What's happened
Mass protests erupted across Slovakia after Prime Minister Robert Fico's government passed laws weakening whistleblower protections and altering criminal procedures. Critics accuse Fico of undermining the rule of law and aligning with pro-Russian policies, amid ongoing political unrest since his return to power in 2023. The protests are among the largest since last February.
What's behind the headline?
The protests highlight Slovakia's deepening political polarization and the erosion of judicial independence under Fico. The government's reforms, justified as anti-corruption measures, are viewed by opponents as tools to weaken oversight and entrench political power. The move to dismantle the whistleblower agency, despite EU rules, signals a shift towards authoritarian tendencies. The protests also underscore Slovakia's struggle to balance national sovereignty with EU commitments. If Fico consolidates power, Slovakia risks further democratic backsliding, potentially aligning more closely with Hungary's model. European institutions face increased pressure to respond, but their influence remains limited as Fico's government asserts sovereignty. The protests may intensify, shaping Slovakia's political future and its EU relations, with the potential for constitutional challenges and international scrutiny.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that protesters in Slovakia filled central squares and other cities, condemning the government's legislative changes that weaken the rule of law and facilitate criminal activity. Critics, including opposition leader Michal Simecka, accuse Fico of aiding mafia interests, comparing his government to Hungary's under Viktor Orbán. Politico highlights Fico's return to power and his government's stance against EU support for Ukraine, including rejecting financing proposals based on Russian assets. AP News notes Fico's government passed legislation weakening whistleblower protections, despite opposition from the EU and domestic critics, raising concerns about judicial independence and rule of law. The contrasting perspectives reveal a government pushing nationalist and pro-Russian policies while facing significant domestic and international opposition.
How we got here
Fico's government, elected in 2023, has pursued controversial reforms including dismantling the whistleblower agency, weakening anti-corruption laws, and asserting national sovereignty over EU laws. Critics argue these moves threaten judicial independence and facilitate corruption, drawing comparisons to Hungary's government under Viktor Orbán. The protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with Fico's pro-Russian stance and perceived erosion of democratic institutions.
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Common question
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What’s Behind the Protests in Slovakia Over Judicial Reforms?
Recent protests in Slovakia have drawn international attention, sparked by controversial judicial reforms introduced by Prime Minister Robert Fico's government. Many are asking what these protests mean for Slovakia’s democracy and stability. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the protests, their impact on the government, and whether similar reforms are happening elsewhere in Europe. Keep reading to understand the full picture of this political unrest.
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Robert Fico is a Slovak politician who served as Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018. He has been the first leader of the Direction – Social Democracy party since 1999.
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Andrej Babiš is a controversial Czech politician serving as the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic since December 2017 and the founding Leader of ANO 2011 since 2012.