Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) rejected a report by Transparency International (TI) on Slovakia’s drop in the corruption perceptions index, describing it as political defamation, arguing that since the formation of the current government at the end of 2023, its representatives haven't faced any corruption scandals.
Fico pointed out that the government had cut funding to the Slovak branch of the organisation. According to the Prime Minister, TI's arguments, such as penal law reform and other government's moves, are in line with its manifesto.
Slovakia placed 59th in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), dropping 12 places in the ranking created by Transparency International compared to the historical best 47th place in 2023.
Slovakia scored 49 out of 100, five points lower than in 2023. "In one year of Robert Fico's government, Slovakia's score has plummeted as numerous reforms weaken anti-corruption checks and bypass public consultations," said Transparency International, pointing to the scrapping of the Special Prosecutor's Office and the National Crime Agency, which were responsible for fighting corruption and serious crime.
Among the neighbouring countries, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland did better, while Hungary and Ukraine placed below Slovakia.
The top countries in the ranking were Denmark, Finland, Singapore and New Zealand.
Source: TASR
