Slovakia
DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 70.24 100 |
DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 5.21 7 |
![](/https/freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/styles/768x400_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Slovakia_Country_portal_shutterstock_1510017173-194.jpg?h=4e8c4038&itok=B1NHIIZ7)
Volatility continued to characterize Slovak politics in 2023. Prime Minister Eduard Heger’s minority government collapsed after losing the parliament’s confidence in December 2022.1 A month later—after a contentious debate—members of parliament passed a constitutional amendment that allowed for early elections on September 30, 2023.2 The parliament later passed another constitutional amendment in January that requires a constitutional – rather than simple – majority of parliamentarians to vote in favor of any resolution to hold early elections in the future.3 The amendment also enshrined proportional representation and a single, countrywide electoral district in the constitution.4
Heger’s cabinet governed in demission until May, when two further ministerial resignations led President Zuzana Čaputová to name a caretaker government headed by Interim Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor, former deputy governor of the National Bank of Slovakia.5
Key campaign issues leading up to the September elections included healthcare, pensions, the budget deficit, corruption, LGBT+ rights, migration, and Slovak military support for Ukraine. Debates over the Ukraine war brought heightened international attention to the elections. Due to the anti-Ukraine rhetoric of Robert Fico and his party, Direction – Social Democracy (Smer-SD), commentators feared that a Smer victory could politically shift Slovakia away from Europe and towards Russia.6 The campaign revealed two drastically different choices to voters. Smer and its supporters promised a return to stability, order, and a strong social state. On the other hand, Progressive Slovakia (PS) promised substantive change spearheaded by new leaders who were not part of the old political establishment.
The campaign was marred by incivility. Smer repeatedly criticized President Čaputová as an “American agent” and defender of “foreign interests” controlled by the “American Embassy.”7 President Čaputová responded by filing a civil defamation lawsuit against Robert Fico, who called the suit electoral interference. Smer repeatedly attacked PS as inexperienced, pro-West, and a creation of NGOs.8 The degradation of civil political culture came to a head when former prime minister Igor Matovič interrupted a Smer press conference, which resulted in a physical altercation between Matovič and former Smer interior minister Robert Kaliňák (as well as another Smer candidate).9
Disinformation and foreign influence also marred the campaign. During the campaign moratorium (the 48-hour period before the election when campaigning and media commentary on the campaign is barred), the director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia, Sergey Naryshkin, publicly criticized PS for its pro-American stance.10 Similarly, Hungarian state media (widely followed by the Hungarian minority in Slovakia) aired an interview with Robert Fico during the moratorium, which gave the candidate a platform to reach out to voters.11 The government also expelled a Russian citizen with diplomatic credentials for attempting to create a network to influence public opinion during the campaign.12 A deepfake video of PS leader Michal Šimečka discussing electoral manipulation went viral on Telegram before spreading to other social media channels.13 State institutions quickly debunked the video. While these incidents likely had a marginal impact on the election, they are a reminder of the threat that disinformation and Russian influence continue to pose.
Turnout on election day was nearly 69 percent, the highest since 2002. The elections were free and fair, with minimal irregularities reported on election day.14 Smer won with almost 23 percent of the vote and received a mandate to form a government from President Čaputová. PS came in second and Voice – Social Democracy (Hlas-SD), led by former Smer prime minister Peter Pellegrini, finished third. The Republic Movement, a splinter party from the extremist People’s Party Our Slovakia (L’SNS), failed to cross the threshold for representation. The Slovak National Party (SNS) and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) returned to the parliament, while the Hungarian parties failed to gain parliamentary representation for Slovakia’s largest minority group. Four candidates under formal criminal investigation were elected to parliament, and the government had recently dropped charges against several other elected candidates, including Fico and Kaliňák, under Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Article 363 states that the prosecutor general may annul the decisions of other prosecutors and the police if any procedural steps leading to that decision occur illegally
In coalition negotiations, Hlas assumed the role of “kingmaker,” with the power to determine whether Smer or PS would lead Slovakia’s next government.15 Government formation was largely free of major controversy. Although PS offered the premiership and several other key offices to Hlas,16 Hlas chose to form a coalition government with Smer and SNS. Robert Fico (Smer) leads the new government as prime minister and Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) is speaker of the parliament.17 President Čaputová approved the government’s list of ministers with one exception: the nomination of Rudolf Huliak (SNS) as minister of the environment. Čaputová said that Huliak’s record as a climate change denier who had a contentious relationship with environmental advocates disqualified him.18 Huliak threatened legal action but SNS eventually relented and nominated another candidate.19
Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka generated controversy when he continued to use Article 363 to dismiss criminal charges against high-ranking political officials, while efforts to amend the article lacked political support.20 President Čaputová requested documentation from the Prosecutor General’s Office that would help her assess the handling of these cases. Žilinka refused the request on the grounds that the president lacks the constitutional authority to make such demands.21 President Čaputová appealed to the Constitutional Court in September to compel Žilinka to provide the documentation, but the court had not yet ruled on the matter by the end of the year.22 However, in June, the Constitutional Court ruled in a separate case that Article 363 itself is not unconstitutional.23
The “police war” between different elements of Slovakia’s security services continued in 2023. In August, the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) charged the head of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), Michal Aláč, and several others of forming a criminal organization and abusing their power.24 As a result of the charges, Aláč was fired.25 As part of a recurring pattern, several politicians suggested that these actions were politically motivated (Fico even labelled them a “coup.”)26 Once in office, Fico’s government quickly replaced several members of the Slovak security apparatus, including the police president and vice president, several officers investigating corruption cases,27 and the chief of NAKA, Ľubomír Daňko.28 The new interior minister justified these removals by suggesting that officers under investigation – for abuse of power – should not be in active service.29 However, the Office of Whistleblower Protection had granted protected status to many of these investigators, which required the office’s approval before they could be removed. In the resulting legal disputes, judges have ruled in favor of the removed investigators in four of seven cases.30
Slovak society remains highly polarized. During the campaign, political elites exploited sociocultural cleavages and divisions around the country’s geopolitical orientation.31 To an extent, Fico’s coalition has reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitments to the EU and NATO, walking back some of its controversial campaign rhetoric.32 Fico has supported the sale of munitions to Ukraine by Slovak manufacturers, the €50 billion EU financial assistance package for Ukraine, and Ukraine’s membership in the EU.33 However, in November, the new government rejected the delivery of a €40 million military aid package to Ukraine approved by the former government.34
At home, Fico’s government has threatened to label foreign-funded NGOs foreign agents.35 Observers also expressed concern that a proposed tax reform allowing citizens to donate 2 percent of their tax payments to their parents’ pensions may harm NGO financing, since this 2 percent has historically been allocated to various civil society initiatives.36 The proposal was tabled following public pressure.37 Nonetheless, the government maintains a hostile relationship with civil society.38 The government also has an adversarial relationship with some members of the media. Fico has threatened to ban several news outlets from accessing the Office of the Government. Although the government has not yet instituted any bans, Fico and his office have refused to answer questions posed by media he considers adversarial.39
In 2023, the government passed one law and proposed another that threaten democratic governance. In December, the parliament overrode a presidential veto to pass the “competence law.” The law creates a new Ministry of Tourism and Sport, strips the president of the power to appoint the heads of independent state offices, and gives this appointment power to the government.40 The government has also proposed substantial changes to the criminal code. The proposal would abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor and change the statute of limitations, criminal thresholds, and sentences for various economic and property crimes. These changes would make it more difficult to hold officials accused of corruption and other forms of misconduct criminally accountable.41 Importantly, the proposal would benefit several individuals with ties to Smer and other coalition parties who currently stand accused of corruption.42
Criticism was directed not only at the substance of the reforms, but also the way they were proposed and passed. The new government has relied extensively on the “shortened legislative procedure,” which limits consultation and debate on proposed legislation.43 Critics suggested
that such significant reforms warranted extended discussion rather than an abbreviated process. The proposed reforms have led to sustained, mass demonstrations and civil society mobilization against the government.44
- 1Dušan Mikušovič, Miro Kern, and Eva Štefanková, “Hegerova vláda padla, Matovič v poslednej chvíli vytrhol svoju demisiu z rúk pracovníka paláca. Čo bude nasledovať” [Heger’s government feel, Matovič at the last moment tore his demission from the hands of the presidential palace worker. What will follow], Denník N, 15 December 2022, https://dennikn.sk/3149633/hegerova-vlada-padla-matovic-v-poslednej-chv….
- 2Michal Katuška. “Slovensko čaká kampaň v lete. Parlament len tesne schválil predčasné voľbv septembri” [A campaign awaits Slovakia in the summer. Parliament just barely approved early elections in September]. SME, 31 January 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23123805/volby-2023-datum-konania-termin-schvale….
- 3Katarína Ács. “Poslanci schválili zmenu Ústavy SR, ktorá umožní predčasné voľby” [MPs approved change to the Constitution, which will allow early elections]. Tvnoviny.sk, 25 January, 2023. https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/430029-poslanci-schvalili-zmenu-ustav…
- 4Katarína Ács. “Poslanci schválili zmenu Ústavy SR, ktorá umožní predčasné voľby” [MPs approved change to the Constitution, which will allow early elections]. Tvnoviny.sk, 25 January, 2023. https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/430029-poslanci-schvalili-zmenu-ustav…
- 5Radovan Stoklasa and Jan Lopataka. “Economist Odor picked as Slovakia's caretaker prime minister,” Reuters, 15 May 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/central-banker-odor-appointed-slov….
- 6Tomáš Čorej, Mirek Tóda, Denisa Ballová, and Kristina Böhmer. “Vyhrala proruská strana, Fico bude spojencom Orbána. Čo píšu o voľbách zahraničné media” [A pro-Russian party won, Fico will be Orban’s ally. What the foreign media is writing about the elections], Denník N, 1 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3599700/vyhrala-proruska-strana-fico-bude-spojencom-….
- 7Lucia Osvaldová, “Prezidentka podala na Fica žalobu na ochranu osobnosti” [President filed a defamation suit against Fico], Denník N, 13 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3566918/prezidentka-podala-na-fica-zalobu-na-ochranu….
- 8“Superdebata: Musíme sa oslobodiť od Smeru, myslí si Sulík. Fico sa nazval výtvorom ulice, Šimečka chce, aby politici ľuďom pred voľbami neklamali” [Superdebate: We have to free ourselves from Smer, thinks Sulík, Fico called himself a creation of the streets, Simečka wants politicians to not lie to people before elections], TA3, 26 September 2023, https://www.ta3.com/clanok/902951/superdebata-musime-sa-oslobodit-od-sm….
- 9“Robert Kaliňák podal pre incident s Igorom Matovičom trestné oznámenie” [Robert Kaliňák field a criminal suit against Igor Matovič due to the incident], Altuality.sk, 13 September 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/hRjEnER/robert-kalinak-podal-pre-incide….
- 10Mirek Tóda. “Šéf ruskej tajnej služby zasiahol do kampane počas moratória. Záležalo mu, aby vyhral Fico, hovoria experti” [Chief of Russian secret service influenced the campaign during the moratorium. It matters to him that Fico wins, say experts], Denník N, 3 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3605149/sef-ruskej-tajnej-sluzby-zasiahol-do-kampane….
- 11Márk Finta, Napunk. “Orbánove médiá v Maďarsku propagovali Fica ešte aj počas volebného moratoria” [Orban’s media in Hungary propagated Fico, even during the election moratorium]. Denník N, 30 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3597503/orbanove-media-v-madarsku-propagovali-fica-e….
- 12Mirek Tóda. “Minister Wlachovský: Ruský špión s diplomatickým krytím sa snažil ovplyvniť naše voľby” [Minister Wlachovský: Russian spy with diplomatic cover tried to influence our elections], Denník N, 13 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3624575/minister-wlachovsky-rusky-spion-s-diplomatic….
- 13Vladimír Šnidl. “Predvolebný ‘deepfake’ nebol kvalitný, proti proruským kanálom zakročil štát. Čoskoro to môže byť horšie” [Pre-election “deepfake” did not have quality, the state stepped in against Russian channel. Soon it can be worse]. Denník N, 6 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3608268/predvolebny-deepfake-nebol-kvalitny-proti-pr….
- 14ČTK, SITA, TASR, Pravda. “Voľby 2023: Ako prebiehal volebný deň. Poznačila ho smrť voliča, aj alkohol členov komisie” [Elections 2023: How did election day go? There was a death of a voter, and alcohol in electoral commissions], Pravda, https://spravy.pravda.sk/parlamentne-volby-2023/clanok/683328-online-na….
- 15Denník N. “Newsfilter: Pellegrini pozná svoju pozíciu a nebude váhať použiť ju. Aspoň to tak hovorí” [Newsfilter: Pellegrini recognizes his position, and will not hesitate to use it. At least that is what he says], Denník N, 3 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3605076/newsfilter-pellegrini-pozna-svoju-poziciu-a-….
- 16Miro Kern. “Pellegrini si už od Šimečku vypýtal aj ministerstvo vnútra. Čo by ešte mohli chcieť, aby nešli so Smerom?” [Pellegrini already asked Šimečka for the Ministry of Interior. What else could they want, so they do not go with Smer], Denník N, 9 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3615441/pellegrini-si-uz-od-simecku-vypytal-aj-minis….
- 17Daniela Hajčáková, Michal Katuška. “Ako bude vyzerať vláda? Návrat starých tvárí aj s ich kauzami, iní bez skúseností aj extrémisti” [What will the new government look like? The return of old faces and their scandals, others without experience and even extremists], SME, 11 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23230196/vlada-nova-zlozenie-smer-hlas-sns.html.
- 18PRUT. “Huliak podnikne právne kroky, ak ho za ministra Čaputová nevymenuje. SNS neustúpi” [Huliak will take legal steps, after Čauptová would not name him as minister, SNS will not back down], Hospodárkse Noviny, 19 October 2023, https://hnonline.sk/slovensko/96110849-huliak-podnikne-pravne-kroky-ak-…; Office of the President of the Slovak Republic. “Prezidentka nevymenuje Rudolfa Huliaka za ministra životného prostredia” [The President will not name Rudolf Huliak as Minister of the Environment], 19 October 2023, https://www.prezident.sk/article/prezidentka-nevymenuje-rudolfa-huliaka….
- 19“SNS stiahla Huliaka, na post šéfa envirorezortu navrhla Tarabu” [SNS withdrew Huliak, they recommended Taraba as head to the environmental resort], SME, 24 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23235712/huliak-taraba-nominacia-vlada-fico.htm.
- 20Mária Benedikovičová and Veronika Pruśová. “Odkryli sme, ako u Žilinku používajú paragraf 363 v prospech prominentov” [We uncovered how, the General Prosecutor’s office uses Article 363 in the favor of prominent people], Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3553521/odkryli-sme-ako-u-zilinku-pouzivaju-paragraf….
- 21Mária Benedikovičová,. “Spor prezidentky a Žilinku o paragraf 363 ide na Ústavný súd. Generálny prokurátor oddialil hrozbu disciplinárky” [Dispute between President and Žilinka about Article 363 is going to the Constitutional Court] Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3565311/spor-prezidentky-a-zilinku-o-paragraf-363-id….
- 22Mária Benedikovičová,. “Spor prezidentky a Žilinku o paragraf 363 ide na Ústavný súd. Generálny prokurátor oddialil hrozbu disciplinárky” [Dispute between President and Žilinka about Article 363 is going to the Constitutional Court] Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3565311/spor-prezidentky-a-zilinku-o-paragraf-363-id….
- 23Veronika Prušová. “Ústavný súd neruší paragraf 363, s návrhom neuspeli prezidentka ani poslanci” [Constitutional Court is not cancelling Article 363, neither the President nor MPs were successful with their case], Denník N, 21 June 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3435078/ustavny-sud-nerusi-paragraf-363-s-navrhom-ne….
- 24Laura Kellöova. “Akcia Rozuzlenie: O obvinených riaditeľoch SIS prehovoril utajený svedok. Hovorí o zneužívaní tajnej služby” [Akcia Rozuzlenie: About accused directors of SIS spoke a secret witness, talked about abuse of the secret service], Aktuality.sk, 20 August 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/jgB4dkq/akcia-rozuzlenie-o-obvinenych-r….
- 25Adriána Belej Majerčinová. “Čaputová odvolala šéfa SIS Michala Aláča, riaditeľom sa stal Tomáš Rulíšek” [Čaputová recalled SIS chief, Michal Aláč, Tomáš Rulíšek became the director], Pravda, 23 August 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/678964-vlada-ma-na-stole-odvolan….
- 26Adriána Belej Majerčinová. “Čaputová odvolala šéfa SIS Michala Aláča, riaditeľom sa stal Tomáš Rulíšek” [Čaputová recalled SIS chief, Michal Aláč, Tomáš Rulíšek became the director], Pravda, 23 August 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/678964-vlada-ma-na-stole-odvolan….
- 27Ján Debnár. “Za ministra Šutaja Eštoka už postavili mimo služby 32 policajtov” [Under minister Šutaj Eštoka, 32 police officers were removed from service], Aktuality.sk, 23 November 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/KLd3824/za-ministra-sutaja-estoka-uz-po….
- 28Mária Benedikovičová. “V polícii pokračujú čistky, do civilu odchádza šéf NAKA Daňko, ktorý vyšetroval Očistec aj Kováčika” [Clean up continues in the police, chief of NAKA, Daňko, who investigated the cause Očistec and Kováčik is leaving for civilian life], Denník N, 18 December 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3735394/v-policii-pokracuju-cistky-do-civilu-odchadz…?.
- 29RTVS. “Kauzu okolo čurillovcov viedol zaujatý vyšetrovateľ, rozhodla policajná inšpekcia” [Scandal around Čurrila investigators was led by a biased investigator, decided Police Inspection Office], RTVS, 7 November 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/11/kauzu-okolo-curillovcov-viedol-zaujaty-v….
- 30Veronika Prušová. “Štyria zo siedmich čurillovcov sa môžu vrátiť do práce. Čurilla, Ďurka aj Magula si musia ešte počkať (otázky a odpovede)” [Four of seven police officers associated with Čurilla can return to work. Čurilla, Ďurka and Magula have to wait], Denník N, 30 November 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3706025/styria-zo-siedmich-curillovcov-sa-mozu-vrati…?.
- 31Juraj Búry. “Päť tém, ktoré určovali smer volieb. Nosná oblasť kampane sa menila každé dva týždne” [Five themes, which influenced the direction of the election. The content of the campaign changed every two weeks], Hospodárske Noviny, 27 September 2023, https://hnonline.sk/parlamentne-volby-2023/96106838-paet-tem-ktore-urco….
- 32Martin Počátko. “Smer, Hlas a SNS sa dohodli, podpísali memorandum. SaS: Novú koalíciu budú spájať kšefty a korupcia” [Smer, Hlas, and SNS agreed, signed memorandum. SaS: New coalition will be unified by deals and corruption], Pravda, 11 October 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/parlamentne-volby-2023/clanok/684606-fico-pell…
- 33ČTK, “Fico: Slovensko podporí začatie rozhovorov o vstupe Ukrajiny do EÚ” [Fico: Slovakia will support the beginning of discussions related to Ukraine’s EU accession], Pravda, 13 December 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/691864-fico-slovensko-podpori-za…; Andrej Matišak, “Miliardy pre Ukrajinu. Orbán (vojenskú) pomoc EÚ pre Kyjev nezastaví. Čo však bude ďalej?” [Billions for Ukraine. Orbán will not stop EU military aid for Kiev. What will happen next?], Pravda, 01 February 2024, https://spravy.pravda.sk/svet/clanok/697960-miliardy-pre-ukrajinu-orban….
- 34Aktuality.sk. “Vláda neschválila balík vojenskej pomoci pre Ukrajinu, pripravilo ho bývalé vedenie rezortu obrany” [Governemtn did not approve military aid for Ukraine, which was prepared by the former head of the Defense Ministry], Aktuality.sk, 11 November 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/Kl7hEnu/vlada-neschvalila-balik-vojensk….
- 35Jana Tóthová, Júlia Zelenková, et al. “Mimovládky sa obávajú, čo bude po voľbách. Väčšina z nich s politikou nemá nič” [NGOs are worried about what will happen after the election. A majority do not have anything to do with politics], Noviny, 5 August 2023, https://www.noviny.sk/slovensko/821283-mimovladky-sa-obavaju-co-bude-po….
- 36Michal Katuška. “Darovať dve percentá z dane rodičom alebo deťom s rakovinou? Minister Tomáš vyrobil ľudskú dilemu” [To give two percent from taxes to parents or to children with cancer? Minister Tomáš created a human dilemma], SME, 7 November 2023, https://index.sme.sk/c/23241203/erik-tomas-rodicovsky-bonus-dve-percent….
- 37“Zvýšenie daní a odvodov či nižšie príspevky: Poslanci schválili konsolidačný balík pre budúci rok” [Raising taxes or levies, or lower contributions. MPs approved a consolidation package for next year], RTVS, 19 December 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/12/zvysenie-dani-a-odvodov-ci-nizsie-prispe….
- 38Pavel Knapko. “Fico verzus mimovládky: Pýtali sme sa v parlamente na „ťahy“ vlády proti tretiemu sektoru” [Fico versus NGOs: We asked in parliament about the moves against the third sector], Startitup, 24 November 2023, https://www.startitup.sk/fico-verzus-mimovladky-pytali-sme-sa-v-parlame….
- 39Lucia Osvaldová. “Médiám nezakázali vstup na úrad vlády, Fico nebude odpovedať Markíze, Denníku N, SME a Aktualitám” [They did not ban media from the Office of the Government, Fico will not answer to Markíza, Denník N, SME, or Aktuality], Denník N, 20 November 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3687850/mediam-nezakazali-vstup-na-urad-vlady-fico-n….
- 40Mnt.sk, “Parlament schválil kompetenčný zákon, vznikne tak ministerstvo cestovného ruchu a športu” [Parliament approved the competency law, accordingly the new ministry of tourism and sport will be created], Denník N, 20 December 2023, https://e.dennikn.sk/minuta/3739876.
- 41Via Iuris, “Pozrite si, čo všetko spôsobí vládna novela Trestného zákona (analýza Via Iuris a tabuľky)” [Take a look at what all the government’s amendment to the Criminal Code will cause (analysis of Via Iuris)], Aktuality.sk, 29 January 2024, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/7EGE0tV/pozrite-si-co-vsetko-sposobi-vl….
- 42Annamária Dömeová. “Novela trestných kódexov: Vláda zrovná kajúcnikov a otvorí už právoplatné dohody” [Amendments to criminal codes: Government will settle with the indicted, and open legally binding agreements], Aktuality.sk, 07 December 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/JvVQBYn/novela-trestnych-kodexov-vlada-….
- 43Veronika Rusnáková. “Poslanci rokujú o novele Trestného zákona zrýchlene, opoziční poslanci pri hlasovaní vytiahli karty” [MPs debate the amendment to the Criminal law quickly, opposition MPs during voting pulled out cards], SITA, 25 January 2024, https://sita.sk/poslanci-coskoro-rozhodnu-caka-ich-hlasovanie-o-navrhu-….
- 44Miro Kern, Lucia Osvaldová, “Opozícia chce koalícii komplikovať rušenie špeciálnej prokuratúry aj rokovaním cez vianočné sviatky, na protest prišli tisíce ľudí” [Opposition wants to complicate the coalition’s abolishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor by discussing throughout the Christmas Holiday, thousands of people came to the protests], Denník N, 07 December 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3718392/koalicia-vyhrady-europskej-komisie-nezohladn….
National governance is democratic in Slovakia, though elite and institutional conflicts often lead to polarization, inefficiency, instability, and public mistrust. Slovak elections are free and fair. The 2023 parliamentary elections occurred without major irregularities, but disinformation and declining political civility remain concerns. Civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly LGBT+ advocacy groups, face hostility from the new government and underfunding. Important reforms passed in 2022 increased transparency around media outlets’ ownership and protected journalists’ sources. However, disinformation, low public trust in the mainstream media, and the refusal of the prime minister’s office to answer questions from some media sources remain concerns. Conflicts between the central government and local governments over public financing—particularly for education and healthcare—remain salient. In June, Slovakia implemented, with some challenges, a controversial judicial reform that the previous government had passed. The government’s anticorruption efforts continued in 2023 and yielded several notable indictments and convictions. The fight against corruption remains politicized. The new government of Prime Minister Robert Fico has replaced several officials known for aggressively tackling corruption and proposed legislation that would decrease criminal penalties for corruption.
Considers the democratic character of the governmental system; and the independence, effectiveness, and accountability of the legislative and executive branches. | 4.505 7.007 |
- After Prime Minister Heger’s government lost a vote of no confidence in December 2022, the parliament voted in January to hold early elections. The initial plan, endorsed by President Čaputová, was for Heger’s cabinet to govern in demission until the elections1 . However, in May, the resignations of Agriculture Minister Samuel Vlčan, over allegations of nepotism in public procurement, and Foreign Affairs Minister Rastislav Káčer, in protest of government dysfunction, led to Heger’s resignation.2
- In May, President Čaputová appointed a caretaker government headed by Ľudovít Ódor, former vice governor of the Slovak National Bank. Both Heger’s cabinet and the caretaker cabinet governed without the confidence of the parliament.3 Nonetheless, the government made several notable policy decisions and judicial reform and anticorruption efforts continued. For example, Heger’s government approved the delivery of MiG fighter jets to Ukraine in March, despite the opposition criticizing the move as unconstitutional due to the cabinet’s demission status. 4
- Smer emerged victorious after the early elections held on September 30. Within three weeks of the election, Smer signed a coalition agreement with Hlas and SNS, which finished in second and sixth place, respectively. The campaign centered around the standard of living, military support for Ukraine, migration, and LGBT+ rights. Political elites and the media depicted the election as a choice between a return to stability with Smer or moving in a new, more modern direction with PS.5
- Deteriorating healthcare and education systems, the rising cost of living, and the instability of the previous government bolstered the appeal of parties like Hlas and Smer. These parties offered voters a strong social state and financial stability in the face of adverse economic conditions.6
- Foreign policy also divided the electorate. Military support for Ukraine was a particularly contentious issue. Smer and several other parties promised to end all military aid for Ukraine, while PS and most members of the previous government argued that support for Ukraine was in Slovakia’s foreign policy interest.7
- Two social issues featured prominently in the campaign. First, parties from across the political spectrum rejected proposals to legalize registered domestic partnerships for LGBT+ couples. Rival parties often attacked PS over its support for greater LGBT+ equality.8 Second, migration was a key issue, especially after a sudden increase in the number of illegal border crossings from Hungary over the summer.9 While the Ministry of Interior does not provide statistics on these border crossings, Robert Fico claimed in October that 46,000 migrants had entered Slovakia so far in 2023.10
- Government formation in the fall was largely free of suspense and controversy, with one exception. In October, President Čaputová rejected the nomination of SNS nominee Rudolf Huliak as minister of the environment. The president determined that Huliak could not effectively lead the Ministry of the Environment or uphold Slovakia’s international environmental commitments due to his record of climate change denial, anti-environmental stances, and contentious relationships with environmental advocates.11 Though Huliak threatened legal action, eventually SNS relented and appointed Tomáš Taraba to the post.12
- Robert Fico became prime minister with the formation of the new government and Smer now heads six ministries: agriculture, defense, finance, foreign affairs, justice, and transport. Hlas heads seven ministries: economy, education, European funds (a vice premiership, not an official ministry), health, interior, investment, and labor. SNS heads three ministries: culture, environment, and sport and tourism (a new ministry that will be established in 2024).13
- Various conflicts between government institutions continued throughout 2023 and affected government stability. The prosecutor general and the president clashed over the appropriate use of Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.14 As in previous years, the prosecutor general used Article 363 to drop corruption charges against several high-ranking political officials. Robert Fico has also accused the head of the public television network RTVS,15 the former police president, and various members of the judiciary of political bias.16
- In December, the parliament overruled a presidential veto to pass the “competence law.” In addition to establishing the new Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the law threatens the independence of several state offices and reduces the president’s power. The law shifted the power to appoint and recall the heads of the Healthcare Surveillance Authority and the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic from the president to the government.17 President Čaputová had not signed the law by the end of the year and said she would appeal to the Constitutional Court to challenge the law’s constitutionality, as well as the legality of the “shortened legislative procedure” that the government used to pass the law.18
- The shortened legislative procedure was a source of controversy in 2023. Under standard procedure, all relevant ministries must have a chance to comment on proposed legislation, which also undergoes three “readings” (presentations and discussions) in the parliament. Moreover, both experts and the wider public can comment on the proposed legislation. The shortened legislative procedure reduces the allotted time for each of these key stages in the legislative process. While previous governments used the shortened legislative procedure to pass laws,19 critics argued that the substantial changes proposed in the competence law necessitated extended discussion.
- 1Miro Kern. “Premiér bez väčšiny, koalícia bez premiéra: ako dovládne Heger, ktorý má sedem postov vo vláde?” [A Prime Minister without a majority, a coalition without a Prime Minister: how will Heger finish governing, who has seven posts in the government] Denník N, 7 March 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3271800/premier-bez-vacsiny-koalicia-bez-premiera-ak….
- 2Mária Benedikovičová. “48 hodín, ktoré otriasli Hegerovou funkciou: Káčer mu vyčítal strašné babráctvo, Budaj s premiérom tutlali Vlčanovu dotáciu” [48 hours, which shook Heger’s function: Káčer accused him of nonsense, Budaj with the Prime Minsiter covered up Vlčan’s subsidy], Denník N, 5 May 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3357387/48-hodin-co-otriasli-funkciou-hegera-kacer-v….
- 3Václav Šálek. “Očekávané se na Slovensku stalo realitou. Ódorova vláda nezískala důvěru, v úřadu zůstane” [The expected in Slovakia turned into a reality. Ódor’s government did not receive confidence, it will stay in office], ČT24, 15 June 2023, https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/svet/3593626-ocekavane-se-na-slovensku-st….
- 4Max Steuer. “The Dilemma of Technocracy,” Verfassungsblog, 16 May 2023, https://verfassungsblog.de/the-dilemma-of-technocracy/; “Smer-SD podal trestné oznámenie na niekoľko členov vlády. Heger hovorí o politickom predstavení” [Smer-SD filed a criminal complaint against several members of the government. Heger is talking about a political show], RTVS, 27 March 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/03/smer-sd-podal-trestne-oznamenie-na-nieko….
- 5Marek Biró. “Progresívcov povedie do volieb Michal Šimečka. Roberta Fica označil za najväčšiu hrozbu pre Slovensko” [Progressives will be led into elections by Michal Šimečka. Robert Fico labelled him as the biggest threat to Slovakia], Aktuality.sk, 27 June 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/7osKR7u/progresivcov-povedie-do-volieb-….
- 6Marek Biró. “Voľby 2023: Michal Šimečka a Robert Fico prezradili, v čom nemienia ustúpiť” [Elections 2023: Michal Šimečka and Robert Fico revealed where they will not budge], Aktuality.sk, 22 September 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/pc5BAL1/volby-2023-michal-simecka-a-rob….
- 7Matej Pribelský, Lucia Farkašová. “Anketa: Smer odmieta vojenskú pomoc Ukrajine, Hlas chce s doterajšou podporou pokračovať” [Poll: Smer rejects military aid for Ukraine, Hlas wants to continue with current aid], Aktuality.sk, 2 October 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/o410oGE/anketa-smer-odmieta-vojensku-po….
- 8Róbert Eisner. “Bude Slovensko liberálny, progresívny štát alebo sa vráti ku klérofašistickým hodnotám?” [Will Slovakia be a liberal, progressive state, or will it return to clericofascist values?], Denník N, 24 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/blog/3585688/bude-slovensko-liberalny-progresivny-st….
- 9RTVS. “Juh Slovenska nezvláda nápor nelegálnych migrantov. V Nových Zámkoch hovoria o kritickej situácii” [The south of Slovakia cannot handle the wave of illegal migrants. They are talking about a critical situation in Nový Zámky], RTVS, 28 August 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/08/juh-slovenska-nezvlada-napor-nelegalnych….
- 10Peter Madro. “Ficova demonštrácia sily. Počet migrantov síce klesá, no na hraniciach čakajú psy, kone aj vodné delo” [Fico’s demonstration of strength. The number of migrants is decreasing, but dogs, horses, and water cannons are waiting at the border], Pravda, 30 October 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/686842-ficova-demonstracia-sily-….
- 11“Prezidentka nevymenuje Rudolfa Huliaka za ministra životného prostredia” [The President will not name Rudolf Huliak as Minister of the Environment], Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, 19 October 2023, https://www.prezident.sk/article/prezidentka-nevymenuje-rudolfa-huliaka….
- 12“SNS stiahla Huliaka, na post šéfa envirorezortu navrhla Tarabu” [SNS withdrew Huliak, they recommended Taraba as head to the environmental resort], SME, 24 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23235712/huliak-taraba-nominacia-vlada-fico.html.
- 13Jakub Filo. “Fico IV? Ovládnutie štátu s kulisou národného symbolizmu. A prizerajúci sa Pellegrini” [Fico IV? Taking over the state with national symbolism. And with Pellegrini looking on], SME, 14 October 2023, https://komentare.sme.sk/c/23231012/aka-bude-vlada-fico-iv.html.
- 14Mária Benedikovičová. “Spor prezidentky a Žilinku o paragraf 363 ide na Ústavný súd. Generálny prokurátor oddialil hrozbu disciplinárky” [Dispute between President and Žilinka about Article 363 is going to the Constitutional Court] Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3565311/spor-prezidentky-a-zilinku-o-paragraf-363-id….
- 15“Šéfredaktori slovenských médií odmietli útoky na novinárov. Fico a Blaha burcujú svojich sympatizantov k vyhrážkam, tvrdia” [Editor in chief of Slovak media rejected attacks against journalists. Fico and Blaha motivate their sympathizers to make threats, they claim], SITA, 28 February 2023, https://sita.sk/sefredaktori-slovenskych-medii-odmietli-utoky-na-novina….
- 16Henrieta Mihalková. “Nová koalícia avizovala čistky. Hamran už oznámil, že odchádza do civilu, Lipšic odkazuje, že sa nebojí” [New coalition has advised cleaning. Hamran already indicated that he is leaving, Lipšic is saying he is not afraid], Pravda, 16 October 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/685034-stefan-hamran-konci-polic….
- 17“Parlament schválil kompetenčný zákon, vznikne tak ministerstvo cestovného ruchu a športu” [Parliament approved the competency law, accordingly the new ministry of tourism and sport will be created], Denník N, 20 December 2023, https://e.dennikn.sk/minuta/3739876.
- 18Anežka Lisá, TASR, “Prezidentka nepodpísala kompetenčný zákon, obráti sa na Ústavný súd” [President did not sign the competence law, she will turn to the Constitutional Court], RTVS, 24 January 2024, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2024/01/prezidentka-nepodpisala-kompetencny-zako….
- 19Martin Sliz, “Rekordér Matovič: napriek protestom poslancov pretlačila jeho vláda desiatky zákonov v superrýchlom režime” [Matovič: despite MP protests, his government forced through tens of laws in super-fast procedure], Aktuality.sk, 29 January 2021, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/859404/vlada-nrsr-parlament-premier-mat….
Examines national executive and legislative elections, the electoral framework, the functioning of multiparty systems, and popular participation in the political process. | 6.256 7.007 |
- The 2022 vote of no confidence against Heger’s government spurred a constitutional majority (two-thirds of lawmakers) of National Council deputies to vote in January to amend the constitution to specify when early elections may occur.1 The amendment states that early elections can only happen when a constitutional majority of parliamentarians votes in favor of the resolution.2 The amendment emerged from a prolonged and politicized debate over opposition attempts since 2021 to unseat the Heger government.3 The amendment also enshrined proportional representation and a single, countrywide electoral district in the constitution. Changing these features of the electoral system now also requires approval by a constitutional majority of lawmakers. A simple majority can still approve other changes such as adjustments to the electoral formula.4
- Early elections were held on September 30.5 Turnout was nearly 69 percent, the highest since 2002. Voting occurred without any notable irregularities.6
- A record 59,000 voters cast their ballots from abroad by mail.7 PS captured around 62 percent of these votes.8
- The government made two notable changes to election administration in 2023. First, the parliament passed a law requiring the government to publicize the minutes of electoral proceedings from each local election commission after the election.9 Second, election commissions submitted vote totals to the Central Statistical Office electronically for the first time. Observers expected faster reporting of results with the new process,10 but reports suggested that the new online system struggled to process the high volume of submitted results, causing delays in reporting.11
- Russia and Hungary made some attempts to influence the election in favor of Smer, but these efforts had minimal impact. During the election moratorium, the director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia, Sergey Naryshkin, publicized a statement criticizing PS for pursuing closer ties with the United States.12 Two weeks after the election, Slovakia expelled a Russian citizen with diplomatic credentials for attempting to create a network that would “influence public opinion before the election.”13
- Hungarian state media (which the Hungarian minority in Slovakia widely follows) aired an interview with Robert Fico during the election moratorium.14 The Orbán regime supported both Smer and Alliance, a Hungarian minority party, throughout the campaign.
- In some Roma localities, the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities Party (OĽaNO) received over 90 percent of the vote (the party received 9 percent nationally), raising suspicions of vote buying that prompted the Office of the Special Prosecutor to open an investigation in October.15 However, analysts suggested that strong Roma representation within the party, a sustained ground campaign in Roma localities, and a campaign promise of €500 to all voters could explain the results.16
- KDH returned to the parliament for the first time since the 2012 election with a campaign platform focused on social conservatism and support for the poorer regions of Slovakia that resonated with some voters.17
- Likewise, SNS returned to the parliament after failing to cross the electoral threshold in 2020. The unification of various smaller nationalist parties and several famous personalities from alternative media channels under the SNS ticket played a role in the party’s success. In fact, only one longstanding member of SNS, Party Chairman Andrej Danko, was elected to the parliament, raising questions about the stability of SNS’ parliamentary delegation.18 However, the government appointed many SNS candidates to high-ranking positions, allowing actual party members to join the parliamentary delegation, thereby increasing its stability.19
- The election was also notable for the parties that did not cross the 5 percent threshold for representation in the parliament. The Republic Movement —a new far-right party that had split from the extremist L’SNS—did not cross the threshold because they failed to attract former ĽSNS supporters and because of Smer’s increased appeal to extremist voters.20 We Are Family, which had held representation in the parliament since 2016, also failed to cross the electoral threshold potentially because several of its members had been implicated in scandals prior to the elections.21 Finally, representatives of Slovakia’s Hungarian minority (about eight percent of the population and the largest minority in the country) did not gain representation in the parliament., Hungarian political parties have been fragmented since 2020 due to personal disputes between their leaders. The Orbán regime supported the Alliance, which came closest to parliamentary representation with just under five percent of the vote.22
- 1Adriána Belej Majerčínová, “Snahy o predčasné voľby silnejú: Parlament opäť nebol uznášaniaschopný, Kollár stráca nervy” [Efforts for early elections are strengthening: Parliament again was not able to reach a quorum, Kollár is losing his temper]. Pravda, 11 October 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/643187-snahy-o-predcasne-volby-s….
- 2“Parlament schválil novelu, ktorá umožní predčasné voľby” [Parliament approved an amendment that allows early elections]. Týždeň, 25 January 2023. https://www.tyzden.sk/politika/92826/parlament-schvalil-novelu-ktora-um….
- 3Adriána Belej Majerčínová, “Politológ: Spolupráca SaS s Hlasom je politická realita. Ďalšie dýky do chrbta koalícia prežiť nemusí” [Political Scientists: Cooperation between SaS and Hlas is a political reality. The government may not survive another dagger in the back] Pravda, 03 December 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/649162-politolog-spolupraca-sas-….
- 4“[Parliament approved an amendment that allows early elections],” https://www.tyzden.sk/politika/92826/parlament-schvalil-novelu-ktora-um….
- 5Vote and seat totals: Smer-SD, 22.94, 42; Progressive Slovakia, 17.96, 32; Hlas-SD, 14.70, 27; OĽaNO a priatelia, 8.89, 16; KDH, 6.82, 12l; SaS, 6.32, 11; SNS, 5.62, 10.
- 6Vote and seat totals: Smer-SD, 22.94, 42; Progressive Slovakia, 17.96, 32; Hlas-SD, 14.70, 27; OĽaNO a priatelia, 8.89, 16; KDH, 6.82, 12l; SaS, 6.32, 11; SNS, 5.62, 10.
- 7Ivana Zemaníková. “Výsledky volieb 2023: U zahraničných Slovákov výrazne dominovalo Progresívne Slovensko” [Election results 2023: Amongst Slovaks living abroad, Progressive Slovakia dominated], aktuality.sk, 10 January, 2023. https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/gliDcun/volby-2023-u-zahranicnych-slova….
- 8Ivana Zemaníková. “Výsledky volieb 2023: U zahraničných Slovákov výrazne dominovalo Progresívne Slovensko” [Election results 2023: Amongst Slovaks living abroad, Progressive Slovakia dominated], aktuality.sk, 10 January, 2023. https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/gliDcun/volby-2023-u-zahranicnych-slova…
- 9“Rezort vnútra ráta s novelou o zverejňovaní zápisníc z volieb” [Interior Ministry dealing with new law on publicizing minutes from the election], Teraz.sk, 10 July 2023, https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/mv-sr-rata-s-novou-legislativou-o-zver/7….
- 10“Kde budú zverejňované priebežné výsledky volieb: Pripravený je špeciálny oficiálny web” [Where will updated election results be publicized. A special, official website is prepared], Živě, 28 September 2023, https://zive.aktuality.sk/clanok/5B4oMf5/kde-budu-zverejnovane-priebezn….
- 11Matúš Zdút. “Volebná noc bola hrozná, hovoria členovia komisií o čakaní na potvrdenie výsledkov. K ďalším voľbám už možno neprídu” [Election night was horrible, says member of electoral commission about waiting for the confirmation of results.] Denník N, 4 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3606946/volebna-noc-bola-hrozna-hovoria-clenovia-kom….
- 12Mirek Tóda. “Šéf ruskej tajnej služby zasiahol do kampane počas moratória. Záležalo mu, aby vyhral Fico, hovoria experti” [Chief of Russian secret service influenced the campaign during the moratorium. It matters to him that Fico wins, say experts], Denník N, 3 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3605149/sef-ruskej-tajnej-sluzby-zasiahol-do-kampane….
- 13Mirek Tóda. “Minister Wlachovský: Ruský špión s diplomatickým krytím sa snažil ovplyvniť naše voľby” [Minister Wlachovský: Russian spy with diplomatic cover tried to influence our elections”], Denník N, 13 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3624575/minister-wlachovsky-rusky-spion-s-diplomatic….
- 14Márk Finta, Napunk. “Orbánove médiá v Maďarsku propagovali Fica ešte aj počas volebného moratoria” [Orban’s media in Hungary propagated Fico, even during the election moratorium]. Denník N, 30 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3597503/orbanove-media-v-madarsku-propagovali-fica-e….
- 15“OĽANO malo úspech v rómskych osadách, prokuratúra preveruje podozrenia z volebnej korupcie. Hnutie kupovanie hlasov popiera” [OĽANO saw success in Roma communities, prosecutor’s office is investigating suspicion of electoral corruption. The party is rejecting allegations of vote buying], RTVS, 2 October 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/10/olano-malo-uspech-v-romskych-osadach-pro….
- 16Martin Vančo and Katarína Kozinková, “Bez Rómov by OĽaNO nebolo v parlamente. Ako Matovič získal desaťtisíce rómskych hlasov?” [Without Roma, OĽaNO would not be in parliament. How did Matovič gain tens of thousands of Roma votes?], SME, 3 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23226885/romovia-olano-matovic-pollak-hlasy-volb….
- 17Zoltán Rácz. “Pliaga nám väz nezlomila: Návrat do parlamentu oslavovalo KDH tancom do rána” [Plague did not break our ties: KDH celebrated the return to parliament by dancing until the morning], Pravda, 30 September 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/parlamentne-volby-2023/clanok/683402-majersky-….
- 18Vladimír Šnídl. “Danko sa vracia do parlamentu, klub SNS je plný konšpirátorov a rusofilov” [Danko is returning to parliament, SNS’ club is full of conspirators and russophiles], Denník N, 1 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3598510/danko-sa-vracia-do-parlamentu-klub-sns-je-pl….
- 19Martin Vančo. “SNS sa oplatí byť pri moci. Väčšina predsedníctva už má funkcie” [It pays of for SNS to be in power. The majority of the party leadership already has a post], SME, 25 January 2024, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23273848/slovenska-narodna-strana-sns-funkcie.ht….
- 20Anita Radi. “Uhrík: Republika sa do parlamentu nedostala, no nás to nezastaví (rozhovor)” [Uhrík: Republika did not make it to parliament, but it will not stop us (interview], SITA, 11 October 2023, https://sita.sk/uhrik-republika-sa-do-parlamentu-nedostala-no-nas-to-ne….
- 21Barbora Plávalova. “Kollár neuspel. Pokazil si imidž starostlivého otca a nemal skalných voličov” [Kollár did not succeed. He ruined his image of a caring father and had no solid voters.], SME, 3 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23226955/kollar-boris-volby-2023-sme-rodina-anti….
- 22Ágoston Renczes. “Porazenými volieb sú aj Maďari. Najpočetnejšia menšina nebude mať zastúpenie v parlamente ani v tomto volebnom období” [Hungarians were also defeated in the election. The largest minority will not have representation in parliament again during this electoral period], Denník N, 1 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3600956/porazenymi-volieb-su-aj-madari-najpocetnejsi….
Assesses the organizational capacity and financial sustainability of the civic sector; the legal and political environment in which it operates; the functioning of trade unions; interest group participation in the policy process; and the threat posed by antidemocratic extremist groups. | 6.006 7.007 |
- LGBT+ individuals continue to face discrimination in Slovakia. In January, then justice minister Viliam Karas proposed a legal reform that would make it easier for those in same-sex relationships to co-own property, assign their partner responsibility for medical decisions, and inherit assets from their partner. 1 Civil society actors criticized the reform for not going far enough (LGBT+ activists have advocated for domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, which would afford them equal legal rights as those afforded to married heterosexual couples).2 In May, interim justice minister Jana Dubovcová scuttled the reform, suggesting that it did not adequately address the LGBT+ community’s problems.3
- Some candidates demonized the LGBT+ community during the campaign.4 In September, the chairman of KDH labeled LGBT+ a “plague,” later clarifying that he only meant LGBT+ registered partnerships and marriage.5 The new government has used anti-LGBT+ rhetoric and said repeatedly that keeping “gender ideology” out of Slovak schools was a priority.6 Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová, has also repeatedly stated that she will end all state financing for LGBT+ organizations.7
- Numerous political parties, including Smer and SNS, attacked NGOs during the campaign.8 These attacks contributed to fears in the sector that the new government would have a hostile relationship with NGOs and reject civil society initiatives. After the election, Fico said the government may propose a new law that would designate foreign-funded NGOs as “foreign agents,” potentially shrinking the space for voices critical of the government.9
- A proposed tax reform intended to generate revenue for the pension system threatened NGO financing. Currently, Slovaks can dedicate 2 percent of their tax payments to CSOs.10 The reform would have allowed taxpayers to allocate that 2 percent to their parents’ pension fund instead. As such, many smaller CSOs, often located in rural areas, would have lost much of their financing. However, after public pressure, the proposal was tabled.11
- The NGO sector mobilized shortly after the election to protest two SNS ministerial nominations: Rudolf Huliak (environment) and Martina Šimkovičová (culture). Both candidates faced criticism for lacking relevant experience and voicing conspiratorial and inflammatory rhetoric.12 The president rejected Huliak’s nomination but allowed Šimkovičová’s appointment to go through.
- Minister Šimkovičová has continued to face opposition from civil society. Civil society leaders have criticized Šimkovičová for continuing to host her television show, TV Slovan, after her appointment as minister of culture, potentially violating conflict of interest laws.13 By February 2024, nearly 190,000 people had signed a petition demanding Šimkovičová’s resignation. The petition condemns the minister for incompetence, lack of consultation, reopening cultural cooperation with Belarus and Russia, and anti-LGBT+ rhetoric.14
- The new government has given little indication that it will support civil society and incorporate CSOs in the policymaking process, as the previous government attempted to do.15 Moreover, the government has announced no plans to help fund CSOs. Previously proposed solutions that involved finding new sources of state financing and simplifying the process of applying for EU funds are unlikely to be implemented.16 A lack of public consultation with civil society, despite repeated calls from activists, left little room for CSOs to organize in 2023.
- A major initiative of Slovak labor unions in 2023 was raising the minimum wage. And while various strikes were threatened throughout the year,17 in August the caretaker cabinet, unions, and employers agreed to a new deal that increased the minimum wage from €700 to €750 per month.18
- The healthcare sector has struggled with a shortage of doctors, the closing of outpatient clinics in smaller localities, and constructing larger hospitals.19 As a temporary solution, the caretaker cabinet passed a reform that would allocate up to €80,000 for doctors willing to open an outpatient clinic in certain vulnerable localities.20
- The education sector also faced problems in 2023, including continued underfunding and a teacher shortage. Between 1,500 and 2,100 additional teachers are necessary to meet demand.21 During the election campaign, political parties promised to finance the education sector through EU funds and to raise teacher salaries, but no remedies were announced by the end of the year.22
- 1Dominik Hutko. “Vyzerá to ako registrované partnerstvo ale nie je. Karas predstavil inštitút dôverníctva” [It looks like registered partnerships, but it is not. Karas presented the institute of trustworthiness], Pravda, 19 January 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/654183-karas-pripravil-navrh-pom….
- 2Dominik Hutko. “Vyzerá to ako registrované partnerstvo ale nie je. Karas predstavil inštitút dôverníctva” [It looks like registered partnerships, but it is not. Karas presented the institute of trustworthiness], Pravda, 19 January 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/654183-karas-pripravil-navrh-pom….
- 3Peter Madro. “Vláda stiahla Karasov zákon pomoci LGBTI+ ľuďom. Dubovcová pripraví nový” [The government stopped Karas’ law about helping LGBTI+ people. Dubovcová will prepare a new one], Pravda, 24 May 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/668653-vlada-stiahla-z-parlament….
- 4“Politická kampaň znepokojila sexuálnu menšinu. O voľbách na Slovensku píšu aj Francúzi” [Political campaign worried sexual minorities. Even France is writing about the Slovak elections], RTVS, 26 September 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/09/politicka-kampan-znepokojila-sexualnu-me….
- 5Matej Dedinský. “Milan Majerský sa ospravedlnil LGBTI+ ľuďom za „pliagu“, myslí ňou ich registrované partnerstvá a manželstvá” [Milan Majerský apologized to LGTBI+ people for “plague”, he meant by it registered partnerships and marriages], Aktuality.sk, 4 September 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/c7BthyN/milan-majersky-sa-ospravedlnil-….
- 6Katarína Kiššová. “Fico strašil domácou úlohou, ktorú pred rokmi stopol Pellegrini. Učitelia už napísali otvorený list” [Fico was scaring with homework, which Pellegrini stopped years ago. Teachers already wrote an open letter], TV Noviny, 13 October 2023, https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/862101-fico-strasil-domacou-ulohou-kt….
- 7Alexandra Gábelová, Šimon Kéry, “Šimkovičová LGBTI+ mimovládkam už nechce dať „ani cent“. „Patrí do polovice 19. storočia,“ udrel politológ” [Šimkovičová does not want to give a “single cent” to LGBTI+ NGOs. “She belongs in the middle of the 19th century, says political scientist], STARTITUP, 15 January 2024, https://www.startitup.sk/simkovicova-lgbti-mimovladkam-vraj-uz-neda-ani…
- 8Pavol Demeš. “Mimovládky a parlamentné voľby 2023 (názor Pavla Demeša)” [NGOs and parliamentary elections 2023 (opinion of Pavol Demeš], Aktuality.sk, 10 September 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/coP8z0G/mimovladky-a-parlamentne-volby-…
- 9RTVS. “R. Fico chce niektoré mimovládky označovať ako zahraničných agentov. Odvoláva sa na americký zákon” [R. Fico wants to label some NGOs as foreign agents. He refers to the American law], RTVS, 18 October 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/10/r-fico-chce-niektore-mimovladky-oznacova…; Martin Sliz. “Fico pohrozil neziskovkám zákonom USA. V skutočnosti vyzdvihuje ruský vzor” [Fico threatened NGOs with law from the USA. In reality, he is prioritizing the Russian example], Aktuality.sk, 18 October 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/D0gZCxD/fico-pohrozil-neziskovkam-zakon…
- 10Michal Katuška. “Darovať dve percentá z dane rodičom alebo deťom s rakovinou? Minister Tomáš vyrobil ľudskú dilemu” [To give two percent from taxes to parents or to children with cancer? Minister Tomáš created a human dilemma], SME, 7 November 2023, https://index.sme.sk/c/23241203/erik-tomas-rodicovsky-bonus-dve-percent….
- 11“Zvýšenie daní a odvodov či nižšie príspevky: Poslanci schválili konsolidačný balík pre budúci rok” [Raising taxes or levies, or lower contributions. MPs approved a consolidation package for next year], RTVS, 19 December 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/12/zvysenie-dani-a-odvodov-ci-nizsie-prispe….
- 12“Nominácie SNS vyvolali rozruch: M. Šimkovičová je blízka extrémistom, R. Huliak popiera klimatickú zmenu, povedal politológ” [Nominations of SNS caused a stir: M Šimkovičová is close to extremists, R. Huliak questions climate change, says political scientist], RTVS, 18 October 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/10/nominacie-sns-vyvolali-rozruch-m-simkovi….
- 13Miro Kern and Lucia Osvaldová. “Šimkovičová ďalej moderuje v konšpirátorskej televízii a propaguje ju, mohla by prísť o ročný plat” [Šimkovičová continues to host and propagate conspiratorial TV, she could lose her annual salary], Denník N, 7 December 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3716531/simkovicova-dalej-moderuje-v-konspiratorskej…?.
- 14Michaela Paulovič. “Ministerka Šimkovičová, nie ste kráľovná kultúry, ale jej slúžka, odkazujú umelci. Žiadajú, aby odstúpila” [Minister Šimkovičová, you are not the queen of culture, but its servant, say artists. They are demanding that she resign], Aktuality.sk, 5 Feburary 2024, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/UoLuSLx/ministerka-simkovicova-nie-ste-….
- 15“Vláda schválila koncepciu rozvoja občianskej spoločnosti do roku 2030” [Government approved the Concept of Civil Society Development to the year 2030], Ministry of Interior, 09 July 2022, https://www.minv.sk/?ros_vsetky-spravy&sprava=vlada-schvalila-koncepciu….
- 16See page 16 of “Koncepcia rozvoja občianskej spoločnosti na Slovensku na roky 2022 – 2030 a Akčný plán Koncepcie rozvoja občianskej spoločnosti na Slovensku na roky 2022 – 2026,” https://rokovania.gov.sk/RVL/Material/27581/1.
- 17Zuzana Kovačič Hanzelová, Oliver Kostanjevec. “Šéfka odborov Uhlerová: Na Slovensku bojujeme s nízkymi mzdami, súvisí to s nastavením hospodárstva” [Chief of unions Uhlerová: In Slovakia we battle with low wages, it relates to the structure of the economy], Sme, 1 March 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23137902/sefka-odborov-uhlerova-vlada-by-mala-po…
- 18“Minimálna mzda 2024: historická dohoda sa zopakovala. Najnižšie zárobky stúpnu na 750 eur” [Minimum wage 2024: Historic agreement repeated itself. The lowest wages will increase to 750 euros], Pravda, 21 August 2023, https://ekonomika.pravda.sk/ludia/clanok/678735-minimalna-mzda-2024-his….
- 19Diana Myšáková. “Slovenská lekárska komora neočakáva, že nová vláda vyrieši všetky problémy. Vymenovala však tie najakútnejšie” [Slovak chamber of doctors is not anticipating that the new government will solve all the problems. It did name, however, the most important ones], SITA, 1 October 2023, https://sita.sk/vzdravotnictve/slovenska-lekarska-komora-neocakava-ze-n….
- 20“MAPA: Lekári môžu dostať až 80 000 € na otvorenie novej ambulancie. V týchto okresoch ich potrebujeme najviac” [MAP: Doctors can get up to 80,000 euros for opening new clinics. We need them most in these localities], Refresher, 10 October 2023, https://news.refresher.sk/146179-MAPA-Lekari-mozu-dostat-az-80-000-EUR-….
- 21“Návrhy rezortu školstva na riešenie nedostatku učiteľov sú len „burzou nápadov", tvrdí Slovenská komora učiteľov” [Recommendations of the Education Minisry for solving the lack of teachers are only an “exchange of ideas”, claims the Slovak chamber of teachers], Aktuality.sk, 11 October 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/wSdggrk/navrhy-rezortu-skolstva-na-ries….
- 22Adriána Belej Majerčínová. “Hlavné priority v školstve: Ako chcú strany skvalitniť vzdelávanie či vyriešiť nedostatok učiteľov? Aký je odkaz pre budúceho ministra?” [Main priorities in education: How do parties want to raise the quality of education or solve the lack of teachers?], Pravda, 27 September 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/682986-hlavne-priority-v-skolstv….
Examines the current state of press freedom, including libel laws, harassment of journalists, and editorial independence; the operation of a financially viable and independent private press; and the functioning of the public media. | 5.005 7.007 |
- The previous government prioritized protecting journalists and media reform,1 substantially changing several media-related laws in 2022.2 In 2023, the government passed several smaller reforms.
- For example, in February, the parliament overruled a presidential veto to pass a law that allocated a percentage of the annual budget to directly fund the public television network RTVS – thereby lowering its overall financing. Prior to the reform, which went into effect in July, RTVS was funded through concessionary fees paid by individuals and businesses.3 The same law also limited the government’s ability to audit RTVS, nominally increasing its independence.4 However, in December, Fico’s government lowered the percentage of the budget allocated to RTVS, raising further concerns about the long-term sustainability of public broadcasting.5
- In March, then minister of investment Veronika Remišová proposed a new law to combat disinformation. The law included a definition of disinformation, restrictions on anonymous comments and posts, and fines for social media companies that violated the law. Experts criticized both the vagueness of the law and the lack of consultation with other relevant actors during its formulation.6 The proposed law was abandoned after the government resigned in May.
- Another law proposed in June would have required media outlets that report a politician’s claim about another party to verify said claim with an additional source. Moreover, media outlets would have been held liable for any unverified false claims.7 Given the clear shift of legal responsibility at the expense of the media, President Čaputová vetoed the law in July.8
- In a positive step, former police president Štefan Hamran instituted a reform to better protect journalists. As of October, a new network of “contact points” located in each regional police headquarters now specifically investigates attacks and threats against journalists.9
- Nonetheless, journalists are inadequately protected in Slovakia. According to a February survey, two-thirds of Slovak journalists said they faced attacks or threats in the previous year.10 In February, the five-year anniversary of the murder of Slovak investigative journalist Jan Kuciak was a somber reminder of the challenges journalists face in Slovakia and the need for additional legal protections.11
- In October, Penta Investments, through its subsidiary News & Media Holding, purchased the daily tabloid Nový Čas. The purchase raised concerns about Penta’s growing influence in the media sector, as its portfolio now includes the top two most-read tabloids in Slovakia (Plus 1 deň is the other).12
- Members of the incoming coalition government—particularly those from Smer and SNS—maintain a hostile relationship with journalists .13 Some members of these parties refused to talk to certain media outlets during the campaign.14 Several weeks after coming to power, Fico threatened to ban reporters from Aktuality.sk, Denník N, Markíza, and SME from the Office of the Government. These media outlets said any such ban would violate access to information laws. At the end of 2023, no formal ban had been instituted, but Fico and his office have refused to answer questions posed by journalists from these media outlets. 15
- Given these increasingly hostile dynamics, independent media have expressed worry that the new coalition will continue to stall needed reforms that promote media independence and the protection of journalists.
- Public trust in mainstream media remains a problem. According to one survey, only 27 percent of Slovaks trust media reporting, the third lowest figure among the 46 countries surveyed.16
- Conspiracy theories often gain traction in Slovakia. Early in the campaign, conspiracies about manipulated election results spread on social media.17 More generally, disinformation spread through social media and some “alternative” news channels remains prevalent. The campaign and subsequent ministerial appointments also legitimized some of these channels, as several candidates gave interviews to media outlets accused of spreading disinformation and echoed their narratives.18
- 1See pages 128-129 of “Programové vyhlásenie vlády Slovenskej republiky na obdobie rokov 2021 – 2024” [Program of the Government of the Slovak Republic for the yeas 2021 – 2024], 28 April 2021, https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Dynamic/DocumentPreview.aspx?DocID=494677.
- 2TASR “Poslanci schválili nový mediálny zákon, nahradí doterajšiu reguláciu” [MPs approved a new media law, it will replace current regulations]. Pravda, 22 June 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/631411-poslanci-schvalili-novy-m….
- 3Zuzana Kollárová. “Koncesionárske poplatky za RTVS od júla končia, náklady zaplatí štát” [Concessionary payments for RTVS will end in July, costs will be paid by the state], Denník N, 17 February 2023, https://e.dennikn.sk/3244454/koncesionarske-poplatky-za-rtvs-od-jula-ko….
- 4TASR. “Poslanci schválili financovanie RTVS, nový model nahrádza koncesionárske poplatky” [Parliamentarians approved financing of RTVS, new model replaces concessionary payments], Hospodárkse Noviny, 20 June 2023, https://hnonline.sk/slovensko/96089473-poslanci-schvalili-financovanie-….
- 5RTVS, “Zmena financovania predstavuje riziko pre všetky televízne programové služby, reagoval generálny riaditeľ RTVS” [Changes to financing pose a risk for all television program services, reacts general director of RTVS], RTVS, 05 December 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/12/zmena-financovania-predstavuje-riziko-pr….
- 6Filip Struhárik. “MediaBrífing: Remišová chce riešiť dezinformácie a anonymné diskusie, no jej zákon je pohroma” [MediaBriefing: Remišová wants to deal with disinformation and anonymous discussions, but her law is a disaster], Denník N, 24 March 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3298146/mediabrifing-remisova-chce-riesit-dezinforma…
- 7Martin Vančo. “Schválili zákon, ktorý uľahčí šikanu médií. Vetrák pripúšťa, že veto prezidentky neprelomia” [They approved a law, which makes it easier to bully media. Vetrák admits, that they will not overrule a presidential veto]. SME, 22 June 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23185658/milan-vetrak-zakon-media.html. Čítajte viac: https://domov.sme.sk/c/23185658/milan-vetrak-zakon-media.html
- 8“Prezidentka vetovala kritizovaný zákon o zodpovednosti za zverejňovanie informácií” [President vetoed criticized law about responsibility for publicizing information], SME, 10 July 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23192443/prezidentka-vetovala-kritizovany-zakon-….
- 9Filip Struhárik. “MediaBrífing: Penta posilnila svoj atómový kufrík, nákup Nového Času nemohol protimonopolný úrad zastaviť” [Media Briefing: Penta strengthened it atomic briefcase, the antimonopoly office could not stop the buying of Nový Čas], Denník N, 13 October 2023, https://e.dennikn.sk/3623399/mediabrifing-penta-posilnila-svoj-atomovy-….
- 10Barabara Zmušková. “Slovensko nerobí dosť pre to, aby sa vražda novinára nezopakovala” [Slovakia is not doing enough so that the murder of a journalist does not happen again], Euractiv, 21 February 2023, https://euractiv.sk/section/kultura-a-media/news/slovensko-nerobi-dost-….
- 11Michael Hudek, “Slovakia remembers five years since journalists murder,” Euractiv, 22 February 2023, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/slovakia-remembers-five-….
- 12Filip Struhárik. “MediaBrífing: Penta posilnila svoj atómový kufrík, nákup Nového Času nemohol protimonopolný úrad zastaviť” [Media Briefing: Penta strengthened it atomic briefcase, the antimonopoly office could not stop the buying of Nový Čas], Denník N, 13 October 2023, https://e.dennikn.sk/3623399/mediabrifing-penta-posilnila-svoj-atomovy-….
- 13Filip Struhárik, “MediaBrífing: Fico chce mať príjemné vzťahy s médiami, pred voľbami na ne najviac útočil” [MediaBriefing: Fico wants to have more pleasant relationships with media, before the election he attacked them the most], Denník N, 6 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3610623/mediabrifing-fico-chce-mat-prijemne-vztahy-s….
- 14“K Ficovej kritike Markízy sa pridala aj Uhríkova Republika, televízia deklaruje nestrannosť” [Uhrík’s Republika joined with Fico’s criticism of Markíza, television channel declares independence], Hospodárkse Noviny, 28 August 2023, https://hnonline.sk/parlamentne-volby-2023/96101526-k-ficovej-kritike-m…; “Dennik SME nevpustili na tlačovú konferenciu strany SNS po skončení mimoriadneho snemu” [The daily SME was not allowed to attend the press conference of the party SNS after the conclusion of congress], SME, 7 October 2023, https://www.sme.sk/minuta/23228736/dennik-sme-nevpustili-na-tlacovu-kon….
- 15Lucia Osvaldová. “Médiám nezakázali vstup na úrad vlády, Fico nebude odpovedať Markíze, Denníku N, SME a Aktualitám” [They did not ban media from the Office of the Government, Fico will not answer to Markíza, Denník N, SME, or Aktuality], Denník N, 20 November 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3687850/mediam-nezakazali-vstup-na-urad-vlady-fico-n….
- 16Filip Struhárik, “MediaBrífing: Slováci médiám stále neveria, horšie skončili len Maďarsko a Grécko” [MediaBriefing: Slovaks still do not believe media, only Hungary and Greece were worse], Denník N, 16 June 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3427529/mediabrifing-slovaci-mediam-stale-neveria-ho….
- 17“Uhrík či Fico strašia sfalšovanými voľbami: Treba sa báť tohto strašiaka? Odpovedá analytička z Transparency” [Uhrík and Fico are scaring with manipulated elections: Is it necessary to be afraid of this threat? Answers from analytics from Transparency], Startitup, 15 September 2023, https://www.startitup.sk/uhrik-ci-fico-strasia-sfalsovanymi-volbami-tre….
- 18Barbora Plávalová. “Extrémistické strany v parlamente skončili. Do koalície sa však môžu dostať jednotlivci” [Extremist parties in parliament ended, but individuals can make it into the coalition], SME, 2 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23226561/extremisticke-strany-v-parlamente-skonc…; Radka Typltová. “Slovenská ministryně kultury Martina Šimkovičová je ikonou proruské dezinfoscény, vadí i umělcům” [Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová is an icon of the pro-Russian disinfo scene], info.cz, 3 November 2023, https://www.info.cz/nazory/slovenska-ministryne-kultury-martina-simkovi…; “Nominácie SNS vyvolali rozruch: M. Šimkovičová je blízka extrémistom, R. Huliak popiera klimatickú zmenu, povedal politológ” [Nominations of SNS raised a stir: M. Šimkovičová is close to extremists, R. Huliak denies climate change, says political scientist], RTVS, 18 October 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/10/nominacie-sns-vyvolali-rozruch-m-simkovi….
Considers the decentralization of power; the responsibilities, election, and capacity of local governmental bodies; and the transparency and accountability of local authorities. | 5.506 7.007 |
- The public finances of local and regional governments remained a pressing issue in 2023.1 Self-governing regions had a budget deficit of nearly €246 million in 2022, a 105 percent increase from the prior year.2
- Causes of the budget crisis include the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy costs, and limited autonomy for self-governing regions to make fiscal decisions without the approval of the national government.3
- Analysts argue that former prime minister Matovič’s anti-inflation package passed in 2022 contributed to the budget problems. The package included a tax bonus for families that local and regional governments largely paid for.4
- The former government promised localities more than €100 million to deal with rising energy costs.5 Frustration mounted when former prime minister Ódor’s caretaker cabinet indicated that the government could not provide the funding. Eventually, a deal was reached in September in which the central government agreed to forgive loans accrued by self-governing regions during the pandemic, give local and regional governments €54 million in direct support, and help the hardest-hit municipalities on a case-by-case basis.6
- Hlas and Smer focused on these regional and local fiscal issues during the campaign, suggesting that both the previous government and the caretaker cabinet insufficiently supported localities.7 As a potential solution, several parties suggested that EU funds should be used to directly support local and regional governments.8 In October, the interim government increased the proportion of EU funds directly allocated to regions from 17 to 19 percent.9 The new government did not revisit the question before the end of the year.
- Two other important areas of concern are education and healthcare. As a result of reforms passed in 2022, teachers’ salaries increased twice in 2023.10 A 2023 reform required preschool education to be available to all children when they turn three (starting in September 2025).11 Both reforms are expected to significantly raise costs for local governments. To support the healthcare sector, the interim government offered a financial incentive to doctors willing to open walk-in clinics in underserved regions.12
- Both the interim government and numerous political parties have argued that greater decentralization is the long-term solution to the fiscal crisis.13 Proponents of decentralization argue that allowing local and regional governments more autonomy in generating revenue and explicitly delineating local, regional, and national competences and responsibilities would help avoid conflict between different levels of government. They also say decentralization would allow more flexibility to effectively address local and regional issues.14 However, little progress on this ambitious reform agenda occurred in 2023.
- 1“Prežijú samosprávy energetické cunami? Podľa analýzy centrálnej banky môžu mať vážne problémy.” [Will the self-governing regions survive the energy tsunami. According to an analysis by the Central Bank they could have serious problems]. Zoznam SK, 4 October 2022, https://openiazoch.zoznam.sk/cl/228800/Preziju-samospravy-energeticke-c….
- 2“Samosprávy vlani vygenerovali stratu presahujúcu 245 miliónov eur” [Self-governing regions generated a budget deficit of over 245 million euros last year], SME, 16 July 2023, https://index.sme.sk/c/23194612/samospravy-vlani-vygenerovali-stratu-pr….
- 3Richard Nemec, Pavol Čertik, et al, “Samosprávy sú odkázané na rozhodnutia politikov. Smer zvolal mimoriadnu schôdzu” [Self-governing regions are beholden to the decisions of politicians. Smer called a special meeting’], Noviny, 14 July 2023, https://www.noviny.sk/politika/814179-samospravy-su-odkazane-na-rozhodn….
- 4Miroslav Kollár and Peter Kremský. “POLEMIKA: Vláda ľuďom dáva, no mestám berie” [Polemic: The government gives to the people, but takes from the towns]. Pravda, 14 May 2022, https://nazory.pravda.sk/analyzy-a-postrehy/clanok/626436-polemika-vlad….
- 5Michaela Paulovič, “SaS: Samosprávy dnes padajú na kolená, môže za to Igor Matovič” [SaS: Self-governing regions are falling on their knees today, Igor Matovič is to blame], Aktuality.sk, 14 July 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/RfmNM75/sas-samospravy-dnes-padaju-na-k….
- 6Jakub Gregor, “Zachránené samosprávy? Rezort financií navrhuje odpustenie pandemických pôžičiek, dostať by mali aj ďalšie peniaze” [Saved self-governing regions? Finance Ministry recommends forgiving pandemic loans, they should also get additional money], Zoznam.sk, 1 September 2023, https://openiazoch.zoznam.sk/financie/pomoc-pre-samospravy-je-na-ceste-….
- 7Richard Nemec, Pavol Čertik, et al, “Samosprávy sú odkázané na rozhodnutia politikov. Smer zvolal mimoriadnu schôdzu” [Self-governing regions are beholden to the decisions of politicians. Smer called a special meeting’, Noviny, 14 July 2023, https://www.noviny.sk/politika/814179-samospravy-su-odkazane-na-rozhodn….
- 8“Samosprávy budú padať ako hrušky, toto je len prvá pomoc, povedal Michal Kaliňák” [Self-governing regions will fall like pears, this is only emergency aid, says Michal Kaliňák], Aktuality.sk, 18 July 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/SnUr0hk/samospravy-budu-padat-ako-hrusk….
- 9“Viac peňazí z eurofondov pôjde priamo do samospráv a regiónov” [More money from European funds will go directly to localities and regions], Ministry of Regional Development, 5 October 2023, https://mirri.gov.sk/aktuality/ministerstvo/viac-penazi-z-eurofondov-po….
- 10TASR. “Platy zamestnancov štátu už o pár dní výrazne stúpnu. O koľko si polepšíte? Pozrite si tabuľky” [Wages of state employees will increase again in a couple of days. How much better off will they be? Take a look at the tables”, Pravda, 29 August 2023, https://ekonomika.pravda.sk/ludia/clanok/679555-platy-zamestnancov-stat….
- 11“J. Horecký: Rodičia získajú právo na miesto v materskej škole pre deti od troch rokov a prinášame aj ďalšie zlepšenia v oblasti inkluzívneho vzdelávania” [J. Horecký: Parents will get the right to a place in pre-schools for children starting at three years old], Ministry of Education, 27 Feburary 2023, https://www.minedu.sk/j-horecky-rodicia-ziskaju-pravo-na-miesto-v-mater….
- 12“MAPA: Lekári môžu dostať až 80 000 € na otvorenie novej ambulancie. V týchto okresoch ich potrebujeme najviac” [MAP: Doctors can get up to 80,000 euros for opening new clinics. We need them most in these localities], Refresher, 10 October 2023, https://news.refresher.sk/146179-MAPA-Lekari-mozu-dostat-az-80-000-EUR-….
- 13“Potrebujeme inú verejnú správu, Ódor chce decentralizovať riadenie a dať viac moci regiónom” [We need a new public government. Ódor wants decentralized administration and to give more power to the regions], Hospodárkse Noviny, 3 October 2023, https://hnonline.sk/slovensko/96107817-potrebujeme-inu-verejnu-spravu-o….
- 14“Samosprávy sú pre strany a politické hnutia relevantní partneri” [Self-governing regions are relevant partners for political parties], Aktuality.sk, 3 September 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/ElIhKrQ/samospravy-su-pre-strany-a-poli….
Assesses constitutional and human rights protections, judicial independence, the status of ethnic minority rights, guarantees of equality before the law, treatment of suspects and prisoners, and compliance with judicial decisions. | 5.255 7.007 |
- Reforms passed in 2022 on the administrative-territorial structure of the court system came into effect in June.1 The reforms lowered the number of district courts from 54 to 36; consolidated cases related to commercial and family law in specific regional courts; created a new system of specialized administrative courts; and reorganized municipal courts, particularly in the two largest cities, Bratislava and Košice.2
- Some legal experts criticized these reforms and their implementation was postponed several times.3 One major challenge during implementation was appointing enough judges to some of the specialized administrative courts. It may take up two years before there are enough specialized judges to fill all vacancies.4 The consolidation of courts also means that the public faces longer travel times to appear in court. However, more court proceedings can now occur online.5
- Debates over the constitutionally appropriate use of Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure continued in 2023. While most of the parties in the previous coalition government sought to pass legislation that would curtail its use, Sme Rodina (as well as opposition parties) opposed these changes.6 Article 363 has frequently benefited Sme Rodina political figures.7 In 2023, the Prosecutor General’s Office used Article 363 to end the investigations of several notable politicians, including Smer’s Robert Kaliňák and Martin Borguľa (former member of parliament from Sme Rodina). In total, the Prosecutor General’s Office has used Article 363 in more than two dozen cases that the Special Prosecutor’s Office has investigated.8
- Given these dynamics, President Čaputová requested that the Prosecutor General’s Office provide her with materials related to all cases where Article 363 was used. Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka refused the request, suggesting that the Constitution does not give the president the right to make such a demand. President Čaputová turned to the Constitutional Court to settle the dispute, though a final verdict had not been reached by the end of the year.9 Žilinka has also refused to appear in the parliament to discuss his use of the article.10 Earlier in the year, the Constitutional Court ruled that Article 363 is constitutional.11 The ruling was in response to a suit filed by President Čaputová and more than 40 members of parliament who claimed that the vagueness of Article 363 allows for too much individual discretion in its application.12
- During the campaign, Hlas, Smer, and SNS all said they would either substantially reform or dissolve the Office of the Special Prosecutor if they won the election.13 The parties ramped up their rhetoric against the special prosecutor after they formed a governing coalition. Fico stated that Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipšic, was a “cheater” and should not head the office.14 The parties also debated dissolving the Specialized Criminal Court in January 2024.15
- The new government has pursued major changes to the criminal code. The new bill to reform the criminal code would abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which prosecutes high-level corruption cases. Under the proposed change, prosecutors and their cases would be reassigned to various regional offices and fall under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor general. Critics of the law argue that the government is attempting to dissolve the Office of the Special Prosecutor to limit anticorruption investigations. Advocates point to institutional redundancies and complexities that arise from the unclear hierarchy of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.16
- The law would also decrease the statute of limitations and shorten criminal sentences for various economic and property crimes. It would increase the financial damage thresholds that differentiate minor and major crimes. In general, the law would reduce criminal penalties for corruption (and other economic crimes) and make the crime harder to prosecute and punish.17 Critics say that the government wants these changes to benefit several political allies accused of corruption.18 Advocates contend that the reforms align Slovakia’s criminal code with European standards.19 The proposed changes have faced criticism from the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Prosecutor’s Office.20 The final vote on the law is scheduled for February 2024.
- Fico’s government has also replaced several members of Slovakia’s Judicial Council and faced criticism for nominating a judge with close ties to Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.21
- Conflict between different arms of the Slovak security services continued in 2023. Most prominently, NAKA accused two former heads of SIS, Michal Aláč and his predecessor, Vladimír Pčolinský, as well as the head of the NBÚ, Roman Konečný, with interfering in investigations. They were charged with forming a criminal organization and abuse of power.22 Several politicians condemned the charges, including Robert Fico, who called them a “coup.”23
- A final dispute in the “police war” concerned the Bureau of the Inspection Service’s indictment of several NAKA officers responsible for investigating corruption. NAKA investigators allegedly manipulated the testimony of witnesses. In turn, the Bureau of the Inspection Service has been accused of misrepresenting audio recordings to substantiate the charges.24
- These conflicts reduce the public’s confidence in judicial independence. According to one survey, only 34 percent of the population said the independence of courts and judges was “fairly good” or “very good” in 2023.25 The lack of public trust was exacerbated throughout the year by the inflammatory rhetoric of political elites.26
- Despite extensive EU funding and various civil society initiatives aimed at integration, Roma still face widespread discrimination and poverty. While various small-scale projects have had success, systematic solutions are lacking.27 Discrimination continues to stymie integration.28 The new parliament has six Roma members, all from opposition parties.29 The new government has said it would improve the precarious situation of Roma.30 But discriminatory rhetoric and policy language on welfare misuse suggest a punitive approach, and that the government is unlikely to prioritize reforms to foster Roma inclusion and protect this vulnerable population.31
- 1“Reforma súdnictva štartuje o niekoľko dní. Súdom sa kráti čas na to, aby sa pripravili” [Judicial reform starts in a couple of days. Time for courts to prepare is getting shorter], RTVS, 25 May 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/05/reforma-sudnictva-startuje-o-niekolko-dn….
- 2“Parlament schválil reformu súdnej mapy. Pozrite si, aké zmeny čaká súdny systém na Slovensku” [Parliament approved the reform of the judicial map. Take a look at what changes await the judicial system in Slovakia], Noviny, 27 April 2022, https://www.noviny.sk/slovensko/678269-parlament-schvalil-reformu-sudne….
- 3"Hromadnú pripomienku k novej súdnej mape podpísalo už viac ako 800 sudcov" [A collective comment on the reform of courts signed by more than 800 judges], Denník N, 1 March 2021, https://dennikn.sk/minuta/2290504/.
- 4“Problémy súdnej mapy: Bratislavský správny súd má nedostatok sudcov, podobne aj iné súdy” [Problems of the judicial map: Bratislava administrative court does not have enough judges, other courts face similar problem], RTVS, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/07/problemy-sudnej-mapy-bratislavsky-spravn….
- 5Michal Katuška, “Najväčšia reforma súdov: Prečo v Justičnom paláci už rodinné spory nevyriešite? (otázky a odpovede)” [Biggest court reform: Why you cannot solve family disputes in the Palace of Justice any more (questions and answers)], SME, 30 May 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23175550/sudna-reforma-otazky-a-odpovede-mapa-su….
- 6“Kollár čelí kritike v súvislosti s paragrafom 363. Stanovisko parlamentu nedoručil Ústavnému súdu” [Kollár is facing criticism related to Article 363. He did not deliver the opinion of Parliament to the Constitutional Court], RTVS, 29 March 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/03/kollar-celi-kritike-v-suvislosti-s-parag….
- 7Maria Benedikovičová and Veronika Prušová, “Odkryli sme, ako u Žilinku používajú paragraf 363 v prospech prominentov” [We uncovered how Žilinka uses Article 363 in favor of prominents], Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3553521/odkryli-sme-ako-u-zilinku-pouzivaju-paragraf….
- 8“ [We uncovered how Žilinka uses Article 363 in favor of prominents],” https://dennikn.sk/3553521/odkryli-sme-ako-u-zilinku-pouzivaju-paragraf….
- 9“Žilinka odmietol dať Čaputovej rozhodnutia podľa paragrafu 363. Hlava štátu sa obracia na Ústavný súd” [Žilinka refused to give Čaputová decisions made according to Article 363. The Head of State will turn to the Constitutional Court”, Pravda, 12 September 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/681166-caputova-ziada-o-vyklad-u….
- 10“Ústavnoprávny výbor nerokoval. Neprišli poslanci zo Smeru, Hlasu, Sme rodina a ani M. Žilinka” [The Committee on Constitutional Law did not debate. Members of parliament from Smer, Hlas, Sme Rodina did not come, and neither did M. Žilinka], RTVS, 25 September 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/09/ustavnopravny-vybor-nerokoval-neprisli-p….
- 11Peter Šamko, “Kompletné znenie nálezu Ústavného súdu SR vo veci ustanovenia § 363 Tr. por.” [Complete wording of the decision of Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic regarding the provision of Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure], Právne Listy, 22 June 2023, https://www.pravnelisty.sk/clanky/a1243-kompletne-znenie-nalezu-ustavne….
- 12Veronika Prušová, “Ústavný súd neruší paragraf 363, s návrhom neuspeli prezidentka ani poslanci” [Constitutional Court will not remove Article 363, the president and members of parliament did not succeed with their claim], Denník N, 21 June 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3435078/ustavny-sud-nerusi-paragraf-363-s-navrhom-ne….
- 13“Fico chce zrušiť špeciálnu prokuratúru, vymeniť policajného prezidenta a zastaviť vyšetrovanie korupčných káuz, tvrdí OĽaNO” [Fico wants to disband the Special Prosecutor’s Office, change the police president, and stop the investigations of corruption cases, claims OĽaNO], Pravda, 2 October 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/683578-fico-chce-zrusit-specialn….
- 14Peter Madro, “Podľa Fica je Lipšic podvodník. Ten mu odkazuje, že sa ho nebojí. Z boja neutekám, zdôraznil špeciálny prokurátor” [According to Fico, Lipšic is a cheater. He is telling him that he is not afraid of him. I don’t run from battle, stressed the Special Prosecutor], Pravda, 3 October 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/683718-lipsic-zo-ziadneho-boja-s….
- 15Ján Ivančík. “Dôjde k zrušeniu špeciálnej prokuratúry? Špecializované trestné inštitúcie sú pod paľbou desaťročia” [Will it come to the dissolution of the Special Prosecutor’s Office? Specialized criminal institutions are under fire], Postoj, 26 September 2023, https://www.postoj.sk/138568/specializovane-trestne-institucie-su-pod-p….
- 16Pavol Krasko, “Diskusia o rušení špeciálnej prokuratúry online: Debatujú Lipšic, Šamko či Kosová” [Discussion about abolishing the Special Prosecutor online: Lipšic, Šamko and Kosová debate], HNOnline.sk, 30 January 2024, https://hnonline.sk/slovensko/96128466-diskusia-o-ruseni-specialnej-pro…,
- 17Via Iuris, “Pozrite si, čo všetko spôsobí vládna novela Trestného zákona (analýza Via Iuris a tabuľky)” [Take a look at what all the government’s amendment to the Criminal Code will cause (analysis of Via Iuris)], Aktuality.sk, 29 January 2024, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/7EGE0tV/pozrite-si-co-vsetko-sposobi-vl….
- 18Annamária Dömeová, “Novela trestných kódexov: Vláda zrovná kajúcnikov a otvorí už právoplatné dohody” [Amendments to criminal codes: Government will settle with the indicted, and open legally binding agreements], Aktuality.sk, 7 December 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/JvVQBYn/novela-trestnych-kodexov-vlada-….
- 19Henrieta Mihalková. “Menej mreží, viac domáceho väzenia. Trestný zákon sa po rokoch rýchlo a výrazne mení, ukrýva aj perličky” [Less jail cells, more in-home detention. Criminal law will change quickly and substantively after many years], Pravda, 10 December 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/691468-trestny-zakon-zmeny-novel….
- 20“Eurokomisia vyzvala vládu, aby nemenila trestný zákon a nerušila špeciálnu prokuratúru” [European Commission appealed to the government to not change the Criminal Code and to not abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor], SME, 6 December 2023, https://svet.sme.sk/c/23253525/eurokomisia-vyzvala-vladu-aby-nemenila-t…?.
- 21MNT.sk. “Vláda posiela do súdnej rady advokáta policajta na úteku Kučerku aj notárku, ktorá robila úkony pre firmy blízke Kaliňákovi” [Government is sending a lawyer for a police officer on the run, Kučerka, and a notary who took actions for frims close to Kaliňák]. Denník N, 2 November 2023, https://dennikn.sk/minuta/3658313/.
- 22Laura Kellöova, “Akcia Rozuzlenie: O obvinených riaditeľoch SIS prehovoril utajený svedok. Hovorí o zneužívaní tajnej služby” [Akcia Rozuzlenie: About accused directors of SIS spoke a secret witness, talked about abuse of the secret service], Aktuality.sk, 20 August 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/jgB4dkq/akcia-rozuzlenie-o-obvinenych-r….
- 23Barbora Plávalová. “Diskreditovali, manipulovali, a chceli aj pomôcť Gašparovi. Z čoho vinia Pčolinského a Aláča?” [They discredited, manipulated, and wanted to even help Gašpar. Why are they accusing Pčolinský and Aláč], SME, 20 August 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23207255/kauza-rozuzlenie-utajeny-svedok-vypoved….
- 24Annamária Dömeová and Laura Kellöová, “Inšpekcia použila vo vojne v polícii nesprávny prepis odposluchu. Policajtov obvinila aj za to, čo nepovedali” [Inspection used in the police war incorrect transcriptions of recordings. They accused the police of things they did not say], Aktuality.sk, 1 March 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/8Ax2Bto/inspekcia-pouzila-vo-vojne-v-po….
- 25See page 3 of “2023 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Slovakia” European Commission, 5 July 2023, https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2023-07/56_1_52633_coun_chap_….
- 26Dominik Hutko, “Mazák pred voľbou členov Súdnej rady: Politizácia sa musí vylúči” [Maźak before the election of the Judicial Council: Politicization must be ruled out]. Pravda, 21 April 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/624068-mazak-pred-volbou-clenov-….
- 27Mária Pietová, “Situácia s Rómami sa desaťročia nemení, KDH žiada ohodnotenie práce pastoračných pracovníkov v rómskych komunitách” [The situation of the Roma has not changed in ten years, KDH is asking to evaluate the work of pastors in Roma communities], SITA, 6 April 2023, https://sita.sk/kdh-ziada-trvale-ohodnotenie-prace-pastoracnych-pracovn….
- 28Findor, A., Hruška, M., Hlatky, R., Hrustič, T. and Bošeľová, Z., 2023. Equality, reciprocity, or need? Bolstering welfare policy support for marginalized groups with distributive fairness, American Political Science Review, 117(3), pp.805-821.
- 29Denisa Gdovinová, “V parlamente bude šesť rómskych poslancov. Budeme silný blok voči extrémizmu Roberta Fica, hovorí Pollák” [Six Roma representatives will be in parliament. We will be a strong bloc against the extremism of Robert Fico, says Pollák”], Denník N, 5 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3608941/v-parlamente-bude-sest-romskych-poslancov-bu….
- 30See “Programové vyhlásenie vlády na roky 2023 – 2027” [Government Program Statement for 2023-2027], https://www.omediach.com/tlacove-spravy/25661-programove-vyhlasenie-vla….
- 31Denisa Gdovinová and Dušan Karolyi, “Úspech OĽaNO v osadách nie je len o päťsto eurách. Rómom za Matoviča rástli výplaty a volili aj proti rasistickým rečiam Fica” [The success of OĽaNO in Roma communities is not only about five-hundred euros. Roma wages grew under Matovič, and they also voted against the racist language of Fico], Denník N, 3 October 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3604601/uspech-olano-v-osadach-nie-je-len-o-patsto-e….
Looks at public perceptions of corruption, the business interests of top policymakers, laws on financial disclosure and conflict of interest, and the efficacy of anticorruption initiatives. | 4.004 7.007 |
- Efforts to combat corruption continued throughout 2023. As of August, more than 40 individuals, including judges, members of the security services, and other public officials had been convicted of corruption since the 2020 elections (when Smer last lost power).1
- As in 2022, 2023 saw prominent political figures indicted, largely due to the cooperation and testimony of other indicted individuals.2 Many of the indicted, such as Robert Kaliňák and Tibor Gašpar, had also been indicted in 2022. However, prosecutions were hampered by the seemingly arbitrary use of Article 363, as well as inter-branch conflict within the Slovak security forces. Likewise, these disputes allowed political elites to continue politicizing anticorruption efforts.
- Government mismanagement and political polarization undermined public trust in institutions. In January, surveys revealed historically low public trust in both the government and the parliament, with only 14 percent of the population indicating that they trusted either institution.3 While public trust rebounded under the Ódor and Fico governments, it remained low relative to the EU average.4 5
- Since 2021, Article 363 has been used in more than two dozen cases. Proponents—including all parties in the new government coalition—say the article ensures that investigations are conducted properly and prevents politically motivated charges. However, many opponents of the article say the Prosecutor General uses it arbitrarily and that it acts as a major barrier to effective corruption prosecutions.6
- In June, former SNS head Ján Slota was found guilty of influencing judicial proceedings. 7 Slota was also charged with bribery but was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.8 The case concerned a 2013 automobile accident in which an acquaintance of Slota’s killed another individual. Slota was accused of arranging a €15,000 bribe so that the court would rule in his acquaintance’s favor. 9
- Another notable case is that of Peter Kažimír, the former Smer-appointed minister of finance and current governor of the National Bank of Slovakia. Kažimír is on trial for bribery stemming from his time as minister of finance. While Kažimír’s first indictment was annulled by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the police had sufficient evidence to bring new bribery charges in October.10
- Following his 2022 indictment for organizing a criminal group, Robert Kaliňák was indicted in February for arranging bribes for the former head of the tax authority, František Imrecze. Kaliňák allegedly arranged €1 million euros in payments over five years. 11 The accusation was based on the testimony of Imrecze himself, who is cooperating as a state witness in various corruption cases.12 Just as in 2022, the Prosecutor General’s Office annulled the charges using Article 363 in August.13
- NAKA also charged former police chief Tibor Gašpar with corruption in August. He is accused of creating a network of investigators that would choose which cases to pursue based on political requests.14 Unlike Gašpar’s 2022 charge of forming a criminal organization, this indictment was not annulled by the Prosecutor General’s Office. Gašpar is one of four indicted individuals elected to the parliament in 2023, and had not yet been tried by the end of the year.15
- In an unprecedented move, the Office of Whistleblower Protection granted several police investigators protected whistleblower status in 2023. If the new government wanted to remove these investigators, they would have to receive permission from the Office of Whistleblower Protection.16
- In one of his first acts as interior minister, Matúš Šutaj Eštok removed some of these protected investigators (as well as other members of the security services) from active duty without the required approval from the Office of Whistleblower Protection.17 He justified his decision by referencing the various accusations levied against the investigators by other branches of the security services.18 In the resulting legal disputes, judges have ruled in favor of the removed investigators in four of seven cases.19 In December, the government proposed a new law that would not allow police officers to receive any whistleblower protection.20
- Amendments to the Whistleblower Law were also passed in October, which expanded the definition of a whistleblower, strengthened protection against retaliation, and redefined retaliation. The changes brought the law in line with EU standards, although Slovakia was one of the last member states to transpose the relevant 2019 directive.21
AUTHOR: Roman Hlatky is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of North Texas. His research focuses on links between identity and voting, and appears in journals such as the American Political Science Review, East European Politics, Electoral Studies, and Political Research Quarterly.
- 1Veronika Prušová. “Odsúdili už viac ako 40 zločincov z éry Smeru. Nie sú len spolupracujúci obvinení, nedostali iba podmienky” [Over 40 criminals from the Smer era have been sentenced], Denník N, 28 August 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3532879/odsudili-uz-viac-ako-40-zlocincov-z-ery-smer….
- 2Katarína Ács, “Kajúcnik Makó vypovedá na NAKA. Ukáže prstom aj na ďalších skorumpovaných ľudí?” [The accused Makó is giving testimony to NAKA. Will he point to other corrupt individuals?]. Tv Noviny, 18 February 2021, https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/128398-kajucnik-mako-vypoveda-na-naka….
- 3Kristína Valovičova, “Eurobarometer ukázal, čo najviac trápi Slovákov aj historické minimá dôvery vo vládu a parlament” [Eurobarometer shows what bothers Slovaks the most, as well as historical lows in trust of the government and parliament], SITA, 01 April 2023, https://news.google.com/search?q=Eurobarometer%20uk%C3%A1zal%2C%20%C4%8….
- 4Milan Špak, “PRIESKUM: Ódorovej vláde dôveruje každý tretí Slovák. Ako je na tom v porovnaní s Matovičovou či Ficovou?” [Survey: Ódor’s government is trusted by every third Slovak. How does he compare to Matovič’s and Fico’s?], tvnoviny.sk, 11 June 2023, https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/844215-prieskum-odorovej-vlade-doveru….
- 5SITA, “Parlamentu dôveruje 36 percent ľudí, Slovensko sa priblížilo k štátom Únie” [Parliament is trust by 36 percent of people. Slovakia is getting closer to other Union states], SME, 28 December 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23261654/parlamentu-doveruje-36-percent-ludi-slo….
- 6Maria Benedikovičová and Veronika Prušová, “Odkryli sme, ako u Žilinku používajú paragraf 363 v prospech prominentov” [We uncovered how Žilinka uses Article 363 in favor of prominents], Denník N, 12 September 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3553521/odkryli-sme-ako-u-zilinku-pouzivaju-paragraf….
- 7Iva Zigová, “Exšéf SNS Ján Slota dostal podmienku, nie však za korupciu” [Ex-Boss of SNS Ján Slota got probation, but not for corruption], Aktuality.sk, 9 June 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/Wn7g3rS/exsef-sns-jan-slota-dostal-podm….
- 8Iva Zigová, “Exšéf SNS Ján Slota dostal podmienku, nie však za korupciu” [Ex-Boss of SNS Ján Slota got probation, but not for corruption], Aktuality.sk, 9 June 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/Wn7g3rS/exsef-sns-jan-slota-dostal-podm….
- 9Iva Zigová, “Exšéf SNS Ján Slota dostal podmienku, nie však za korupciu” [Ex-Boss of SNS Ján Slota got probation, but not for corruption], Aktuality.sk, 9 June 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/Wn7g3rS/exsef-sns-jan-slota-dostal-podm….
- 10“Proces s Kažimírom by mal v pondelok pokračovať výsluchom svedkov” [The Process with Kažimír should continue on Monday with witness testimony], SME, 14 October 2023, https://domov.sme.sk/c/23231616/proces-s-kazimirom-by-mal-v-pondelok-po….
- 11Dominik Hutko, Pravda. “Kaliňák s Brhelom obvinení za 1,1 milióna eur na úplatkoch. Je to úplná blbosť, hovorí Kaliňák” [Kaliňák and Brhela accused of 1.1 million euros in bribe. It is completely ridicloous, says Kaliňák], Pravda, 2 February 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/655704-naka-obvinila-kalinaka-a-….
- 12Dominik Hutko, Pravda. “Kaliňák s Brhelom obvinení za 1,1 milióna eur na úplatkoch. Je to úplná blbosť, hovorí Kaliňák” [Kaliňák and Brhela accused of 1.1 million euros in bribe. It is completely ridicloous, says Kaliňák], Pravda, 2 February 2022, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/655704-naka-obvinila-kalinaka-a-….
- 13Mária Benedikovičová, “Na generálnej prokuratúre podnikli výnimočné kroky, keď Kaliňákovi rušili obvinenie cez paragraf 363” [The General Proescutor’s Office took extraordinary steps when they annulled Kaliňák’s charges using Article 363], Denník N, 8 August 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3512720/na-generalnej-prokurature-podnikli-vynimocne….
- 14Veronika Prušová, “Gašpar už je na slobode. Podľa polície sa prihováral za Širokého aj Výboha” [Gašpar is already free], Denník N, 13 August 2023, https://dennikn.sk/3519965/gaspar-uz-je-na-slobode-podla-policie-sa-pri….
- 15“Voliči do parlamentu posunuli aj kandidátov, ktorí sú obvinení z trestných činov” [Voters supported candidates who are accused of crimes], RTVS, 2 October 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/10/volici-do-parlamentu-posunuli-aj-kandida….
- 16Martin Šálek, “Čurillovci“ získali status chránených oznamovateľov, reagoval aj Fico” [“Čurillovci” received protected whistleblower status, Fico reacted]. SITA, 18 October 2023, https://sita.sk/curillovci-ziskali-status-chranenych-oznamovatelov-co-t….
- 17Ján Debnár, “Za ministra Šutaja Eštoka už postavili mimo služby 32 policajtov” [Under minister Šutaj Eštoka, 32 police officers were removed from service], Aktuality.sk, 23 November 2023, https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/KLd3824/za-ministra-sutaja-estoka-uz-po….
- 18“Kauzu okolo čurillovcov viedol zaujatý vyšetrovateľ, rozhodla policajná inšpekcia” [Scandal around Čurrila investigators was led by a biased investigator, decided Police Inspection Office], RTVS, 7 November 2023, https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2023/11/kauzu-okolo-curillovcov-viedol-zaujaty-v….
- 19Henrieta Mihalková, “Skóre je 2:1. Vyšetrovateľ Čurilla sa do práce nevráti, rozhodol súd. Šutaj Eštok odstavil už desiatky policajtov” [The score is 2:1. Investigators around Čurilla will not retrun to work, decided the court. Šutaj Eštok has removed tens of police], Pravda, 25 November 2023, https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/689644-curillovci-jan-curilla-ma….
- 20“Ficova vláda; Úrad na ochranu whistleblowerov; Vojna v polícii” [Fico’s government; Office of Whistleblower Protection; Police War], Denník N, 06 December 2023, https://dennikn.sk/minuta/3715784/?.
- 21“Slovakia,” EU Whistleblowing Monitor, nd, https://www.whistleblowingmonitor.eu/?country=slovakia.
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Country Facts
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Population
5,432,000 -
Global Freedom Score
90 100 free