Parliamentary Approval and Government Rationale
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Slovakia's parliament approved a government proposal to dismantle the independent Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (WPO). The measure passed with 78 votes in favor from the governing coalition, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, in the 150-seat parliament. The government stated its intention to replace the WPO with a new body, claiming the previous rules were 'abused for political reasons' and that the new institution would also address the protection of crime victims. The new law is slated to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The WPO, established in 2021 under the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive, was tasked with safeguarding individuals who report corruption and unlawful conduct. The government's fast-track procedure for the bill limited expert review and parliamentary debate.
Strong Opposition and International Concerns
The decision has drawn significant criticism both domestically and internationally. The WPO itself issued a statement asserting that 'political interests prevailed over substantive and expert discussion' and warned that the new law would 'significantly weaken' the level of protection and public trust in the whistleblower system.
Critics include the opposition parties, the Slovak prosecutor-general, the European Union (EU), legal experts, and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on anti-corruption efforts. The European Commission and the European Public Prosecutor's Office had previously voiced concerns, with the Commission sending a warning letter to Bratislava.
Opponents argue that the new legislation undermines whistleblower protections, potentially violating EU directives, and risks installing politically appointed leadership that may lack public confidence. The new rules would allow for the retroactive withdrawal of protections and permit employers to request permanent re-evaluation of whistleblower status.
Potential Veto and Broader Context
President Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Prime Minister Fico, has expressed reservations about the legislation and may consider vetoing it. However, the governing coalition holds a parliamentary majority sufficient to override a presidential veto.
Opposition parties, including Progressive Slovakia, have announced plans to challenge the law before the Constitutional Court. This move by Fico's government is seen by many as part of a broader pattern since his return to power in 2023, which has included controversial penal code reforms and actions against other anti-corruption institutions.
5 Comments
Coccinella
Abuse of power needed to be stopped. This is a necessary reform.
Muchacho
The idea of including general crime victim protection is positive, yet dismantling a specific whistleblower office raises serious questions about the government's commitment to fighting corruption. Both are important, but not at the expense of one another.
Donatello
EU warnings mean nothing to them? This is a huge step backward.
Leonardo
Undermining whistleblowers helps criminals. Fico's true intentions are clear.
Michelangelo
It's understandable that a government would want to ensure institutions aren't misused, but replacing an independent office with one potentially under political influence risks chilling legitimate whistleblowing. The balance is delicate.