Learned Society of Slovakia Declares Peter Kotlár's Statements Exceed Freedom of Speech Limits

Strong Criticism from Slovak Academic Body

The Learned Society of Slovakia, a prominent academic organization, has publicly stated that the remarks made by Peter Kotlár, a high-ranking government official, go beyond what is considered acceptable under the right to freedom of expression. This declaration highlights a growing concern within the scientific community regarding the nature and impact of statements made by public figures on scientific institutions and public discourse.

Peter Kotlár serves as a State Secretary within the Ministry of Health. His comments have been seen by many as directly challenging the integrity and work of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) and other scientific bodies. These statements often touch on topics where established scientific consensus exists, particularly concerning public health or research methodologies, leading to accusations of spreading misinformation or undermining expert authority.

The Debate on Freedom of Speech and Responsibility

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in democratic societies. However, most legal frameworks and societal norms acknowledge that this freedom is not absolute and comes with responsibilities, especially for individuals in positions of power or public trust. The Learned Society's intervention suggests that Mr. Kotlár's pronouncements have crossed a line, potentially causing harm to public understanding of science, trust in institutions, and the overall scientific environment in Slovakia.

Academics and scientists argue that while open debate is crucial, statements by state officials that actively disparage or misrepresent scientific findings can have serious consequences. They can erode public confidence in evidence-based decision-making, encourage skepticism towards expert advice, and potentially impact public health and safety, particularly in areas like epidemiology or medical treatments.

Widespread Support for the Scientific Community

The Learned Society of Slovakia is not alone in its concerns. Several other significant institutions have also voiced their support for the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the broader scientific community. The Slovak Rectors' Conference, representing the leadership of universities across the country, has expressed solidarity with scientists and their work, emphasizing the importance of respecting scientific expertise.

Furthermore, the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), a political party, has reportedly sent an open letter to the President of Slovakia, urging the head of state to address the issue of disparaging remarks against science and scientists. This collective reaction underscores the gravity of the situation and indicates a broad consensus among academic and some political circles that the attacks on scientific integrity need to be countered at a high level.

What happens next

The coming days may see further developments as the President of Slovakia considers the letter from the KDH and potentially issues a statement regarding the ongoing controversy. The pressure on Peter Kotlár to clarify or retract his statements could intensify. This situation is likely to fuel a broader national discussion on the role of science in public policy, the limits of free speech for public officials, and the importance of combating misinformation, especially when it originates from government representatives.