Slovakia Faces Massive Protests Against Government's 'Mafia Package' Legislation

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major cities across Slovakia on Tuesday evening to continue their protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico's plans to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office overseeing high-profile corruption cases, reduce penalties for corruption, and weaken whistleblower protection. This was reported by SME.

Mass protests led by the opposition occurred in many cities. The protest in Bratislava was larger than a week ago, with about 15,000 people gathering at Náměstí SNP.

Over two thousand people gathered on Hlavná Street in Košice, and protests also took place in Žilina, Prešov, Trnava, Banská Bystrica, Poprad, and Liptovský Mikuláš.

Speakers expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed government changes to the Criminal Code or the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers and other government proposals, which they see as undermining the rule of law and the country's future.

According to the leader of the leading opposition party 'Progressive Slovakia,' Michal Šimečka, the legislative changes planned by the government will lead to amnesty for the mafia and corrupt individuals.

The opposition is determined to continue protests until the government withdraws the 'mafia package.'

"This is the third protest, eleven cities across Slovakia, and there are even more of us," began opposition leader Michal Šimečka from Progressive Slovakia in his speech.

"Fico wanted a mafia package for himself and his people for Christmas," he added, emphasizing that this will not happen.

Prime Minister Fico's attempts to reform legislation that could potentially violate EU norms have also faced sharp criticism from Brussels. The European Commission urged Slovakia not to rush with the changes and threatened legal action for violating the law.

Earlier, the European Commission also sent a letter to the Slovak Minister of Justice, warning the Slovak government against plans to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office.

In Slovakia, where 5.4 million people reside, thousands have already participated in protests in several cities. Civil activists and organizations are also mobilizing, including 'For a Dignified Slovakia,' which organized protests in 2018 following the murder of Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, ultimately leading to Fico's resignation as prime minister.