Slovak Interior Minister Declares Ideological Disputes Settled Following Constitutional Changes

Ideological Conflicts Resolved, Focus Shifts to Citizens

Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who also leads the Voice – Social Democracy (Voice-SD) party, declared on Saturday, October 25, 2025, that ideological disputes within Slovakia have been settled following recent constitutional changes. Speaking at a news conference evaluating the government's two years in power, Sutaj Estok emphasized that the party's focus would now shift towards addressing the needs of the country's citizens and regions. 'We won't be dealing with ideological conflicts for the next two years, we have already resolved them. We clearly stand on the right side, there are only two genders (...). Now that we have these ideological disputes settled, we must work for the people, bring them results,' stated the Minister.

The Minister also criticized the previous government, in power between 2020 and 2023, for what he termed its 'amateurism' and 'total disintegration of the state'.

Far-Reaching Constitutional Amendments

The constitutional changes referenced by Minister Sutaj Estok were approved by the Slovak parliament on Friday, September 26, 2025, and are set to take effect on November 1, 2025. These amendments, drafted by Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, passed with a three-fifths majority, including support from some conservative opposition lawmakers. Key provisions of the revised constitution include:

• Recognition of only two sexes, male and female.
• Assertion of Slovakia's sovereignty in matters of 'national identity', particularly in 'fundamental cultural-ethical questions'.
• Prioritization of national law over European Union (EU) law in areas related to national identity, such as family structure and gender.
• Restrictions on adoption, making it almost impossible for anyone other than married couples to adopt children.
• A ban on surrogacy.
• Requirement for parental consent for access to sexual education.
• A guarantee of equal pay for men and women for the same work.

These amendments have drawn international attention and criticism, with organizations like Amnesty International expressing human rights concerns. The Netherlands has also urged EU court action, citing potential breaches of EU law and limitations on the rights of LGBT+ individuals.

Voice-SD's Political Stance and Future Direction

The Voice – Social Democracy (Voice-SD) party, founded in June 2020 by dissidents from the Direction – Social Democracy (Smer-SD) party, is a social democratic and populist political force in Slovakia. It currently forms part of the ruling coalition government, which was established after the September 2023 parliamentary elections alongside Smer-SD and the Slovak National Party (SNS). While maintaining a pro-European outlook, Voice-SD has indicated a reluctance to promote liberal social issues, arguing they are not in demand among its voter base. The party's declared shift to focusing on 'people and regions' underscores its commitment to delivering tangible results for the Slovak populace in the coming period.