President Zuzana Čaputová at Grant Thornton: I Wish All of Slovakia Greater Understanding

On Thursday, May 21, we welcomed clients, employees, and friends of the firm to Grant Thornton’s offices on Hodžovo Square. The guest of honor for the evening was former President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová. The 10th anniversary edition of the GT Cocktail event featured a discussion on topics that resonate throughout society today.

The discussion was guided by a spirit of seeking understanding at a time when the public sphere is increasingly divided. Topics included the state of democracy, experiences related to holding the highest constitutional office, the role of women in public life, and and the sacrifices that public service often demands.

One of the evening’s most powerful insights was the reminder that democracy does not rest solely on laws and institutions. It begins much closer to home—within ourselves, in our ability to conduct our inner dialogue democratically and openly. It is precisely this inner attitude that is reflected in the public sphere.

During the discussion, President Zuzana Čaputová also touched upon the topic of ethics and morality in public life:

“As they say: Democracy is a moral system. How can we build a moral system through immoral means? That is why morality and ethics are absolutely integral to the practice of politics, because it is public service, service to the people.”

The atmosphere in the hall showed that the discussion addressed topics that resonate with many. The audience followed the conversation closely, and several moments were met with spontaneous applause. The event also demonstrated that even challenging social issues can be addressed calmly, objectively, and with respect.

The evening concluded with a message from President Zuzana Čaputová, which naturally summed up the entire dialogue:

“I wish not only for those present here, but for all of Slovakia, greater understanding, because the extent to which our society is strained, polarized, or fragmented ranks among the highest in Europe. That is why we need more cohesion."

This year’s GT Cocktail once again confirmed that meaningful encounters arise not only from the exchange of views, but also from a willingness to listen and seek common ground. Dialogue, openness to different perspectives, and the pursuit of understanding have their place not only in business but also in society at large.

A short video clip also captures the atmosphere of the event: