Hard Times Test Our Values: What Power Reveals Before We Do

Slovakia’s President Zuzana Čaputová has warned that difficult times expose the true values of societies—and reveal the limits of power—amid growing political and economic pressures in Europe.

In an interview with Denník N published June 19, 2026, Čaputová said that crises test whether democratic institutions can withstand division, adding that power often reveals itself only when tested. Her remarks come as Slovakia faces rising tensions over migration, energy security, and EU cohesion, with Čaputová’s presidency increasingly positioned as a bulwark against populist pressures.

“Hard times reveal our values—and they reveal power,” Čaputová stated. “Power is not revealed when everything is calm. It only shows itself when we are forced to make difficult choices.”

Her comments reflect growing concerns about Slovakia’s alignment with EU policies, particularly after the country’s government faced criticism for its stance on asylum seekers and energy independence. The European Commission has repeatedly urged Bratislava to align with Brussels’ migration and climate targets, though domestic resistance remains strong.

Why Čaputová’s Warning Matters

Slovakia’s political landscape has grown more polarized in recent years, with far-right parties gaining influence and challenging the government’s pro-EU stance. Čaputová, a centrist and former environmental lawyer, has positioned herself as a counterbalance, advocating for stronger democratic checks and public accountability.

Her remarks align with broader European debates on sovereignty versus solidarity, particularly as countries like Hungary and Poland continue to push back against EU mandates. Analysts say Čaputová’s presidency could serve as a test case for whether smaller EU member states can resist populist backsliding while maintaining cohesion with Brussels.

What Comes Next for Slovakia?

Čaputová’s interview follows a period of heightened political activity in Slovakia, including:

• Migration disputes: The government has tightened border controls, defying EU calls for a unified asylum system.
• Energy security: Slovakia has accelerated fossil fuel projects, clashing with the EU’s Green Deal ambitions.
• Judicial reforms: Critics accuse the government of weakening anti-corruption institutions, a concern Čaputová has publicly addressed.

While Čaputová’s presidency ends in 2029, her warnings suggest Slovakia’s political future will hinge on whether its institutions can absorb these pressures—or if they fracture under them.

For now, her remarks underscore a broader European dilemma: Can democracies endure when power is tested, or will crises deepen divisions?

Source: Denník N (June 19, 2026)