Slovak culture minister faces backlash over LGBT+ project ban and leadership purge: Video
Slovakia's Culture Minister, Martina Simkovicova, is facing protests after dismissing key cultural leaders and cutting support for LGBT+ projects.
According to her, the actions are to promote "Slovak culture" and curb the harmful ideas of LGBT+ groups to society.
The changes have angered many, including former leaders of major cultural institutions.
Alexandra Kusa, who was removed as director of the Slovak National Gallery, criticised the government over what she says is the unfair use of power to bully professionals.
Critics say experts are being replaced with political loyalists.
Simkovicova, a former TV presenter linked to conspiracy theories, has also been accused of pushing through laws to have more control over public media.
Groups supporting LGBT+ rights say they are being targeted. Martin Macko, who leads a rights organisation, says government funding for their projects has completely stopped, and attacks on the LGBT+ community are increasing.
