Slovak National Security Adviser Lajčák resigns over Epstein files, denies wrongdoing

2026-02-03 - 07:46

Slovakia’s National Security Adviser Miroslav Lajčák has resigned following the release of new files linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, while firmly rejecting any suggestion of misconduct. Reuters reported that Lajčák, who serves as an adviser to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, stepped down after newly released documents included email exchanges that referenced discussions about girls. In a statement, Lajčák condemned Epstein’s crimes and denied any involvement in wrongdoing. He said the language used in the emails was informal and had no connection to any actions, adding that he chose to resign to prevent the matter from being used to politically target the prime minister. “I am not resigning because of any criminal or unethical behavior,” he said, “but because I do not want Prime Minister Fico to bear a political cost for something unrelated to his decisions.” Prime Minister Fico announced on social media that he had accepted Lajčák’s resignation and praised his extensive experience in diplomacy and foreign policy. The US Department of Justice on Friday released millions of documents related to the Epstein case, including email exchanges from October 2018, when Lajčák was serving as Slovakia’s foreign minister. Lajčák is a prominent Slovak politician and diplomat who served twice as foreign minister, from 2009 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2020. He also served as President of the United Nations General Assembly from September 2017 to September 2018. UK’s Lord Mandelson resigns from Labour Party amid Epstein case links