The Slovak Academy of Sciences launched proceedings over a potential violation of its code of ethics by MP Ľuboš Blaha (Smer-SD). The organisation also called upon Blaha to reconsider his tenure at the Institute of Political Sciences, "the reputation of which as well as the reputation of the entire Academy he is seriously damaging with his statements". Ľuboš Blaha, who is currently number 11 on the election slate of the strongest party Smer-SD, has been publishing posts and videos on social networks distastefully condescending his political opponents, but also NGOs or members of the procurement office. The Academy's leadership finds Blaha's posts on social networks undignified and unacceptable. Furthermore, they fly in the face of the institution's Code of Ethics.
In response, Blaha told the TASR news agency that he finds it absurd to have the Academy comment on his political activities. He sees no reason for the Academy becoming involved in the political arena in Slovakia, "let alone during the campaigning phase".
According to the Education Minister Martina Lubyová (Slovak National Party), the Slovak Academy of Sciences is supposed to be an apolitical institution and therefore it should not use political activities as grounds for termination. The minister pointed out that mixing science and politics together often begets complications and she thinks that the ethics committee should deal with disputes of this kind.
On Wednesday, the Police Academy in Bratislava also distanced itself from the statements made by Ľuboš Blaha, who works there as an assistant professor. "It is unacceptable for a professor at our school to stand behind the views that Ľuboš Blaha publicly presents through his posts on social networks," reads the statement. It is highly questionable whether politicians should be involved in academia while politically active, Interior Minister Denisa Saková (Smer-SD) stated on Wednesday in response to the ongoing dispute. The vice-premier for Informatisation and Investments Richard Raši (Smer-SD) thinks that any statements made during the election campaigning period must be taken with a pinch of salt.
