Slovakia’s national security adviser, Miroslav Lajčák, resigned on Saturday after newly released documents revealed his exchanges with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation came a day after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of files related to Epstein, including messages between Lajčák and Epstein discussing women and diplomacy.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Lajčák, who had advised Prime Minister Robert Fico since last year, denied any wrongdoing but resigned to avoid political pressure on Fico. The messages, dating back to 2017 and 2018, included discussions about young women, with Epstein offering to arrange meetings with them. Lajčák responded in a lighthearted manner, though no evidence of criminal conduct was found.
Deeper Dive and Context
The Nature of the Messages
In October 2018, Epstein texted Lajčák about two girls and their sisters, suggesting they were “probably too young for you.” Lajčák replied, “Don’t be mean. You don’t know me in action.” Earlier, Epstein had offered to share the women with Lajčák, saying, “You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters.”
Political Fallout
Prime Minister Fico accepted Lajčák’s resignation, praising his diplomatic experience but acknowledging the political implications. Lajčák stated he did not want Fico to bear the costs of his association with Epstein, despite no evidence of criminal behavior.
Additional Context
In November 2017, Lajčák emailed Epstein to request help for a female film producer seeking Oscar consideration. Lajčák initially denied discussing women with Epstein when the files were first released.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that none of the Epstein files were redacted for national security reasons. The messages, while not illegal, have raised ethical questions about Lajčák’s associations and the broader network of Epstein’s contacts.