Tomáš Taraba, Environmental Minister nominated by the SNS, has proposed that Slovakia’s “strategic” heritage sites, including  Devín/Dévény Castle near Bratislava/Pozsony, be brought under state ownership. The castle is historically and culturally significant for Slovakia’s Hungarian minority. Taraba’s reasoning is that the central government would provide more resources to maintain historical sites than the current owners,  local municipalities, are able to.

Devín/Dévény Castle is currently owned by the Bratislava/Pozsony municipality, which strongly opposes the nationalization plan. According to the city’s spokesperson, Peter Bubla, the municipality is taking proper care of the heritage site, having invested hundreds of thousands of euros in its restoration and maintenance. Bubla declared that the castle is not for sale, and there are no negotiations ongoing for its expropriation by the state.

Another key element of Taraba’s proposal is the prominent display of Slovak national symbols. The minister expressed his regret that Slovak flags are not flown at domestic heritage sites, such as the ruins of Devín/Dévény Castle. However, the municipality affirms that there is no issue with displaying flags, and, in fact, a project to erect a flagpole is already underway.

The Ministry of Culture, led by Martina Šimkovičová, also supports the state acquisition of strategic heritage sites. The ministry and the Heritage Protection Office are already working on a list that would enumerate one hundred sites of significance. However, Šimkovičová did not provide a clear answer as to whether Devín/Dévény Castle would be nationalized.

Source: Ujszo.com

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