Slovakia’s parliament is expediting discussions on government proposals to eliminate a dedicated prosecutor’s office combating corruption and reduce penalties for financial crimes. Despite objections, ruling lawmakers approved the move on Thursday. Opposition parties, aiming to hinder Prime Minister Robert Fico’s proposed criminal law reforms, which they argue would grant immunity to politicians and business leaders associated with him, had delayed the vote on fast-tracking the reforms for several weeks.
The accelerated reforms have raised concerns from the European Union and the United States. Weekly protests led by opposition parties have drawn tens of thousands, with more rallies planned for Thursday evening.
The Fico-led government contends that the changes are necessary to address perceived excesses at the Special Prosecution Office (USP), accusing it of bias against their party. Fico argues that current sentences are excessively harsh compared to other European countries.
Fast-tracking the bills shortens the time between debates and committee discussions, allowing for a quicker vote. President Zuzana Caputova has expressed concern about the unprecedented speed of these changes.
Both the European Commission and the United States have objected to the rushed reforms, expressing worries about their impact on the rule of law. Slovakia’s special prosecutor’s office, in existence for two decades, has been a target since Fico returned to power in September. The proposed reforms could result in suspended sentences for more financial crimes and a shorter statute of limitations, potentially affecting ongoing investigations or trials.”
