Reading & Discussion | Moderator: Ulrika Rinke (Literaturhaus Rostock)
The Shift to the Right from a European Perspective: Drawing on his own history, Michal Hvorecky traces the path from the fall of the Iron Curtain to the resurgence of authoritarian ideologies. Twenty-six years after the “Velvet Revolution,” Slovakia, under Prime Minister Robert Fico, is pursuing far-right policies. What matters most in these times? What does it mean today to be a dissident—as an artist, but not only as one? And what does the history of an authoritarian regime like that of the former Czechoslovakia have to do with today’s polarization?
In his first non-fiction book, Hvorecky weaves together his personal memories and experiences with an analysis of contemporary politics that extends far beyond Slovakia. His advice: “Delete your social media profiles, read newspapers and books, and talk to your neighbors!”
Michal Hvorecky, born in Bratislava in 1976, still lives there today. He regularly contributes articles to the FAZ , Die Zeit, and other newspapers and magazines. In Slovakia, he is actively involved in defending press freedom and opposing anti-democratic trends. He is the author of novels, short stories, and essays, including *Death on the Danube*, *Troll*, and *Tahiti Utopia*.
Location: Literaturhaus Rostock (in the Peter-Weiss-Haus), Doberaner Str. 21, 18057 Rostock
Free admission; donations welcome
Also: 5:00 p.m.: Warm-up for the opening of Peter Weiss Week 2026 with tea and a get-together at Café Marat
& after the reading: Wrap-up and networking at Café Marat
An event organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation MV, Peter-Weiss-Haus e.V., and Literaturhaus Rostock as part of Peter-Weiss Week 2026
