“The key impulse for me was the personality of Peter Pellegrini, founder of the HLAS - Social Democracy party and its chairman at the time. His values, political culture, expertise, and calm approach to politics guided my decision about whom and with whom I wanted to work,” says Lucia Hlavčová, district chair of HLAS-SD in Žilina.
You have been in politics only a short time. What has it given you - and what has it taken away?
On the one hand, it has given me a much broader social and professional perspective. I have gained detailed insight into public affairs, the functioning of public administration, and political processes that directly affect people’s lives. It has brought me experience, responsibility, and the opportunity to actively participate in public life, which I see as both a service and a commitment to society. On the other hand, politics also means a loss of privacy. Public life brings constant scrutiny, evaluation of every step, and often criticism that is not always objective or fair. This comes with increased psychological pressure, performance demands, limited free time, and interference in family and personal life.
Slovakia is currently not in an easy situation. Is the Fico government performing well?
I do not think it would be fair to assess the performance of the current government without broader context. The country inherited a situation marked by significant financial instability, high debt, disordered public finances, and weakened public trust in state institutions. These problems are the result of decisions and chaos from the previous period. The current government took office at a time when it was necessary to stabilize public finances, halt the growth of debt, and ensure the basic functioning of the state. After the last parliamentary elections, Slovakia was practically starting from scratch, in an environment of limited resources and high public expectations. Under such circumstances, every decision is more complex and requires a high degree of responsibility. Nevertheless, I perceive an effort to return to stability, social dialogue, and predictable policymaking. What is crucial is that expertise, systemic solutions, and the protection of socially vulnerable groups are once again being emphasized. Slovakia today needs calm, responsible decision-making, and the ability to unite society. If we continue in this direction, I believe the country will gradually overcome its difficulties and build firmer foundations for the future.
What do you focus on most in Žilina?
On social issues, particularly assistance to socially vulnerable families, sick children, and people with disabilities. These are key areas in my view, as these groups are most affected by rising living costs and often require not only systemic support but also concrete, targeted help. I am involved in supporting food assistance, which for many families today is a matter of survival. I also pay special attention to volunteer fire brigades, which play an irreplaceable role in protecting the health, property, and safety of residents in towns and villages. Volunteer firefighters are often the first on the scene in crisis situations, and I consider it essential that they have dignified conditions for their work. My goal is to strengthen solidarity, access to assistance, and cooperation between the state, local governments, and civil society in the Žilina Region. This is also because Žilina is my home in the deepest sense of the word. I was born here, grew up directly in Žilina, and this city is not only the place where I live, but one to which I have a strong personal bond.
How do you perceive relations between the Czech and Slovak republics?
I consider them exceptional and historically above standard. Czechia and Slovakia are connected by a shared past, linguistic, cultural, and mental proximity, and above all by a natural mutual understanding between people. I believe these relations have had, have, and will continue to have a special place in Central Europe. Recently, I have sensed a gradual return to normal and to mutual respect. I must honestly say that I followed developments during previous governments with great concern. Decisions that led to the cooling of our above-standard relations were difficult for me to understand, especially given how close our countries have always been historically. I am pleased that after the most recent parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, political dialogue was restored and relations were “reset,” having been noticeably weakened in the previous period. Open communication and cooperation at the level of governments and presidents are the foundation of healthy neighborly relations. Czechia and Slovakia are not merely neighbors; we are like brothers and sisters who understand each other without the need for translation and who can naturally support one another. Our countries share challenges, interests, and significant potential for cooperation in the areas of the economy, security, social issues, and regional development. If both sides approach mutual relations with respect, humility, and awareness of our historical closeness, I believe Czech–Slovak relations will not only return to normal, but once again serve as an example of effective cooperation in Europe.
Do you personally cooperate with Czechia?
Yes, I do - currently primarily at the business level. It is practical and functional cooperation that allows me to better understand the Czech environment, the functioning of institutions and the possibilities of cross-border partnerships. At the same time, I see significant potential to expand this cooperation into other areas, especially in social and healthcare fields. These are shared topics for both countries, facing similar challenges - whether in supporting vulnerable groups, ensuring access to social services, or exchanging best practices in healthcare. I believe that in the near future there will be space to connect business experience with a public and social dimension through concrete projects, exchange of expertise, or cooperation between regions.
Is it true that you often visit Prague?
Yes, I am very fond of Prague and would say that it is something of a second home to me. I have close ties to Prague and to Czechia more broadly. Part of my family lives there, and I also have several friends in both private and public and political life. The Czech environment has long been close to me, and I have a natural personal and professional connection to it. I visit quite often, not only for private reasons but also for professional and political activities. Over time, I have developed a deep relationship with the city, based on personal experience rather than distant admiration. Prague’s unique charm lies in how naturally it combines rich history with modern urban life. It is a city that has preserved its identity, cultural depth, and continuity, while also developing as a modern European metropolis. That is why I see it as an inspiring environment - not only culturally, but socially and politically as well.
Family
Family is the natural center of Lucia Hlavčová’s life. “I am the mother of two children, Laura and Filip, who are my daily motivation and source of energy,” she says. “I make a point of spending quality time together, especially in active and meaningful ways. In my free time, I focus on physical activity and regularly work out at the gym; I see sport as part of both physical and mental balance. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. The kitchen is a place of creativity and relaxation for me. I particularly like Italian, Greek, and Chinese cuisine, which combine simplicity, quality ingredients, and a variety of flavors. The summer months belong to family and travel within our region. With my children, we love discovering castles, chateaux, and historical sites across Slovakia and the Czech Republic. I consider it important for children to know the history, culture, and country in which they live, and to develop a natural bond with their home. In the evenings, I like to set aside time for quiet and reading books that enrich me internally and help me slow down after a demanding day. Silence, a book, and time to reflect are an essential counterbalance to a dynamic working life.”
Lucia Hlavčová with her children.
CV BOX
Lucia Hlavčová is a manager and entrepreneur active in the fields of energy and consultancy. Since 2022, she has been a member of HLAS-SD and District Chair for the Žilina Region.
She is the owner and managing director of Lust group, s. r. o., a company focused on the construction of photovoltaic power plants and energy consulting.
She lived and worked in the United Kingdom for nearly eleven years, where she gained extensive professional and life experience. She worked in the social and healthcare sectors within the British NHS system, assisting people with physical and mental disabilities, and completed university studies in healthcare, including hospital practice. Her long-term stay in an English-speaking environment enabled her to achieve fluent English proficiency at C1 level, which she considers one of her key competencies.
After returning to Slovakia, she held managerial and assistant positions in the private sector, particularly in automotive, administration, HR, and quality management. She now draws on both her international and domestic experience in business and strategic management.
She is a mother of two children.
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