Massive Protests in Slovakia Over Prime Minister Fico's Criminal Code Amendments

Proposed changes include abolition of special prosecutor's office and reduced corruption penalties, sparking widespread public outcry.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of major cities in Slovakia to protest against the plans of the new government of Prime Minister Robert Fico to amend the country's criminal code.
The proposed changes include the abolition of the special prosecutor's office that deals with serious crimes, including bribery, organized crime, and extremism. Instead, such cases would be investigated by regional prosecutors, who have not dealt with such crimes for 20 years.
The legislation passed by Fico's government requires parliamentary and presidential approval, but the three-party coalition has the majority to overcome an expected veto by President Zuzana Chaputova.
Chaputova has said she is also prepared to use a constitutional challenge to the legislation. However, it is unclear how the Constitutional Court will be able to make a decision.
Since Fico’s government came to power, some elite investigators and police officials who deal with top corruption cases have been dismissed or furloughed. The planned changes in the legal system also include a reduction in punishments for corruption.