Slovakia Protests Against Government's Plan to Scrap Anti-Corruption Office

Prime Minister Robert Fico's proposed changes face criticism from Slovak President and international bodies, as thousands rally in opposition.

Thousands of Slovaks have protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico's government's plans to fast-track criminal law changes, including scrapping a special prosecutor's office focused on corruption.
The government aims to approve the legislation by Christmas, which would disband the special prosecutor's office as soon as January.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has criticized the proposed changes, saying they include unacceptable political meddling and could weaken the position of whistle-blowers.
The European Commission and the United States have urged Slovakia not to make hasty changes.
Since the 2020 victory of an anti-Fico government coalition, the special prosecutor's office has investigated over 100 people, including police and judicial officials and influential businessmen.