President Vetoes Law Transforming Whistleblowers Protection Office

Bratislava, 11 December (TASR) – President Peter Pellegrini has vetoed a bill transforming the Whistleblowers Protection Office (UOO) into a new authority, defending the decision by pointing to the lack of grounds for a fast-tracked legislative procedure, serious substantive concerns regarding insufficient protection of crime victims, and unresolved objections from the European Commission that may have consequences for Slovakia, TASR learnt from the President's Office's press department on Thursday. "I'm convinced that the government and the governing coalition can fulfil their legitimate objectives without violating legislative rules, without potentially breaching the principles of the rule of law and without endangering Slovakia's interests vis-a-vis the European Union," stated Pellegrini. In his view, the current UOO plays a special role in meeting conditions under the Recovery Plan, from which Slovakia draws billions of euros. He also thinks that Parliament made a mistake by failing to dispel doubts during the legislative process about whether the final text is in line with EU directives. "Legitimate concerns remain over the risk of part of the European funds for Slovakia being frozen," he stressed. Pellegrini said that it was crucial for Slovakia to address all doubts clearly and avoid possible penalties. The president also criticised the use of a fast-tracked legislative procedure. "People will find it very hard to understand why, at a time when their lives are becoming increasingly difficult, it is necessary for Parliament to spend two weeks dealing with the dissolution and subsequent creation of a single authority," he said. mf/df