The European Parliament’s Democracy Monitoring Group on Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights has warned that Slovakia is on a path to becoming the next Hungary. Chair Sophie Wilmès voiced concerns on Tuesday over erosion of judicial independence and media freedoms.
The warning follows a fact-finding mission to Slovakia, led by Wilmes in June, echoing the European Commission’s rule of law report. MEPs say recent reforms by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s (Smer-SD) government – including abolishing the Special Prosecutor’s Office, restructuring the former National Criminal Agency (NAKA), and limiting NGOs – have weakened checks and balances.
The group also criticised the restructuring of Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) into the Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), calling it politically motivated. Concerns about fast-track legislation and shortened limitation periods for corruption cases were also noted.
Source: TASR, POLITICO
