After the psychiatrists, education employees also sent a letter to the Fico government. They claim that it calls into question the principles of democracy

Open letter to the government of the Slovak Republic from employees of the education sector

We, pedagogical and professional staff working in education, follow with deep concern the political and social developments in Slovakia. We must state that it is also having a significant negative impact on the climate in schools and on our work - the current and future educational opportunities in our country.

In a civilised society, it is the norm that education is one of the state's priorities. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case in Slovakia, even on a verbal level. Education does not seem to be an issue for the current government, with the exception of the Minister for Education himself. In addition to resolving their own disputes, the highest constitutional officials no longer even try to proclaim that they care about quality education for our children and young people and that they are trying to do something about it.

Many politicians often directly or indirectly undermine the value of education and the authority of professionals - including our own - by their speeches and statements. We are offended that the habit has taken root here of addressing even specialist topics with abbreviations that belong in hospitality establishments rather than in the premises of government offices or the plenary chamber of the Slovak Parliament. The one who shouts the loudest, bangs on the table the hardest and 'loads' the others the most is right. Imagine if children behaved like this at school. Even a classroom, let alone a state, cannot and will not function like that.

It is shocking that schools have ceased to be safe places where teachers can safely engage with children and young people. The tragic event in Spišská Stara Ves has also once again reminded us of the serious systemic shortcomings with which we have been struggling for a long time as employees in the education sector. The state of children's mental health is deteriorating dramatically. NGOs are also providing assistance to them, and to the participants and survivors of crisis situations.

We are therefore outraged that non-governmental organisations, which to a large extent substitute for the state not only in mental health and social issues, but also in the promotion and development of education in Slovakia, are denigrated and wrongly accused of anti-state action. It is also people from these organisations who often work with the weakest and most vulnerable in schools and beyond. They provide schools with free training, methodological support, networking and support the professional and personal growth of teachers. Making them targets on the basis of fabricated accusations in order to achieve your political goals is short-sighted and, we have to say it, shameful.

We teachers strive to guide children and young people towards honesty, respect, critical thinking, strong character, the ability to express their opinions in a cultured manner and to listen to the opinions of others. However, these efforts are wasted when politicians, who by the very nature of their office are role models for society, violate the principles of good manners, use vulgar language, manipulate, lie or endorse and verbally encourage acts of even physical violence.

It is time to realise that the constant spread of fear and hatred, which polarises society, has devastating effects on the most important thing we have - our children and young people. Disinterest and disregard for the state of education, ignoring the deteriorating social climate, questioning the value of education in society, verbal attacks on scientists, intellectuals and artists, all contribute to the fact that graduates of our secondary schools, who still see education as a key value, are leaving in large numbers to study abroad, with no ambition to return, to develop our society and to bring up their children in it.

We express serious concern about the threat to democracy in Slovakia. The government is repeatedly crossing the line and this unacceptable way of governing is escalating day by day. We are a free European country and we want to remain so.

We therefore demand the return of substantive and decent political debate, an end to the pressure to polarise society, and an end to the unjustified attacks on experts and non-governmental organisations. At the same time, we call on you to stop the abuse of topics related to education and schooling for your never-ending political struggle.

Let us work together to strengthen the democratic values to which Slovakia officially subscribes - not only in our schools, but also in the whole of society. No one has the right to trample on the rights of others. When there is a debate, one listens and the other speaks. Simple rules of behaviour in the classroom. Can we manage what we expect of young children already? Are we a mature society or a group of pupils whose education has failed and others cannot feel safe because the bully puts himself in the position of the victim and, convinced of his truth, kicks harder and harder?

We sign this letter with the conviction that we all share the common goal of living in a well-governed society where we don't have to wake up every morning wondering what the next thing the country's political leaders will do to shock us. The country in which we were born, in which we live, for which we work and which we love. We are at home here and we want to keep it that way.