On Wednesday, Slovakia’s new government approved an amendment to the country’s criminal code that will close the special prosecutor’s office for serious crimes and corruption by January 15.
Prime Minister Robert Fico’s critics fear he could push Slovakia to abandon its pro-Western course, following the example of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Hungary.
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová said on Friday that she believes the proposed changes are against the rule of law and that she will try to block the government’s plan with a veto or constitutional challenge. She noted that the European Commission also expressed concern about the rapid implementation of the measure.
Regardless of the president’s veto, the coalition has the ability to override it with a simple majority.
A protest against the government’s plans took place in Bratislava on Thursday, attended by around 2,000 people. Like the president, protesters believe the plan poses a threat to the rule of law.
The demonstration was organized by opposition parties. Organizers say the proposed changes to the country’s penal code are aimed at helping corruption suspects linked to Fico’s left-wing Smer party.
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2023-12-08 18:30:44
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