Slovaks will vote in a referendum on 4 July on whether to abolish lifetime pensions for senior politicians, including former prime ministers.
The benefit was introduced in 2024 as part of a package of security measures adopted after the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). Under the current law, former prime ministers and parliamentary speakers qualify only after serving roughly ten years in office, a condition currently met only by Fico once he leaves office.
The proposal has divided the political scene. Opposition parties argue the measure is unrelated to security and would place an unnecessary burden on public finances, while coalition representatives say lifetime pensions are justified for long-serving constitutional officials. Prime Minister Fico said he respects the referendum process but believes the vote is unlikely to attract enough support to be valid.
Source: STVR
