Slovakia to go ahead with justice reform despite Brussels’ objections

11 months ago 32

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico appears to have ignored the European Commission’s calls to discuss further his plans for judicial reform, which has been criticised by President Zuzana Čaputová and resulted in protests.

Going against the Commission’s criticisms and call for a long longer consultation, including an assessment by the Venice Commission, Fico’s government wants to use a fast-track procedure to pass legislative changes, including shortening jail times for corruption charges, weakening whistleblower protection, and dismantling the prosecutor’s office specialised in investigating high-level fraud, including regarding people tied to Fico’s Smer.

“We are proceeding according to the plan, abolishing the Special Prosecutor’s Office at the end of 2023 because it threatens and undermines fundamental rights and freedoms,” Fico said in a video shared across social media platforms.

Criticism also came from Čaputová, who pointed out that lowering sentences for corruption charges could result in Slovakia having a similar fate as Hungary and having its EU funding frozen based on the rule of law conditionality mechanism.

While Čaputová said she would veto the amendments, which the coalition would in any case override, she also said she is considering filing a suit before the constitutional court, which would at least suspend implementing the reform until a ruling.

On the side of Fico’s government, Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer) said he is not worried about “substantial sanctions”, noting that the government is in contact with the Commission.

Backlash also came from the streets, as thousands protested in a gathering organised by the opposition on Friday, with more protests set to take place in several cities on Tuesday.

“Neither the cold nor the approaching Christmas will discourage us. Several thousand people told Mr Fico yesterday that they will not let him go rogue and dismantle the rule of law without resistance,” said Michal Šimečka, leader of opposition party Progressive Slovakia.

Slovak MEPs also initiated a discussion in the European Parliament plenary, which will take place on Wednesday and will include the Commission and the Council.

A resolution will be put to a vote in January.

(Barbara Zmušková | Euractiv.sk)