Vallo: State Must Acknowledge Responsibility for Worsening Safety Situation

Bratislava, 20 September (TASR) – The state must finally acknowledge its responsibility for the sharp deterioration in public safety in the capital city, Bratislava mayor Matus Vallo has posted on social media. Vallo called for amendments to the "unfortunate" revision of the Criminal Code, as well as stronger powers for local government. Safety, he stressed, is one of the most important – and most difficult – issues currently facing the city. "State officials must stop turning a blind eye to one of the root causes of this situation. I call on them to amend this legislation and stop wasting time on community service. It’s an illusion – it won’t work," said Vallo. According to him, the revised Criminal Code has led to a rise in disturbing and offensive behaviour, verbal aggression, and physical altercations in the streets. He also pointed to an increase in theft and drug-related crimes. The worsening situation has been recorded by the city authorities in several areas of Bratislava, such as the 500 Flats neighbourhood in Ruzinov, the Kamenne Namestie square in the Old Town, and Trnavske Myto in the New Town district. The mayor is advocating for a return to the "two strikes and you're out" principle and for lowering the financial threshold that determines whether an offence qualifies as a criminal act. He also calls for a significantly increased police presence in the streets, which he insists the state must help deliver "considerably". However, he believes that even the recent police protest and criticism from police unions show the government still fails to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Vallo is also calling for greater powers for local authorities to legally address anti-social behaviour. He stated that the capital is doing everything in its power and, together with municipal and national police forces, has stepped up patrols. However, he noted that the shortage of police personnel in Bratislava is severe and current numbers are insufficient to cover all the city’s trouble spots. He also pointed out that the municipal police lack sufficient authority, particularly in dealing with drug and other criminal offences, which remain under the jurisdiction of the national police. While expressing understanding for people facing difficult life circumstances, Vallo emphasised that he will not tolerate behaviour that disturbs others. He pledged to fight to make the city’s streets feel safe and pleasant once again. mf/jrg