Slovakia Faces Nationwide Protests Over Proposed Penal Code Changes

Prime Minister Robert Fico's plan to abolish special prosecutors' office and amend penal code sparks public outcry and international concern.

Thousands of people across Slovakia have been protesting against a plan by Prime Minister Robert Fico to amend the penal code and abolish the special prosecutors’ office.
The proposed changes include reducing punishments for corruption and other crimes, and significantly shortening the statute of limitations.
The ruling coalition has used a fast-track parliamentary procedure to approve the changes, limiting discussion and bypassing usual legislative review processes.
President Zuzana Čaputová has stated that the proposed changes jeopardize the rule of law and could cause 'unpredictable' damage to society.
The European Parliament has questioned Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption if the changes are adopted, and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has said Slovakia’s plans threaten the protection of the EU’s financial interests and its anti-corruption framework.