Slovakia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score has dropped from 54 to 49 points, marking its worst decline on record and widening its gap from the EU average to 13 points. Transparency International directly links this deterioration to Robert Fico’s government, which took office in 2023 and dismantled anti-corruption institutions, weakened penalties, and dropped prosecutions. The abolition of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and National Criminal Agency (NAKA) has crippled law enforcement, leading to a historic low of 50 recorded corruption cases and only 90 prosecutions in 2024. Meanwhile, controversial legal changes have effectively granted amnesty to former ministers and businessmen close to Fico, including Ján Počiatek, Peter Kažimír, and Miroslav Výboh. The government has also conducted political purges, replaced 55% of senior officials, restricted public information, and intensified attacks on independent media and NGOs. With Slovakia now ranking among the six most corrupt EU countries and behind Czechia and Poland in the Visegrád Group, protests have erupted across the country. The European Commission and the Council of Europe warn that Slovakia’s rule of law is in rapid decline, raising concerns about its international standing and economic future.
Historic Decline in Corruption Ranking
Slovakia’s CPI score fell from 54 to 49 points, marking its worst performance to date. Transparency International describes the drop as “exceptional within the European Union,” noting that only Cyprus and Malta have experienced worse declines in the past decade. The report links this deterioration to the policies of the fourth government of Robert Fico, which took office in 2023.
The CPI is based on assessments from independent institutions that analyse governance over the past one to two years. Nine out of the ten indexes contributing to Slovakia’s score now reflect Fico’s government, whereas last year’s ranking still considered the administrations of Eduard Heger and Ľudovít Ódor.
Dismantling of Anti-Corruption Structures
According to Transparency International, several recent reforms have severely weakened anti-corruption safeguards and bypassed public participation. The government abolished the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the National Criminal Agency (NAKA), both of which were responsible for investigating corruption and organised crime. At the same time, it shortened statutes of limitations for corruption-related offences, reduced penalties, and dropped prosecutions. These changes have limited the ability of law enforcement to pursue corruption cases effectively.
The government has also engaged in political nominations, legislative shortcuts, and direct attacks on independent institutions and media. Civil society organisations, particularly non-governmental organisations (NGOs) advocating for transparency and democracy, have come under pressure. The government has promoted rhetoric portraying NGOs as “foreign agents,” a narrative reminiscent of Russian propaganda.
Corruption Cases and Legal Implications
Transparency International notes that recent legislative changes have effectively granted amnesty to several individuals implicated in past corruption cases. Among them are Ján Počiatek, former finance minister; Peter Kažimír, current central bank governor and former finance minister; and Peter Žiga, former economy minister. Businessmen Miroslav Výboh, a close ally of Fico, and Peter Košč, an intelligence-linked entrepreneur, have also benefited.
A particularly controversial case is that of Dušan Kováčik, the former Special Prosecutor convicted of corruption. He was released following a legal appeal by Justice Minister Boris Susko, despite being sentenced for taking bribes and obstructing justice. Kováčik has since been convicted in another bribery case, reinforcing concerns about selective justice.
The effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling corruption has declined significantly. In 2024, police recorded only 50 corruption cases, the lowest figure in a decade. The number of individuals prosecuted for corruption has dropped to 90, another historic low.
Weakening of the Rule of Law
Beyond corruption-specific policies, Transparency International warns that the government has taken broader steps to weaken the rule of law. Legislation is increasingly passed without public consultation, often through fast-tracked parliamentary procedures that limit scrutiny. Access to public information has been restricted, public procurement laws have been weakened, and threats to media independence have increased.
The government has also carried out extensive political purges. Transparency International reports that 55% of senior officials in state institutions were replaced within the first year of Fico’s government. The European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report has criticised Slovakia for failing to make progress on previous anti-corruption recommendations. Similarly, the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) has raised concerns about the government’s failure to strengthen judicial independence.
Growing Public and International Backlash
According to Transparency International’s Expert Consultation on Corruption – Slovakia 2024, Slovak experts overwhelmingly expected the country’s CPI ranking to decline. Eighty-six percent of respondents anticipated a drop, and 28% predicted a significant fall. The survey also found that 90% of experts believe the government lacks any real intent to combat corruption.
Public dissatisfaction has escalated into widespread anti-government protests across Slovakia in early 2025. The government has dismissed these demonstrations and, at times, linked them to alleged coup attempts, attempting to discredit the opposition.
Slovakia’s Position in the EU and Globally
Slovakia’s gap from the EU average in corruption perception has widened. In 2023, it was 10 points below the EU average; in 2024, the gap increased to 13 points, with Slovakia scoring 49 points against the EU’s 62-point average. Among EU member states, Slovakia now ranks sixth worst, ahead of only Croatia, Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.
Within the Visegrád Group (V4), which includes Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary, Slovakia now ranks behind Czechia, which holds 46th place with 56 points, and Poland, which is in 53rd place with 53 points. Only Hungary, ranked 82nd with 41 points, has a worse standing.
Globally, the least corrupt countries remain Denmark, Finland, and Singapore. Among post-communist nations, Estonia performs the best, ranking 13th with a score of 76. Russia, which ranks 154th with 22 points, is the most corrupt European country. Ukraine, which has been implementing anti-corruption reforms while fighting a war with Russia, is ranked 105th with 35 points.
Corruption’s Impact Beyond Governance
Transparency International warns that corruption exacerbates global challenges, particularly climate change adaptation. The report states that “while billions of people worldwide face climate change impacts, funds for adaptation remain insufficient. Corruption intensifies these challenges and poses further risks to vulnerable communities.”
Future Outlook: Will Slovakia’s Decline Continue?
Slovakia’s political future remains uncertain, with increasing discussions of early elections. However, Transparency International warns that if the current trends continue, Slovakia could fall even further in the CPI rankings, surpassing its worst historical position of 62nd place in 2012.
The organisation highlights the risk of further deterioration in corruption perception, rule of law, and government accountability, all of which could harm Slovakia’s international standing and economic stability. Whether the country can reverse this trajectory will depend on political developments in the coming months.
Source: Transparency International Slovakia
