Opposition Slams MPs for Overturning Presidential Veto on Whistleblower Office

Bratislava, 12 December (TASR) – The opposition criticised Friday's decision by members of Parliament to override the veto of President Peter Pellegrini regarding the transformation of the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (UOO) into a new authority. Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka argued that the move represents a frontal attack on freedom, the rule of law and democracy. "As the opposition, we had to respond and send a signal to the whole of Slovakia that what is happening is unprecedented — not even Meciar dared to do this, and it is something seen in authoritarian countries," he stated. According to Simecka, the governing coalition doesn't respect the rights of the opposition nor the normal functioning of parliamentary democracy. He also announced a protest gathering on Freedom Square in Bratislava for Tuesday (16 December). In this context, Igor Matovic, leader of the 'Slovakia' party, called on Simecka to ensure that 'Slovakia' representatives are allowed to attend and speak at the protest. The party claims the veto and its subsequent overturning were coordinated with the Presidential Palace. "They did it in a way that harms justice as much as possible, harms the people heading this office and the people protected by its decisions," stated Matovic. MP Maria Kolikova (Freedom and Solidarity) expects Pellegrini to use his powers and, in the event of UOO's dissolution, to turn to the Constitutional Court, challenge the constitutionality of the law and request that its coming into effect should be suspended. She expects the same from Prosecutor-General Maros Zilinka, as he had objections to this legislation. Kolikova also believes Zilinka should take further steps regarding the adopted amendment to the Criminal Code, and she expects the president to veto the Criminal Code amendment. "The governing coalition is dismantling this state brick by brick," said Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) chair Milan Majersky. According to him, profanities and physical aggression have taken hold in the parliamentary chamber, and it is only a matter of time before they appear on the streets. He therefore objected to such behaviour, stressing that KDH supports dignified debates. "All legislative processes must be carried out in a decent manner during voting. This is essential because we serve as an example for the whole nation," he said. KDH MP Frantisek Miklosko said that Thursday night (11 December), with its whistling and singing of the anthem in the parliamentary chamber, will go down in history much like the November night of 1994. "This governing coalition will never rid itself of that night or that iconic footage," he remarked. Parliament on Friday overturned President Pellegrini's veto and again approved the law transforming the UOO into a new office. Slovakia will thus establish a new Office for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Whistleblowers of Anti-social Conduct, which will replace the existing UOO. In addition to handling whistleblower cases, the new office will also manage compensation for crime victims, a responsibility transferred from the Ministry of Justice. mf/df