The Slovak Parliament concluded its discussions before Easter with chaos surrounding the non-governmental organizations law. After a year of amendments, limited debate, and emotional late-night speeches, the coalition finally reached a conclusion: "We have passed the law." Seventy-six coalition lawmakers supported it, while Ján Ferenčák from Hlas abstained and Peter Kalivoda and Igor Šimko (both from Hlas) were absent.
Despite appeals from civil society organizations that help children, homeless people, and the sick, urging lawmakers not to pass a law that would increase administrative burdens, the law was approved. Progressive Slovakia’s Branislav Vančo criticized the law, stating, "You are going to upset a lot of people because you want to take revenge on a few non-governmental organizations that keep an eye on you and criticize you."
The final details of the law were still unclear at the time of the vote, with some MPs admitting they were unsure of its contents. Changes to the bill continued even during the third reading.
Civil society groups, including those working with vulnerable populations, expressed ongoing concerns, calling the law a form of punishment for organizations that help people in need.
Source: Dennik N
