Slovak Payments Referendum
Slovaks Vote in Referendum on Fico's Lifelong Payments and Reopening Anti-Corruption Agencies
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Slovak citizens headed to the polls Saturday to vote on canceling lifelong payments for Prime Minister Robert Fico and other former leaders, according to AP News. The referendum also asks whether to reopen the Special Prosecutor's Office and the National Criminal Agency — two bodies that handled major crime and corruption cases before Fico's government shut them down.
The vote follows a petition drive by the Democrats, a pro-Western opposition party not represented in parliament, AP News reported. More than 350,000 Slovak citizens signed the petition to force the vote.
What the Lifelong Payments Are and How They Started
The lifelong payments were introduced after a shocking event in May 2024. A gunman shot and gravely wounded Fico outside a government meeting. He survived after a long recovery. The payments were set up to support him and other senior leaders after they leave office, according to WRAL.
Critics say the payments are unfair and reward politicians at taxpayers' expense. The Democrats pushed back hard, gathering enough signatures to trigger a national referendum. Slovak law requires a petition of at least 350,000 signatures to force a public vote on a policy question.
Fico's Divisive Return to Power Fuels the Backlash
Fico came back to power in 2023 after winning parliamentary elections. Since then, he has steered Slovakia in a pro-Russian direction. He has opposed Western military aid to Ukraine and pushed to restore ties with Moscow, Winnipeg Free Press reported. His positions have sparked repeated large protests across Slovakia.
Fico is a polarizing figure at home and abroad. His critics see him as a threat to Slovak democracy and its Western alliances. His supporters argue he is protecting Slovak sovereignty and keeping the country out of foreign conflicts.
The Push to Restore Anti-Corruption Bodies
The referendum's second question asks voters to reopen the Special Prosecutor's Office and the National Criminal Agency. Fico's government dissolved both bodies after returning to power, according to AP News. Opponents say shutting them down removed key tools for fighting organized crime and high-level corruption.
The Democrats say restoring these agencies is critical for the rule of law in Slovakia. Supporters of Fico argue the agencies were politically biased and used to target his allies. The outcome of this vote could reshape how Slovakia handles corruption cases going forward.
What Needs to Happen for the Referendum to Count
For the results to be binding, more than 50% of eligible voters must take part, according to Our Midland. Slovakia has faced low turnout in past referendums, and several previous votes failed because not enough citizens showed up. If turnout falls short, the results carry no legal weight.
Polls suggest many Slovaks support canceling the payments, but whether enough will vote remains the key question. The Democrats hope the anger over Fico's policies will drive people to the polls. The final result is expected later Saturday after counting is complete.
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