State Agency Probed on Sensitive Political Questionnaires

Citizens’ Views on Hot-Button Issues Secretly Gathered

A state agency is drawing criticism for its clandestine collection of public opinion on a range of sensitive political topics. The Infostat agency compiles monthly surveys that are not routinely disclosed to the public.

Political Scrutiny Over Survey Content

Recent questionnaires, obtained through a freedom of information request, reveal Infostat has been probing citizens’ views on controversial matters. These include potential cooperation with opposition figure Igor Matovič, a proposal to ban Sunday political debates, and the conditional release of convicted gangster Mikuláš Černák.

Past Controversy and Continued Operations

The agency’s work previously ignited controversy when its leader, Andrej Danko, publicly expressed outrage over a survey that showed his Slovak National Party with only 1.5% support. Despite an earlier halt to monthly preference polls following Danko‘s criticism, Infostat has continued to gather public sentiment.

Matovič Cooperation Question Sparks Accusations

A question in the May survey asking about potential cooperation between the Slovakia party and Igor Matovič has drawn sharp criticism. The Movement Slovakia has labelled it an abuse of state institutions, with Matovič stating, Government Chunta has already lost any inhibitions, so the abuse of the state institution for similar fads is no longer surprised.

Fico’s Debate Proposal and Other Inquiries

Infostat also surveyed public agreement with Prime Minister Robert Fico‘s idea to eliminate Sunday political discussions on media. The agency inquired if citizens favored this proposal as a means to calm the social situation and keep Sunday as a real day off. Other topics included the abolition of a single constituency and the conditional release of Mikuláš Černák.

The transparency of such surveys is increasingly questioned, especially given that many parallel polls by private agencies are funded by political parties. For example, in February 2024, a poll by Median SK for theDenník N newspaper showed the Progressive Slovakia party leading in support, highlighting the public’s interest in political polling data (Denník N, February 2024).

Politicians Demand Transparency

The questioning has prompted strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Both coalition and opposition politicians have expressed surprise, with some suggesting the surveys resemble party-funded opinion polls. Andrej Danko announced he would address Infostat’s operations at the Coalition Council, while Progressive Slovakia sought a parliamentary inquiry, which was ultimately rejected by lawmakers.

Infostat maintains that its survey questions are developed internally, based on common considerations and talks on the most important socio-political issues of today. The agency asserts that survey results are intended for the general public and academic institutions, not for political directives.