What's happened
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing increasing criticism for his government's sweeping reforms aimed at dismantling anti-corruption institutions. Following an assassination attempt in May, Fico has intensified actions against perceived political enemies, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in Slovakia. Protests have erupted in response to these changes.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Andrew Higgins in the New York Times, Fico's government is conducting a 'rolling purge' of anticorruption figures, which has alarmed many in Bratislava. He is accused of taking Slovakia down an 'illiberal road' similar to Hungary's Viktor Orban. In contrast, Politico reports that Fico's administration claims these reforms are necessary to restore balance after the assassination attempt, with officials asserting that they do not contradict EU laws. The South China Morning Post highlights Fico's rhetoric against progressive opponents, suggesting that he blames them for the political tensions leading to his attack. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the contentious nature of Fico's reforms and the polarized political climate in Slovakia.
How we got here
The political landscape in Slovakia has shifted dramatically since Fico survived an assassination attempt in May 2024. His government has since initiated a series of controversial reforms, including the overhaul of the criminal code and the dismantling of anti-corruption agencies, which critics argue serve to protect his allies from prosecution.
More on these topics
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Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and Czech Republic to the northwest.
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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.