The opposition in Slovakia has turned to the Constitutional Court (ÚS) regarding the law establishing a new office to replace the current Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (ÚOO). They challenge its potential conflict with the Slovak Constitution and European Union law, as well as the legislative process itself, and are requesting the court to consider suspending the law’s effectiveness. This was announced by Member of Parliament Lucia Plaváková (PS). “On Wednesday morning, on behalf of 63 MPs from all opposition parties — PS, SaS, KDH, and Hnutie Slovensko — I submitted a proposal to the Constitutional Court to declare the adopted law unconstitutional. In our submission, we not only point to its inconsistency with the constitution but also with EU law. Given the urgency of the situation and the irreversible impact of this law, we have asked the Court to assess the possibility of suspending its implementation, which is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2026,” Plaváková said.
Plaváková outlined the opposition’s objections, including the shortening of the term of the currently elected ÚOO chairperson and changes regarding the provision and reassessment of whistleblower protection. She also criticized the legislative process, citing unmet conditions for shortened legislative procedure, reduced debate in Parliament, and suppression of expert public discussion. “It is important that the Constitutional Court once again addresses whether the legislative process, as envisioned by this government coalition, is appropriate and constitutionally compliant. I believe it is important to send a signal from the Court that this is in direct conflict with the constitution,” added MP Mária Kolíková (SaS).
The legislation, developed by the Ministry of the Interior, was approved by parliament on Tuesday, 9 December. It aims to transform the current ÚOO into a new office that, in addition to handling whistleblower cases, will also take over the compensation of crime victims from the Ministry of Justice. The new office will also review protections under both criminal and administrative proceedings.
Source: STVR
