Protected Whistleblower Koranova Returns to Original Job

Bratislava, 8 April (TASR) - Protected whistleblower Maria Koranova returned to work as chief economist at Kosice Emergency Medical Service on 1 April, Koranova herself and representatives of the Let's Stop Corruption Foundation and the Whistleblower Protection Office (UOO) told a news conference on Wednesday. In 2019, Koranova raised suspicions of several economic crimes at Kosice Emergency Medical Service. Shortly after she filed a criminal complaint, her employer fired her. She appealed to the then newly established UOO, which suspended her dismissal, as it appeared to have been purpose-built. Kosice Municipal Court in 2024 and Kosice Regional Court in March 2025 ruled that the dismissal was unlawful and discriminatory. "Maria is proof that whistleblower protection works in Slovakia and serves as encouragement to other courageous people that it's worthwhile pointing to corruption practices and what isn't functioning properly in society," said Let's Stop Corruption Foundation director Zuzana Petkova. Even though courts twice ruled that the dismissal was invalid, Koranova's employer filed an appeal with the Supreme Court instead of reinstating her. After UOO brought the situation to the attention of Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD), the emergency medical service's management changed its attitude and began negotiating with Koranova concerning her future post. "It's positive that the management has started to act. However, it's unacceptable for state managers or institutions to respect lawful court rulings only after an office's call or minister's intervention," said UOO head Zuzana Dlugosova. According to Dlugosova, this case shows that the determination of an individual, combined with an effective whistleblower protection system, can lead to positive outcomes. This case is the first of its kind in which all available legal remedies were used, she said, adding that Koranova has thus paved the way for other whistleblowers in the future. Koranova said that she's very happy to have returned to Kosice Emergency Medical Service, as it means a great deal to her. "After a long struggle that lasted seven years, 1 April was the day on which I returned to work, even to my original job at Kosice Emergency Medical Service. I am once again the chief economist and once again in charge of the economic department," she added. ko/df