Slovakia’s New Government Closes Special Prosecutor’s Office Dealing with Corruption and Serious Crimes

In a controversial move, Slovakia’s new government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has approved an amendment to close the special prosecutor’s office responsible for handling corruption and serious crimes. This decision has drawn criticism from President Zuzana Caputova, the opposition, and non-governmental organizations, who argue that it will undermine the rule of law in the country. The amendment proposes that the special prosecutor’s office cease operations by January 15th, with its prosecutors moving to work under the office of the prosecutor general while regional offices take over ongoing cases. However, the legislation still requires parliamentary and presidential approval, which could potentially be challenged or vetoed. This latest development has raised concerns about the direction Slovakia is heading under Fico’s leadership and its potential impact on the country’s pro-Western course.

Slovakia’s New Government Closes Special Prosecutor’s Office Dealing with Corruption and Serious Crimes

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Introduction

Slovakia’s new government, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, has made the controversial decision to close the special prosecutor’s office responsible for handling cases of corruption and serious crimes. This move has been met with criticism and opposition from various groups, including President Zuzana Caputova, who argue that it will undermine the rule of law in the country. In this article, we will explore the background of this decision, the concerns raised by its critics, and the potential implications for Slovakia’s legal system and foreign policy.

Background

Prime Minister Robert Fico, from the scandal-tainted leftist Smer (Direction) party, was elected to power for the fourth time in Slovakia’s parliamentary election. Fico’s party campaigned on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform, and his return to power has already led to a shift in the country’s foreign policy. One of the early decisions made by the government was to end Slovakia’s military aid for neighboring Ukraine, a move that has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to its pro-Western stance.

Criticism and Opposition

President Zuzana Caputova, along with the opposition and various non-governmental organizations, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to close the special prosecutor’s office. They argue that this move will have a detrimental impact on the rule of law in Slovakia, as the office plays a crucial role in handling cases of corruption and serious crimes. Caputova has labeled the government’s plans for the legal system as “unfortunate and dangerous,” highlighting the potential consequences of weakening accountability and impeding the fight against corruption.

Legislative Procedure

The closure of the special prosecutor’s office is expected to be implemented through an amendment to the country’s penal code. This amendment would require parliamentary and presidential approval. However, given the three-party coalition’s majority in parliament, it is likely that the legislation will be passed. President Caputova does have the power to veto the changes or challenge them at the Constitutional Court. However, the coalition can override her veto with a simple majority. The special prosecutor’s office is expected to cease operations by January 15, with prosecutors transitioning to work under the office of the prosecutor general while regional offices take over unfinished cases.

Government’s Foreign Policy

The new government’s foreign policy stance, particularly its decision to end Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine, has raised concerns about the country’s pro-Western course. Prime Minister Fico has expressed opposition to EU sanctions on Russia and has indicated that he wants to block Ukraine from joining NATO. These positions, along with the closure of the special prosecutor’s office, have fueled fears that Slovakia may be moving away from its pro-Western stance, much like Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This potential shift in alignment could strain Slovakia’s relationships within the European Union and NATO.

Concerns About Abandoning Pro-Western Course

Critics of the new government worry that the closure of the special prosecutor’s office is part of a larger trend towards abandoning Slovakia’s pro-Western course. This concerns them because it could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic institutions and its standing within international organizations. Slovakia’s commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law has been a key factor in its integration into the European Union and NATO. Any deviation from this course could jeopardize Slovakia’s reputation and credibility in the international community.

Changes in the Legal System

In addition to closing the special prosecutor’s office, the new government has also proposed various changes to the legal system. These changes include easing punishment for corruption and making other alterations that could weaken the country’s ability to address corruption effectively. Critics argue that these changes are detrimental to Slovakia’s efforts to tackle corruption and promote accountability. The sidelining of elite investigators and police officials who handle corruption cases has further raised concerns about the government’s commitment to combating corruption.

Previous Anti-Corruption Government

The previous government, which came to power in 2020 on an anti-corruption platform, achieved notable success in tackling corruption. Numerous senior officials, police officers, judges, prosecutors, politicians, and businesspeople linked to the scandal-tainted Smer party were charged and convicted of corruption and other crimes during their tenure. The special prosecutor’s office played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting these cases, leading to a high conviction rate of 95% for defendants whose cases were sent to court by the special prosecution.

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Transparency International’s Report

Transparency International, a global organization focused on combating corruption, has raised concerns about the closure of the special prosecutor’s office in Slovakia. According to their report, the office has been instrumental in successfully convicting state officials and other individuals involved in corruption cases. The organization has emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent and effective mechanism to address corruption and serious crimes. The closure of the special prosecutor’s office raises doubts about Slovakia’s commitment to fighting corruption and could have a negative impact on the country’s rankings in global corruption indices.

Conclusion

The closure of Slovakia’s special prosecutor’s office dealing with corruption and serious crimes by the new government has sparked controversy and faced strong opposition. Critics argue that this decision undermines the country’s rule of law and hinders the fight against corruption. Concerns have also been raised about the government’s foreign policy stance and the potential abandonment of Slovakia’s pro-Western course. The closure of the office, coupled with proposed changes to the legal system, has fueled fears of a larger trend towards weakening accountability and impeding efforts to combat corruption. The implications of these decisions for Slovakia’s reputation and position within international organizations remain to be seen.

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