Rule of Law Initiative Criticises Fast-track Legislative Process

Bratislava, 24 July (TASR) - The Initiative for the Rule of Law has called on the Slovak government and Parliament to adhere to the rules of the standard legislative process, demanding that every draft bill with a significant impact on people, businesses, public finances or the functioning of institutions must be prepared in a transparent and predictable manner and with the participation of the stakeholders affected. The initiative, which brings together several business associations and chambers of commerce, also stated that a proper comments procedure, as well as the publication and a substantive evaluation of submitted comments, must form an integral part of this process. The Initiative for the Rule of Law referred to the latest report by the European Commission (EC), according to which Slovakia has made only limited or no progress on several recommendations from previous years, in particular with regard to the insufficient involvement of stakeholders in the legislative process, the frequent use of fast-track legislative procedures and parliamentary bills, as well as inadequate evaluation of the economic and social impacts of proposed measures. According to the report, 34 percent of the laws adopted in 2025 were passed either via a fast-track legislative procedure or through parliamentary bills. This significantly narrows the scope for expert discussion, inter-ministerial comments procedure and a proper assessment of the impact on the business environment, citizens and public finances, stated the initiative, noting that a fast-track procedure should only be used under extraordinary and justified circumstances. Stable, predictable and transparent rules are a fundamental prerequisite for public trust, economic competitiveness and Slovakia's ability to attract and retain investment, said the initiative. "The EC's findings confirm issues to which the Initiative for the Rule of Law has long and repeatedly drawn attention. In recent times, we've addressed top constitutional officials, including the president and the prime minister, and pointed to the manner in which consolidation measures are being adopted, the insufficient evaluation of their impacts, and the limited scope for expert discussion," added entrepreneurs. The initiative also described the EC's findings regarding the fight against corruption as concerning. The EC warned of a further decline in capacities to detect, investigate and prosecute high-level corruption, as well as a decrease in the number of indictments, prosecutions and convictions in corruption cases. The report also pays special attention to transparency in public procurement and the risks arising from the current rules and thresholds. jrg/df