In the heart of Slovakia, a storm is brewing as thousands of Slovaks take to the streets in Bratislava and Košice. What has stirred up this whirlwind of discontent? A contentious amendment to the government’s draft NGO bill that some are comparing to Russia’s foreign agent law.
Protesting for Transparency
The proposed amendment seeks to categorize nongovernmental organizations influencing politicians as lobbyists. These NGOs would be required to submit transparency reports revealing any donations exceeding €5,000 annually. The move has sparked outrage, with citizens expressing concerns over potential restrictions on civil liberties.
As demonstrations spread like wildfire across more than 30 Slovak cities and even leap borders to London, Madrid, and Copenhagen, it is clear that the public is rallying against what they see as a threat to their freedom.
A Long-Standing Struggle
This battle is not new; it stems from Prime Minister Robert Fico’s ongoing efforts to rein in NGOs and independent media outlets. The PM has previously voiced his determination to curb what he termed “NGO supremacy” by proposing laws designating foreign-funded NGOs as foreign agents back in 2023.
While the amendment awaits its fate in the Bratislava legislature, tensions continue to escalate both domestically and internationally. The European Commission issued a stark warning in its 2024 Rule of Law report, cautioning Slovakia against proceeding with the bill or facing legal repercussions from the EU.
The People Speak Out
Opposition against the bill has been vociferous. Various NGOs and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have strongly criticized the proposed legislation. Lucia Stasselová from Peace for Ukraine labeled it “a tool for systematically dismantling civil society,” drawing chilling parallels with Russia’s repressive tactics.
Political Theater or Genuine Concern?
Prime Minister Fico has defended the bill adamantly, rejecting comparisons with Russian legislation while emphasizing its alignment with European standards. MEP Katarína Roth Neveďalová echoed these sentiments, dismissing protests as mere political theatrics orchestrated by opposition forces.
However, dissenting voices persist. Critics argue that the bill poses a grave threat not just to NGOs but also to public perception of organizations receiving foreign funding. MP Ondrej Dostál highlights how such legislation could unfairly tarnish NGOs’ reputations and subject them to unwarranted scrutiny and penalties.
A Precedent Set
Hungary serves as a cautionary tale after passing similar legislation in 2017 only to rescind it six years later following an EU court ruling declaring it unlawful. As Slovakia stands at a crossroads with this divisive bill set for parliamentary discussion on April 9th, all eyes are on how this turbulent saga will unfold next.
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