{{Short description|Slovak politician (born 1972)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Miriam Lexmann | image = Miriam Lexmann - 2025 (cropped).jpg | caption = Lexmann in 2025 | office1 = [[Member of the European Parliament]]<br/>for [[Slovakia (European Parliament constituency)|Slovakia]] | term_start1 = 1 February 2020 | office = [[Quaestor of the European Parliament]] | alongside = ''[[Quaestor (European Parliament)#10th Parliament (2024–2029)|See List]]'' | term_start = 17 July 2024 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|2|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Bratislava]], [[Czechoslovakia]] | party = [[Christian Democratic Movement]] (since 2016) | alma_mater = [[Comenius University]] | spouse = {{Marriage|[[Milan Majerský]]|2020}} | website = {{URL|https://lexmann.eu/}} |relatives = [[Juraj Lexmann]] (uncle) }} '''Miriam Lexmann''' (born 2 December 1972) is a Slovak politician who has been a [[Member of the European Parliament]] since February 2020 and member of the [[Christian Democratic Movement]].
Lexmann is of [[Germany|German]] descent. Her ancestors came to central [[Slovakia]] in 1853.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hanus |first1=Martin |last2=Majchrák |first2=Jozef |date=21 May 2019 |title=Ako sa bojuje o kresťanského voliča (reportáž) |url=https://www.postoj.sk/43644/ako-sa-bojuje-o-krestanskeho-volica-reportaz |access-date=5 February 2020 |website=Denník Postoj |language=sk}}</ref> Her great-uncle was Mikuláš Jozef Lexmann, a Dominican priest and superior of the [[Dominican Order]], who died in a labour camp in 1950 as a result of [[inhumane]] treatment.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Môj príbeh |url=https://lexmann.eu/moj-pribeh/ |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanusová |first=Zuzana |title=Miriam Lexmann o zvratoch vo svojom živote {{!}} Keby som si nepresadla, s veľkou pravdepodobnosťou ten náraz neprežijem {{!}} Postoj |url=https://www.postoj.sk/114991/keby-som-si-nepresadla-tak-s-velkou-pravdepodobnostou-ten-naraz-neprezijem |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Konzervatívny denník Postoj |language=sk}}</ref> His [[beatification]] process was opened in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iniciácia procesu blahorečenia – fr. MIKULÁŠ Jozef LEXMANN OP – páter Mikuláš |url=https://patermikulas.sk/iniciacia-procesu-blahorecenia/ |access-date=14 December 2025 |language=sk-SK}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Lexmann was born to Eugen Lexmann, a [[meteorologist]], and Marta Lexmann in [[Bratislava]], [[Slovakia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Životopis {{!}} Miriam LEXMANN {{!}} Poslanci EP {{!}} Európsky parlament |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/sk/204336/MIRIAM_LEXMANN/cv |access-date=20 October 2025 |website=www.europarl.europa.eu |language=sk}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Miriam Lexmann |url=https://www.eppgroup.eu/who-we-are/our-members/miriam-lexmann |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=eppgroup.eu}}</ref> She is the oldest of four sisters.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Vladimír|last=Šnídl|title=Zlo komunizmu som chápala už v detstve, keď sme sa modlili tajne, hovorí Miriam Lexmann|url=https://dennikn.sk/1481854/zlo-komunizmu-som-chapala-uz-v-detstve-ked-sme-sa-modlili-tajne-hovori-miriam-lexmann/|website=[[Denník N]]|location=Bratislava|publisher=N Press|date=29 May 2019|access-date=24 January 2020|language=sk}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
Lexmann attended high school at [[Gymnasium Jur Hronec|Gymnasium Jura Hronca]] in Bratislava, where she studied in a class focused on [[mathematics]], [[physics]], and [[Programmer|programming]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-03 |title=Zlo sa môže premeniť na dobro, len ak ostaneme verní správnym hodnotám |url=https://lexmann.eu/zlo-sa-moze-premenit-na-dobro-len-ak-ostaneme-verni-spravnym-hodnotam-2/ |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref> She then studied at [[Comenius University]] in Bratislava from 1992 to 1999, where she obtained a master's degree in [[philosophy]].<ref name=":5" />
Upon graduation from university, she worked for the political non-profit [[International Republican Institute]] (IRI).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Šírenie dezinformácií nepozná geografické hranice|url=https://medialnavychova.sk/sirenie-dezinformacii-nepozna-geograficke-hranice/|website=medialnavychova.sk|date=6 June 2017|access-date=7 June 2019}}</ref> She is dedicated to the impact of misinformation on public opinion.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Interview s M. Lexmann: Ide o prežitie slobodného demokratického sveta|url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/m-lexmann-tu-uz-ide-o-prezitie-slobodneh/334397-clanok.html|website=teraz.sk|date=1 July 2018|access-date=7 June 2019}}</ref>
==Political career== Lexmann was one of the founders of the youth branch of the Slovak [[Christian Democratic Movement]] (KDH) and has been active member of KDH for nearly three decades. She currently serves as the party’s coordinator on foreign and security policy.<ref name=":5" />
During the [[2019 European Parliament election in Slovakia]], Lexmann received 27,833 preferential votes and remained in second place, thus being elected as a member of the European Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definitívne výsledky hlasovania|url=http://volbysr.sk/sk/data04.html|url-status=dead|website=volbysr.sk|language=sk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529212539/http://volbysr.sk/sk/data04.html|archive-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> Despite this, she would assume the mandate only after [[Brexit]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Voľby do Európskeho parlamentu mali pokojný priebeh, volebná účasť dosiahla 22,74 percenta|url=https://www.minv.sk/?tlacove-spravy-7&sprava=volby-do-europskeho-parlamentu-mali-pokojny-priebeh-volebna-ucast-dosiahla-22-74-percenta|website=National Council of Slovakia|date=27 May 2019|language=sk}}</ref> Regarding the situation, Lexmann said: "I can't say I'm looking forward to Brexit. I see a higher interest in Brexit not happening."<ref>{{Cite news|title=KDH sa v prípade brexitového mandátu obráti na Ústavný súd|url=https://domov.sme.sk/c/22134546/kdh-brexitovy-mandat-lexmann-ustavny-sud-eurovolby.html|website=SME|location=Bratislava|publisher=Petit Press|date=31 May 2019|language=sk}}</ref> She initially wanted to work at her previous workplace,<ref>{{Cite news|first=Pavel|last=Urban|title=Miriam Lexmann: Nechcem brexit len preto, aby som mala mandát|url=https://sita.sk/miriam-lexmann-nechcem-brexit-len-preto-aby-som-mala-mandat/|website=sita.sk|date=28 May 2019|language=sk}}</ref> but started working in the faction of the [[European People's Party]] after Brexit.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Sam|last=Morgan|title=Post Brexit Parliament: Winners and losers|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-elections-2019/news/post-brexit-parliament-winners-and-losers/|website=[[Euractiv]]|date=31 May 2019|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> She became a full member of the [[European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs]] (AFET) and was included as a substitute in the [[European Parliament Subcommittee on Security and Defence]] (SEDE).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Miriam Lexmann sa stala členkou Výboru pre zahraničnú politiku|url=https://www.postoj.sk/51336/miriam-lexmann-sa-stala-clenkou-vyboru-pre-zahranicnu-politiku|website=Denník Postoj|location=Bratislava|publisher=Postoj Press|date=5 February 2020|language=sk}}</ref> Lexmann took the oath on 16 February 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Miriam Lexmann z KDH sa po brexite stane europoslankyňou|url=https://www.postoj.sk/51102/miriam-lexmann-z-kdh-sa-po-brexite-stane-europoslankynou|website=Denník Postoj|location=Bratislava|publisher=Postoj Press|date=29 January 2020|language=sk}}</ref>
Lexmann is a founding member and EU Co-Chair of the [[Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China]] (IPAC), which was launched in June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2020 |title=Inter-Parliamentary Alliance (IPAC) on China Launched |url=https://lexmann.eu/inter-parliamentary-alliance-ipac-on-china-launched/ |access-date=14 December 2025 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref>
In November 2023, Lexmann declared that she is considering candidacy in the [[2024 Slovak presidential election]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezáni |first=Juraj |date=14 November 2023 |title=Konzervatívni kandidáti na prezidenta KDH uvažuje o Lexmann a o Karasovi. Krajniak do boja nevstúpi, zrejme ani Palko |url=https://www.postoj.sk/141694/kdh-uvazuje-o-lexmann-a-o-karasovi-krajniak-do-boja-nevstupi-zrejme-ani-palko |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=Konzervatívny denník Postoj}}</ref>
Following the [[2024 European Parliament election|2024 European elections]], Lexmann became a [[Quaestor (European Parliament)|quaestor]] of the European Parliament, making her part of the Parliament's leadership under President [[Roberta Metsola]].<ref>[https://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/de/infos-details.html?id=1350&type=priorityInfo Election of the Quaestors of Parliament, 17 July 2024] [[European Parliament]].</ref>
In November 2025, Lexmann stated<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QdjaFAAlxPE |title = Beňová je zásadne proti, aby štát rozvádzal ľudí, ak jeden z manželov prešiel tranzíciou |website = Youtube }}</ref> that once one of the two married individuals undergoes a legal gender change, the marriage should be considered as no longer valid, as the Slovak [[Constitution]] does not allow that.
==Personal life== Lexmann got engaged to [[Christian Democratic Movement]] [[Milan Majerský]] in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Michal|last=Frank|title=Župan Majerský sa zasnúbil s europoslankyňou Lexmann|url=https://presov.korzar.sme.sk/c/22443518/zupan-majersky-sa-zasnubil-s-europoslankynou-lexmann.html|website=SME|location=Bratislava|publisher=Petit Press|date=8 July 2020|language=sk}}</ref> Their wedding took place after the [[ecclesiastical court]] found that his first [[marriage]] was declared null and void.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Adam|last=Takáč|title=Svadba v KDH/Miriam Lexmann a Milan Majerský uzavrú manželstvo|url=https://www.postoj.sk/57867/miriam-lexmann-a-milan-majersky-uzavru-manzelstvo|website=Denník Postoj|date=8 July 2020|language=sk}}</ref> They got married in the church of Our Lady of the Snow in Bratislava.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Jana|last=Ogurčáková|title=Prešovský župan Majerský sa oženil s europoslankyňou Lexmann|url=https://presov.korzar.sme.sk/c/22468775/presovsky-zupan-majersky-sa-ozenil-s-europoslankynou-lexmann.html|website=SME|location=Bratislava|publisher=Petit Press|date=16 August 2020|language=sk}}</ref>
Lexmann has served as a member of the Tunega, Púčik and Tesár Foundation (Slovak: ''Nadácia Tunegu, Púčika a Tesára'') board of trustees since at least 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Čestný výbor |url=https://www.ntpt.sk/cestny-vybor/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Nadácia Tunegu, Púčika a Tesára |language=sk-SK}}</ref> actively participating in its programs, including panel discussions and commemorative events. The foundation is dedicated to promoting [[democracy]], [[Christian values]], and the legacy of [[European Union|European union]] founding fathers such as [[Robert Schuman]] and [[Konrad Adenauer]] and its name commemorates the White Legion martyrs (Anton Tunega, Albert Púčik, and Eduard Tesár), who were executed by the [[History of Czechoslovakia (1948–1989)|communist regime]] in 1951 for their [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]] activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=O nadácií |url=https://www.ntpt.sk/o-nadacii/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Nadácia Tunegu, Púčika a Tesára |language=sk-SK}}</ref> The founder and chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees is [[Ján Figeľ]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Teraz.sk |date=2024-04-13 |title=V Bratislave si čítaním mien pripomenuli Deň nespravodlivo stíhaných |url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/v-bratislave-si-citanim-mien-pripomen/788010-clanok.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=TERAZ.sk |language=sk}}</ref>
In March 2021, Lexmann was placed on China's sanctions list along with ten European politicians and academics,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chinese counter-sanctions on EU targets {{!}} Think Tank {{!}} European Parliament |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2021)690617 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250813181950/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2021)690617 |archive-date=13 August 2025 |access-date=14 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref> thus banned from doing business in China. She stated: "What I'm worried about is that the sanctions could directly hurt people from China that I'm in contact with".<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mirek|last=Tóda|title=Čína uvalila na europoslankyňu Lexmann sankcie. Nepáči sa jej, že EÚ reaguje na útlak Ujgurov.|url=https://dennikn.sk/2322492/cina-uvalila-na-europoslankynu-lexmann-sankcie-nepaci-sa-jej-ze-eu-reaguje-na-utlak-ujgurov/|website=Denník N|location=Bratislava|publisher=N Press|date=22 March 2021|language=sk}}</ref> The sanctions were lifted by China in April 2025 following negotiations with [[European Parliament]] President [[Roberta Metsola]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2025 |title=The European Parliament says China has lifted sanctions it imposed on 5 EU lawmakers in 2021 |url=https://apnews.com/article/eu-china-parliament-sanctions-lawmakers-investment-deal-973031c1bb73045b58ea6ef9f9693157 |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=AP News}}</ref>
Lexmann has been actively involved with ''Fórum života'' (Life Forum), a Slovak [[non-governmental organization]] advocating [[Anti-abortion movements|pro-life]] policies, including opposition to [[abortion]] and [[euthanasia]], as well as support for families in crisis. She has been a long-term member and supporter of the organization, and in February 2020 she was elected to its board.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burešová |first=Elena |date=2020-02-03 |title=Členovia Fóra života si zvolili nové vedenie |url=https://forumzivota.sk/clenovia-fora-zivota-si-zvolili-nove-vedenie/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Fórum života |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-11 |title=Ochrana dôstojnosti každého človeka, zvlášť tých najzraniteľnejších, je základom politickú misiu M. Lexmann |url=https://lexmann.eu/ochrana-dostojnosti-kazdeho-cloveka-zvlast-tych-najzranitelnejsich-je-zakladom-politicku-misiu-m-lexmann/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1972-12-02 |title=Declarations {{!}} Miriam LEXMANN {{!}} MEPs {{!}} European Parliament |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/204336/MIRIAM_LEXMANN/declarations |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.europarl.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> Under her patronage, the ''Koncert za život'' (lit. 'Concert for Life'), organized by ''Fórum Života'' (lit. 'Life Forum'), took place in December 2025 in [[Prešov]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atangana |first=Eva |date=2025-11-19 |title=Koncert Za život |url=https://forumzivota.sk/koncert-za-zivot-2025-prinesie-hudbu-svedectva-a-udelenie-ceny-antona-neuwirtha/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Fórum života |language=sk-SK}}</ref>
Serving as Chairwoman of Relief & Reconciliation International [[AISBL]], a [[Belgium|Belgian]] non-profit founded in 2013, Lexmann oversees initiatives that combine peacebuilding with humanitarian aid.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.reliefandreconciliation.org/about-us.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403223312/https://www.reliefandreconciliation.org/about-us.html |archive-date=2023-04-03 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Relief & Reconciliation for Syria |language=en}}</ref> The organization primarily supports communities in Syria and Lebanon through education, reconciliation programs, and relief efforts, drawing inspiration from the [[Jesuits|Jesuit]] tradition, particularly the work of co-founder Father [[Paolo Dall'Oglio|Paolo Dall’Oglio]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.reliefandreconciliation.org/about-us.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Relief & Reconciliation for Syria |language=en}}</ref>
Lexmann also serves on the Advisory Board of the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, an initiative dedicated to promoting unity and spiritual reflection in the region, alongside notable figures such as [[Eduard Heger]], [[Katalin Novák]], [[Lojze Peterle|Alojz Peterle]], [[Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein|Nikolaus von Liechtenstein]], [[Tristan Azbej]], and [[Peter Östman]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast - A First in History |url=https://www.kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com/home |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=KNPB_2025 |language=en}}</ref> This organization is connected to [[The Fellowship (Christian organization)|The Fellowship]] network.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IwX-cCCjqQ |title=PM Masrour Barzani delivers remarks at the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast |date=2025-04-23 |last=Masrour Barzani |access-date=2025-12-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxVQm0i7rik |title=kurdistan national prayer breakfast 2025 2160p |date=2025-12-05 |last=Marissa Piper |access-date=2025-12-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
== Controversy ==
=== Association with CitizenGO === In 2023, Lexmann received an award from [[CitizenGO]]. The award was presented as part of CitizenGO's 10th anniversary celebrations, recognizing select individuals worldwide for their contributions to protecting shared values.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q5WkHkCf7s |title=Odovzdávanie ceny CitizenGO 2023 pre Miriam Lexmann |date=2023-12-21 |last=CitizenGO |access-date=2025-12-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref> She also supported petitions organized by CitizenGO.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-14 |title=Petícia proti nezmyselnej úprave proti ženám |url=https://lexmann.eu/peticia-proti-nezmyselnej-uprave-proti-zenam/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-14 |title=Lexmann prijala petíciu proti správe Matić |url=https://lexmann.eu/lexmann-prijala-peticiu-proti-sprave-matic/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=SCR |title=Parlament schválil uznesenie na ochranu suverenity Slovenska |url=https://www.lumen.sk/aktualita/parlament-schvalil-uznesenie-na-ochranu-suverenity-slovenska.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.lumen.sk}}</ref>
CitizenGO is controversial organization due to financial links to Russian oligarch [[Konstantin Malofeev]], with board member Alexey Komov facilitating a 2013 funding deal and promoting Kremlin views. Board member [[Luca Volontè]], convicted of corruption in the [[Azerbaijani laundromat|Azerbaijani Laundromat]] scandal involving €2.39 million in bribes with Russian ties, allegedly funneled funds to CitizenGO via his foundation. The group is also criticized for supporting Spain's [[Vox (political party)|Vox]] party and participating in the Russia-influenced [[Agenda Europe]] network against progressive rights.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Russia funds Europe’s far Right |url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/russia-ukraine-war-putin-europe-far-right-funding-conservatives/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=openDemocracy |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Ellen |title=Unraveling the Anti-Choice Supergroup Agenda Europe in Spain: A Case Study of CitizenGo and HazteOir |url=https://www.illiberalism.org/unraveling-the-anti-choice-supergroup-agenda-europe-in-spain/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=illiberalism.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Tip of the Iceberg: Religious Extremist Funders against Human Rights for Sexuality & Reproductive Health in Europe {{!}} EPF |url=https://www.epfweb.org/node/837 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.epfweb.org |language=en}}</ref> A court in [[Spain]] confirmed the accuracy of information regarding ''HazteOír''’s ties to the secret organization ''[[El Yunque (organization)|El Yunque]]'', with which it is historically and organizationally closely connected.<ref>{{Cite news |last=García |first=Jacobo |date=2016-09-24 |title=El lobby ultraderechista español que mueve los hilos del movimiento antigay en México |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2016/09/24/mexico/1474701661_252876.html |access-date=2026-01-07 |work=El País |language=es |issn=1134-6582}}</ref> The [[Spanish Episcopal Conference]] has distanced itself from ''HazteOír''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bayo |first=Carlos Enrique |date=2021-08-11 |title=Hazte Oír encargó un "plan de gestión de crisis" para negar la sentencia que vincula a sus líderes con la sociedad secreta El Yunque |url=https://www.publico.es/politica/hazte-oir-encargo-plan-gestion-crisis-negar-sentencia-vincula-lideres-sociedad-secreta-yunque.html |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=www.publico.es |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RC |date=2018-03-02 |title=Califican de “muy positivo” que los obispos se hayan pronunciado por primera vez en público sobre el Yunque |url=https://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/religion/articulo/conferencia-episcopal/Califican-positivo-CEE-pronunciado-Yunque/20180301212805016197.html |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Religión Confidencial |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title=Vox coloca perfiles ultracatólicos vinculados a HazteOir y El Yunque en cargos de poder |url=https://www.elnacional.cat/es/politica/vox-coloca-perfiles-ultracatolicos-vinculados-hazte-oir-yunque-cargos-poder_1062864_102.html |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=ElNacional.cat |language=es}}</ref>
=== Fórum života and Agenda Europe === ''Fórum Života'' (lit. 'Life Forum'), in which Lexmann is actively involved and where she served as a board member, has been identified as a key participant in [[Agenda Europe]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Despot |first=Sanja |date=2018-08-08 |title=Faktograf na Vladi - premijer odgovorio na Glavaševićevo pitanje o obiteljašima |url=https://faktograf.hr/2018/08/08/faktograf-na-vladi-premijer-odgovorio-na-glavasevicevo-pitanje-o-obiteljasima/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Faktograf.hr |language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Neil Datta: Aktivizmus Anny Záborskej vychádza z módy - Ženy v Meste |url=https://www.zenyvmeste.sk/neil-datta-aktivizmus-anny-zaborskej-vychadza-z-mody/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-09-19 |title=Septembrové udalosti vo Fóre života - Fórum života |url=https://forumzivota.sk/2017/09/19/septembrove-udalosti-vo-fore-zivota/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809113757/https://forumzivota.sk/2017/09/19/septembrove-udalosti-vo-fore-zivota/ |archive-date=2022-08-09 |access-date=2025-12-22 |work=Fórum života |language=sk-SK}}</ref> Agenda Europe, a secretive conservative network opposing abortion, [[LGBTQ rights by country or territory|LGBTQ+ rights]], and [[gender equality]], has been embroiled in controversies over its alleged ties to [[Russian influence operations|Russian influence]], including through Alexey Komov, who facilitates funding from sanctioned oligarch [[Konstantin Malofeev]], a major funder of [[Russian separatist forces in Ukraine|Russian separatist]] groups in [[Crimea]] in 2014 and the [[Donetsk People's Republic|Donetsk People’s Republic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1974-07-03 |title=Konstantin Valerevich Malofeev |url=https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q4278463/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=OpenSanctions.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GPAHE |date=2025-03-03 |title=Russian Representative of the American Anti-LGBTQ+ World Congress of Families Indicted by U.S. Authorities |url=https://globalextremism.org/post/russian-representative-of-the-american-anti-lgbtq-indicted/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Global Project Against Hate and Extremism |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Agenda Europe’: an extremist Christian network in the heart of Europe {{!}} Heinrich Böll Stiftung {{!}} Brussels office - European Union |url=https://eu.boell.org/en/2019/04/29/agenda-europe-extremist-christian-network-heart-europe |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=eu.boell.org |language=en}}</ref> Another example of her connections to Agenda Europe is through her [[Christian Democratic Movement|KDH]] colleague [[Ján Figeľ]], the founder<ref name=":0" /> of the Tunega, Púčik and Tesár Foundation, where Lexmann served for many years as a member of the board of trustees. Figeľ has been identified as a key figure within Agenda Europe.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=“Restoring the Natural Order”: The religious extremists’ vision to mobilize European societies against human rights on sexuality and reproduction {{!}} EPF |url=https://www.epfweb.org/node/175 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.epfweb.org |language=en}}</ref>
=== ADF International === Lexmann collaborated also with ADF International (the global arm of [[Alliance Defending Freedom]]). Key examples include co-organizing a 2023 [[European Parliament]] conference on surrogacy and parenthood policies, where Lexmann hosted speakers such as ADF International's Adina Portaru.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In Brussels, MEPs warn of surrogacy violating human dignity |url=https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/22225/meps-warn-of-danger-of-surrogacy-violating-human-dignity |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Evangelical Focus |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kopecká |first=Mahulena |date=2024-01-24 |title=Ultra-Conservatives' New Target: Parents Seeking Surrogates |url=https://vsquare.org/ultra-conservatives-parents-surrogates-czech/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=VSquare.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, Lexmann hosted Slovak students at the European Parliament for meetings with ADF International representatives, alongside other conservative groups like FAFCE, indicating facilitated networking on shared policy issues.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=Kolégium Antona Neuwirtha na návšteve Bruselu |url=https://lexmann.eu/kolegium-antona-neuwirtha-na-navsteve-bruselu/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Miriam Lexmann |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=unceasingsolutions.com |date=2025-06-05 |title=Delegácia Košickej eparchie navštívila európsky parlament |url=https://www.grkatke.sk/2025-06-02-112503-delegacia-kosickej-eparchie-navstivila-europsky-parlament/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Gréckokatolícka eparchia Košice |language=sk-SK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Our Policy Manager, Bénédicte Colin, together with Jean-Paul Van de Walle from ADF International had the privilege of meeting with a group of young and enthusiastic students from Slovakia |url=https://archive.today/20251222144151/https://www.facebook.com/FAFCEurope/posts/-exciting-news-our-policy-manager-b%C3%A9n%C3%A9dicte-colin-together-with-jean-paul-van-de/6040465945991455/}}</ref>
ADF has been criticized as an [[Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric|anti-LGBTQ+]] [[hate group]] by organizations like the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] for advocating policies that restrict LGBTQ+ rights, [[Reproductive rights|reproductive freedoms]], and [[gender equality]], including support for the recriminalization of [[Homosexuality|same-sex acts]] and drafting [[Transphobia|anti-trans]] legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alliance Defending Freedom |url=https://www.splcenter.org/resources/extremist-files/alliance-defending-freedom/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Southern Poverty Law Center |language=en-US}}</ref> Through involvement in [[Agenda Europe]] (mentioned earlier), ADF was accused of lobbying to curb [[Sexual and reproductive health and rights|sexual and reproductive rights]] in the EU, importing US-style restrictions while using EU funds via affiliates.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />
=== Support for the 2025 constitutional amendments === Lexmann, as a member of [[European Parliament]], has actively supported and defended the recent controversial [[Constitution|constitutional]] changes initiated and proposed by [[Government of Slovakia|government]] of [[Robert Fico]]. Lexmann publicly communicated her positions through media and [[social media]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-22 |title=Karvašová v Európa od A po Z: Slovensko vysiela do EÚ nebezpečný signál |url=https://joj24.noviny.sk/europa-od-a-po-z/1147873-karvasova-v-europa-od-a-po-z-slovensko-vysiela-do-eu-nebezpecny-signal |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=joj24.noviny.sk |language=sk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotify – Web Player |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/6lXGsCFAUWvqMiOF2Yd6qH |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Spotify |language=en}}</ref> Critics, including [[Venice Commission]] and the [[Amnesty International]], view Slovakia's constitutional amendments as draconian measures that would severely undermine [[gender equality]], [[human rights]], and the rule of law by entrenching [[discrimination]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bílková |first=Veronika |last2=Holmøyvik |first2=Eirik |last3=Nussberger |first3=Angelika |date=2025-09-24 |title=Urgent opinion on the draft amendments to the constitution |url=https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-PI%282025%29011-e |website=European Commission for Democracy through Law of The Council of Europe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Press |first=-Associated Press Associated |date=2025-09-26 |title=Slovakia amends constitution to recognize only 2 sexes, sparking human rights concerns |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/slovakia-amends-constitution-to-recognize-only-2-sexes-sparking-human-rights-concerns |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-24 |title=Slovakia: Parliament must reject draconian constitutional amendments |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/09/slovakia-parliament-must-reject-draconian-constitutional-amendments/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{official|https://lexmann.eu}} * [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/204336/MIRIAM_LEXMANN/home European Parliament profile page] {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lexman, Meriam}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1972 births]] [[Category:Politicians from Bratislava]] [[Category:21st-century Slovak women politicians]] [[Category:21st-century Slovak politicians]] [[Category:Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party politicians]] [[Category:Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party MEPs]] [[Category:MEPs for Slovakia 2019–2024]] [[Category:Women MEPs for Slovakia]] [[Category:Comenius University alumni]] [[Category:Slovak people of German descent]] [[Category:MEPs for Slovakia 2024–2029]]