Growing Opposition
Slovakia, home to 5.4 million people, witnessed the number of protestors surge from 10,000 to an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 individuals, according to the Dennik N news website. The European Commission has cautioned that Slovakia may face consequences if it breaches EU laws, adding to the mounting pressure on the government. Opposition parties have vowed to obstruct the implementation of the proposed reforms, firmly asserting their resistance. “The government is underestimating us,” stated Michal Simecka, Progressive Slovakia party leader, addressing the crowd.
A Disenchanted Population
Patrik Kamencay, a 25-year-old participant, expressed dissatisfaction with Slovakia’s treatment within the European Union (EU) and his disillusionment with the government’s promises to improve citizens’ lives. Accusations by Fico, a former four-time premier, against the special prosecutor’s office being politically motivated and infringing on human rights have further fueled public anger. Following mass protests in 2018 triggered by corruption allegations and the murder of an investigative journalist, Fico resigned.
The government had aimed to pass the legislation before Christmas, but the timeline may be extended to January. Since gaining power in October, the new administration has pursued multiple controversial changes that have drawn heavy criticism from activists, the opposition, and other concerned parties.
Press Freedom and Regulatory Concerns
Press freedom organizations have raised objections to plans to slash funding for state broadcaster RTVS and restructure it into separate radio and television units. These organizations argue that the changes jeopardize the broadcaster’s independence and undermine media freedom. Adding to the government’s woes, the heads of the anti-monopoly and healthcare regulatory watchdogs recently issued an open letter voicing their concerns about legislative alterations that would make their respective offices susceptible to political interference.