Premier Confirms Changes in Criminal Codes, Wants Lipsic to Leave USP

(RTVS, 'Sobotne dialogy', December 2) Speaking on RTVS's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues) Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) confirmed the intention to amend the criminal codes but hasn't yet said whether the Specialised Criminal Court will continue to work. The premier also declared that he'd take all the necessary steps for Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipsic to leave the Special Prosecutor's Office. "There's a government meeting on Monday (December 4) and it will be done well," he stated. According to Fico, before the parliamentary election, various proposals of political parties concerning the Specialised Criminal Court and the Special Prosecutor's Office were discussed. "We have our own concept, it's already in the final phase. I'll do everything to get this concept to the deliberations of parliament right now," he said. Fico went on to say that he communicates with the European Commission about the changes to the codes. In this way, he wants to avoid the risk that Slovakia could have difficulties in drawing EU funds. He refused that changes in criminal law should be a revenge. am