Slovakia: Fico moves against rule of law
Just weeks after his inauguration as Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico has announced plans to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office that deals with corruption and serious crime, as promised during his campaign. The office's head, special prosecutor Daniel Lipšic, was the lawyer who represented the parents of murdered journalist Ján Kuciak in 2018. Fico's move has prompted a warning from Brussels and demonstrations across the country.
A personal crusade
Fico is clearly in a hurry, the Tages-Anzeiger points out:
“Fighting corruption is something that Fico really does not like. After all, he himself has already been targeted by the investigative authorities for putting together a criminal organisation. And his party friends, confidants and acquaintances are still under scrutiny. But now Fico can put an end to all that, because as of October he is once again Slovakian PM. ... His goal: to have the recently passed cabinet decision ratified in parliament before Christmas.”
Time to look reality in the eye
For Új Szó the move is clear proof that the only thing Fico and Smer are interested in is power:
“Did we not realise why they fought tooth and nail to seize power for the fourth time? Do we really believe that it was to lower energy costs or abolish immigration? ... And now they want to scrap the Special Prosecutor's Office. And they know full well why. ... For them it takes priority over curbing inflation. Let's open our eyes and use our common sense!”
This will cause trouble - not just with the EU
Denník N comments on the reactions in Slovakia and abroad:
“The Slovakian opposition will undoubtedly use all legal means to at least delay the adoption of the amendments. President Zuzana Čaputová has already indicated that she will make use of her right of veto. ... And then there is the EU, which has already expressed displeasure at the speed. None of this will stop Fico, but depending on his determination and the persistence of his critics' resistance, the prime minister and his entire government could end up suffering the first serious political damage both at home and in Brussels.”