Slovak Government's Plan to Close Special Prosecutor's Office Sparks Protests

Critics argue the move threatens the rule of law and could lead Slovakia to abandon its pro-Western course.

Slovakia's new government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has approved an amendment to the country's penal code to close the special prosecutor's office that deals with serious crimes and corruption.
The move has sparked protests, with hundreds rallying in the capital, Bratislava, arguing that the plan threatens the rule of law.
The changes will return the prosecution of major crimes to regional prosecutors' offices, which have not handled such cases for nearly two decades.
Critics fear that Fico's return to power could lead Slovakia to abandon its pro-Western course, following the example of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Under the previous government, dozens of senior officials, police officers, judges, prosecutors, politicians, and businesspeople linked to Fico's party have been charged and convicted of corruption and other crimes.