Please note: The following text is a translation of content provided by a partner organisation. The Slovak Media Monitor presents it as is.
The consolidation package will hurt, but the pro-corruption package is devastating the country☝️ We have summarised how the government has fared in its fight against corruption during its first year:
1️⃣ Dismantling of investigative units.
The Prime Minister and ministers wasted no time after the elections. They set about dismantling the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the National Criminal Agency (NAKA). For over 12 years, previous Fico governments had no issue with these institutions. The turning point came when they started investigating “our people.” Today, top investigators have been reduced to patrol officers 👮 or are facing absurd charges.
2️⃣ By amending the Criminal Code, the government declared a great amnesty… not for infidelity, but for corruption☝️
Criminal proceedings were halted, for example, against Peter Žiga (HLAS), who himself voted for the amendment. Dušan Kováčik is serving a sentence for accepting a bribe… but is at liberty, thanks to the intervention of the Minister of Justice🤦♂️. The bribe was allegedly given by businessman Peter Košč, who is also off the hook thanks to the amendment. Even Miroslav Výboh, the Prime Minister’s friend, no longer needs to fear punishment.
3️⃣ The amendment was also penned by the accused Tibor Gašpar, who will receive a lighter sentence if convicted thanks to it.
His son, Pavol Gašpar, has taken control of Slovakia’s “CIA.” Dubious and non-transparent appointments, unlawful procedures, chaos in ministries, and attacks on journalists have become commonplace since 25 October 2023.
❗️We consider this year as one of the worst for justice in Slovakia and a significant step backwards. The European Commission also rated it negatively in its report.
Originally published on Facebook on 24 of October 2024
