Vincent (2014) reports on a radical policy of segregation in Slovakia. In recent years, more and more walls were built around Rroma settlements, separating the homes of ethnic Slovaks from those of the minority. Although the word “segregation” is being avoided, the walls are a clear expression of the fact that reservations and frustrations against the minority have prevailed in local politics. The criticism of the European Commission, which called for an immediate destruction of the walls, remained without effect: “In Slovakia, around 10% of the 5.4 million Slovaks are of Roma origin – one of the highest rates in Europe. But since the fall of communism in 1989, when work was compulsory, they have not ceased to sink into poverty. Only 20% of men have a job today. Many families are in debt and intolerance towards them has increased. […] On the side of the city of Kosice, one continues to defend oneself against any «racism» by declaring that the young Roma of Lunik IX were absolutely not the only ones who harassed the neighbourhood. The young Slovaks also had their habits for small machinations there. The controversy passed, the wall was tacitly approved. The detour imposed on the Rroma was considered minimal. The distant call towards its destruction by the European Commission did not change anything.” Vincent also sees a widespread cynicism towards an improvement of the situation of Rroma, which resulted in “pragmatic solutions” such as the erected walls. The Slovak commissary of the European Commission, Miroslav Sklenka, sees the problem of the continued exclusion of the Rroma not in the lack of money but in the lack of political will to change anything.

Vincent, Elise (2014) En Slovaquie, des « murs » contre les Roms. In: Le Monde online vom 28.7.2014. http://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2014/07/28/en-slovaquie-des-murs-contre-les-roms_4463590_3224.html

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