10 Questions
What is the concern of critics regarding the actions of Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico and his friend Viktor Orbán?
Undermining checks and balances and cementing power while taking a friendlier stance toward Russia.
What is the consequence of Slovakia's government decision to close down a special prosecutor's office focused on high-level corruption?
The possibility that the EU could freeze some funding allocated to Slovakia.
What is the proposed legislation that has triggered worries in the EU and among NGOs?
Labeling civil society groups that receive more than €5,000 (£4,300) a year in international funding as 'organisations with foreign support'.
Who met with Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava to discuss issues related to the rule of law and EU values?
The European Commission's Vice-President Věra Jourová.
What is the concern of journalists in Slovakia regarding the government's decision to replace the country's public broadcaster?
Opening it up to political influence.
What is the purpose of the bill according to Rado Sloboda, Amnesty International Slovakia’s director?
A full-frontal assault on civil society
Who did Peter Pellegrini defeat in the presidential election last month?
A pro-western diplomat
What is the main concern of Slovakia's progressive opposition regarding the rule of law standards?
The fear of erosion of rule of law standards
What did the Eurobarometer poll published last month show about the respondents' views on the direction of their country?
54% of Slovak respondents said things are going in the wrong direction
What was the outcome of the initiative to collect funds to buy ammunition for Ukraine?
More than €4m was raised with over 63,000 participants
Study Notes
Slovakia's Political Situation
- Fears are growing that Slovakia is following Hungary's path away from the rule of law under populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's government.
- Fico has taken aim at the media, NGOs, and prosecutors, similar to his friend Viktor Orbán in Hungary, to undermine checks and balances and cement his power.
Media and Civil Society
- The government's decision to replace the public broadcaster has raised concerns about political influence over the media.
- A proposed bill would label civil society groups receiving more than €5,000 a year in international funding as "organisations with foreign support", sparking worries about the stigmatisation of critical NGOs.
EU Relations and Funding
- The European Commission's vice-president, Věra Jourová, met with Fico to discuss anti-corruption safeguards and EU funding.
- The EU could freeze some funding allocated to Slovakia due to concerns about its anti-corruption efforts.
Political Opposition
- The progressive opposition is frustrated by the recent presidential election outcome, which saw a Fico ally defeat a pro-western diplomat.
- The opposition believes that there are lessons to be learned from recent disappointments and that they can win with a new strategy.
Public Sentiment
- A Eurobarometer poll showed that 54% of Slovak respondents believe "things are going in the wrong direction" in their country.
- Over 63,000 people participated in an initiative to collect funds to buy ammunition for Ukraine, raising more than €4m, demonstrating that many Slovaks disagree with government policies.
Slovakia's opposition determined to prove citizens want a democratic future as PM Robert Fico takes aim at media, NGOs, and prosecutors. Is Fico following Hungary's path away from the rule of law? Test your knowledge on Slovakia's current political situation.
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