Slovakia must not follow Orban’s dark path away from democracy
Rule of law in Slovakia
Today, Members of the European Parliament voted on a joint motion on the rule of law in Slovakia, initiated by the Greens/EFA Group. The situation regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia has deteriorated sharply. The Fico government has weakened anti-corruption measures and judicial institutions. At the same time concerns are growing over the misuse of EU funds in the country, mounting pressure on media freedom, and attacks on fundamental rights.
Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the LIBE Committee responsible for the file, comments:
"Slovakia is headed down a dark path away from democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Robert Fico’s government is trying to emulate Orbán’s failed autocracy with the removal of anti-corruption bodies, changes to the penal code, and undoing whistleblower protection. This is more than just regression on the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia, it’s a concerted effort to dismantle the very institutions that hold democracy together.
“We have seen reports of luxury villas linked to people close to Fico being financed with EU funds. Cases like these pose a clear and significant risk to the financial interests of the European Union. The Commission must seriously assess whether the Slovak government risks breaching European values. “
The Commission should use all available enforcement and infringement tools to ensure that Slovakia abides by the EU treaties and upholds the rule of law and fundamental rights.The Commission cannot stand idly by. It must not allow Slovakia to descend into the kind of illiberal backsliding seen under Orbán, which the Hungarian people endured for well over a decade.”
