Bratislava – Prime Minister Robert Fico of the Slovak Republic (Smer-SD) asserted on Monday that the European Parliament (EP) does not have authority over Slovakia and cannot impose directives. This statement followed his meeting with the EP’s monitoring group focused on democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights. Fico welcomed the delegation to convey respect for the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), as reported by TASR.
Fico expressed his appreciation for the MEPs’ genuine interest in several issues, including a recent visit from the EP Budget Control Committee led by MEP Tomáš Zdechovský. He reiterated his objections to remarks made towards the Slovak government.
“We clarified our perception of the provocation from the Czech MEP,” the Prime Minister commented.
According to Fico, the MEPs acknowledged that the current government has not implemented any legislative changes relating to human rights, democracy, or the rule of law. He also mentioned that the meeting addressed media-government relations and the proposed abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor. “We provided answers regarding the redistribution of cases, confirming that prosecutors from the special prosecutor’s office continue their work within the General Prosecutor’s Office,” Fico stated.
Additionally, discussions included a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, particularly emphasizing the primacy of national law in matters of national identity. Fico asserted that national law should take precedence in matters such as marriage.
The Prime Minister noted that the amendment concerning non-governmental organizations has not faced criticism from the EU. He also requested that the EP representatives establish a similar mission to review events from 2020 to 2023, highlighting perceived double standards, particularly regarding the death of a Slovak citizen at a Belgian airport.
Sophie Wilmès, head of the EP monitoring group, clarified prior to the meeting that the delegation’s aim is to study and address the report on the rule of law, which encompasses various pillars.
“Our focus will include media freedom, justice, independence of power, and civil society,” she remarked. Javier Zarzalejos, Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), emphasized the intention to collaborate with all involved parties to evaluate the current state of rule of law and democracy in Slovakia. (June 2)
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