Slovakia – Slovakia’s new government has recently approved a controversial decision to dismantle the country’s Special Prosecutor’s Office, a move that has sparked debates over the implications for judicial independence and the fight against corruption.

Dismantling the Special Prosecutor’s Office

The decision to dismantle the Special Prosecutor’s Office, a key institution tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption and organised crime, has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The move is part of a broader effort by the new government to streamline the country’s legal framework, but critics argue that it may undermine the independence of the judiciary. “As far as the Office of the Special Prosecution is concerned, we won’t walk around a hot stew. We are dismantling it, and all the cases would go to the relevant [general] prosecutors […] The Special Prosecution Office cannot be fixed”, so Prime Minister Robert Fico on December 7.

Controversial implications

The decision to eliminate the Special Prosecutor’s Office has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on the fight against corruption. Critics argue that concentrating prosecutorial powers within the general prosecutor’s office may lead to a lack of specialisation in tackling complex cases involving high-ranking officials. This has raised questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption effectively. European Commission justice spokesman Christian Wigand stated that the Commission “asked the Slovak government in a letter not to continue with the planned changes, and particularly not to resort to the swift procedure without discussion with affected subjects on the national and the EU level.”

Judicial independence concerns

The dismantling of the Special Prosecutor’s Office has triggered concerns about judicial independence. The specialised nature of the office was designed to insulate it from political interference and ensure a focused approach to tackling corruption at the highest levels. The decision to merge its functions with the general prosecutor’s office has fueled fears that political pressures may compromise the impartiality of investigations and prosecutions.

Streamlining or weakening?

While Robert Fico’s government argues that the move is aimed at streamlining the legal system and improving efficiency, critics contend that it may weaken the country’s ability to combat corruption effectively. The specialised nature of the Special Prosecutor’s Office was seen as a crucial asset in addressing complex cases that require specific expertise. The decision to disband the office may be interpreted as a step backward in the fight against corruption.