European parliament criticises Slovak government
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Wednesday's resolution of the European Parliament criticises legislative proposals submitted to the Slovak Parliament by the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), explaining that they could jeopardise the integrity of judicial processes and undermine civil society, media freedom and the EU's fight against fraud.
In the resolution, the EP expresses its concern about what it sees as the unjustified use of a fast-track legislative procedure in the case of a submitted amendment to the Penal Code and the scrapping of the Special Prosecutor's Office.
MEPs called on the Slovak government to reconsider proposed changes concerning the protection of whistleblowers, as they could be deprived of their protection retroactively in line with the proposed changes. At the same time, MEPs stressed that any reform of criminal law must ensure the continuity and effectiveness of new and ongoing criminal proceedings.
The European Parliament at the same time called on the Slovak government to address the long-standing call for a reform of Section 363 of the Criminal Procedure Law, which allows the prosecutor-general to discontinue criminal prosecutions, and prevent its misuse.
MEPs also condemned recent remarks made by Prime Minister Robert Fico concerning a law student who has formed part of an initiative to promote an academic discussion on the state of the rule of law in Slovakia, calling the remarks inappropriate and disrespectful. The resolution calls on all political leaders to communicate constructively and respectfully with the public.
The European Parliament is also concerned about the government's plans to adopt legislation that would restrict the work of NGOs and stigmatise foreign-funded organisations.
Slovak NGOs welcomed Wednesday's resolution and view it as confirmation of their concerns that the upcoming government measures will jeopardize justice and the fight against corruption in Slovakia.
"The current undermining of institutions and tools of the rule of law, with dubious arguments, without proper discussion and impact analyses, paves the way for the return of the practices of a kidnapped state. It's important that the European Parliament perceives these risks sensitively and, along with it, we once more call on the government to respect democratic rules, institutions and dialogue with the public," stated director of Transparency International Slaovakia Michal Pisko.
These developments demonstrate the importance of EU membership for Slovakia's development. The NGOs pointed out that Brussels doesn't want to harm Slovakia. "On the contrary, it wants to help the country and its citizens to continue living in a state that protects their property and doesn't tolerate corruption and theft," they added.
According to Prime Minister Fico the resolution by the European Parliament on Wednesday bears the handwriting of Slovak opposition MEPs who told their colleagues rubbish and untruths, which have been in the end reflected in the document, Premier Robert Fico has said in a video on Facebook.
"The governing coalition must definitely realize that we are up against political opponents, opposition MPs, both at home and abroad, who are prepared to do any dirty deed in this political struggle. There must be a rather firm, but democratic response to this," said Fico, adding that he's of the opinion that it's time for his government to confront "dirty attacks" against Slovakia.
In this vein, Fico asked why the European Parliament should be preoccupied with the fact that the Slovak Government Office isn't communicating with some Slovak media or his own personal remarks addressed to a certain student of law. According to him, Slovak opposition MEPs are inciting the EU authorities against Slovakia, persuading them to adopt various punishments, such as suspending EU funds for the country.
(TASR)
