new costumes and musical instruments. Even now, I feel a deep sense of pride when musicians, singers, or dancers approach me at festivals and say, “Madam Minister, look – we’re performing in the costumes you helped fund.” It’s a heartwarming feeling. And one more thing radio taught me – listening to others. To get the best out of my guests, I had to let them talk. Unfortunately, I see the opposite trend in many of today’s radio and TV programs. I call these people “shoot and bark” presenters. It is unprofessional and insincere.
You are involved in many activities, including charity and politics. What helps you clear your mind?
A good theater performance, a good book, nature, and our beloved grandchildren. Living in Banská Bystrica, I’m surrounded by beautiful mountains – the Kremnické range, Skalka, the Low Tatras, Starohorské Hills, and Poľana. I love skiing, and with a ski lift just five kilometers from home, I can go anytime. Even a simple walk outdoors is a great stress reliever. But my grandchildren come first. They bring laughter, relaxation, and fond memories of my own childhood. Some games never go out of style – we still weave dandelion wreaths and play Name, Place, Animal, Thing.
We are a few months into the new year. What would you wish for ????Sovak society in the months ahead?
Peace, more common sense, and good health – so that we can handle the first two wishes.
The author is an editor of Deník
CV BOX
Ĺubica Laššáková (born August 18, 1960, in Piešťany) is a member of the National Council of Slovakia for HLAS-SD and a former minister of culture.
She studied radio and television journalism at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University in Bratislava and, in 1986, defended her thesis titled International Radio and Television Production and Cooperation.
From 1983 to 1985, she worked as deputy editor-in-chief of a magazine, then took two years of maternity leave. She subsequently held various positions at Slovak Radio until 2011. She then worked as a program manager at the Park of Culture and Leisure in Banská Bystrica, as head of the District Office in Banská Bystrica, and as a manager at the State Scientific Library in Banská Bystrica.
In 2013, she was elected as a representative of the Banská Bystrica self-governing region, and a year later, she also became a member of the Banská Bystrica Municipal Assembly. She held both positions until March 2018 when she was appointed minister of culture. She served in this role until March 2020, and after the snap parliamentary election in 2023, she became a member of the National Council of Slovakia.
She lives in Banská Bystrica, is married, and has two children and four grandchildren.
