Slovaks vote in a referendum on lifelong payments for populist leader Fico
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovaks will vote in a referendum Saturday to decide whether to cancel lifetime payments to the populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and other leaders after their terms ended.
They will also vote on whether to reopen the office of the special prosecutor and the National Crime Agency, both of which deal with major crimes and corruption.
The referendum followed a petition organized by the Democrats, an extra-parliamentary pro-Western opposition party, and signed by more than 350,000 citizens in the country of 5.4 million, the threshold required by law.
Only one referendum in Slovakia’s history – the 2003 vote on the country’s membership in the European Union – has been successful. Others failed due to low turnout.
Polls suggested Saturday’s turnout would not reach the required 50%.
Slovak prime ministers and presidents of parliament who serve at least two terms are entitled to receive a lifetime payment (a monthly amount equal to the salaries of MPs in Parliament) as part of this law. Measures to improve security of leading politicians.
Payments introduced after 2024 Assassination attempt on FicoHe was shot and seriously injured after a government meeting, shocking the small country and reverberating throughout Europe. This aid was only available to former presidents before 2024.
In early 2024, Slovak MPs approved a plan prepared by Fico’s coalition government. abolition of the special prosecutor’s officeDealing with serious crimes such as corruption, organized crime and extremism, the government also disbanded the police unit that dealt with such crimes.
The legislation was subject to harsh criticism at home and abroad, and thousands of Slovaks repeatedly took to the streets To protest the law. Several people linked to Fico’s party have faced investigations into corruption scandals.
Fico became a divisive figure Since returning to power in 2023. Pro-Russian and other policies sparked numerous protests.
Fico said he would not vote in this referendum.
