The delegation of the Members of the European Parliament held a press conference on Tuesday after their talks with Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, Interior Minister Denisa Saková, representatives of the Police, prosecutors and NGOs. As they explained, their mission had two objectives: to see the state of the investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fianceé as well as to see the rule of law. Delegation head Sophie in 't Veld said for the RTVS public broadcaster:
Topical issue_1 Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
Maltese MEP Roberta Metsolo said for the independent daily Denník N that they could see progress in the investigation of the murder. When comparing the situation between Slovakia and Malta, where the investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered for her work in October 2017, the Maltese MEP said that the main difference between the two countries lay in no Prime Minister, Interior minister or Police Corps President having been replaced in Malta. In Slovakia, the protests in March and April lead to changes in these positions. Nevertheless, delegation head Sophie in 't Veld noted:
Topical issue_2 Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
According to the delegation, the new Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD), who replaced Robert Fico in the spring, and his Government seem to be determined to make changes in the country, but they appear not to be able to trace a thick line behind the past.
Topical issue_3 Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
At their meeting, Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini asked MEPs to distinguish between political statements and constructive ones. He again accused President Andrej Kiska of issuing absolutely negative statements about the Slovak Republic.
As to the findings regarding the rule of law, the members of the delegation expressed their doubts in connection to corruption, mafia links to politicians and misuse of EU funds. The Maltese MEP Roberta Metsolo revealed for Dennik N that she was mostly concerned about the system of appointing judges to the Constitutional Court.
The MEP delegation will prepare a short report of the meetings with a resolution to be prepared with conclusions and recommendations that will be adopted early next year at the latest.
