Slovaks are casting ballots in a referendum that will determine the fate of lifelong payments for former prime ministers and other leaders, as well as the status of offices tasked with prosecuting major crimes and corruption.
The vote, initiated by a petition from the pro-Western opposition party Democrats, seeks to eliminate monthly payments granted to former prime ministers and parliament speakers who served at least two terms. These payments, intended to ensure the security of leading politicians, were expanded in 2024 to include former prime ministers following an assassination attempt on current populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Previously, only former presidents were eligible for such benefits.
Simultaneously, the referendum asks citizens whether to reinstate the special prosecutor's office and the National Criminal Agency. These bodies were responsible for handling serious offenses, including graft, organized crime, and extremism, before the Fico-led coalition government approved their abolition earlier in 2024. The government's move to dismantle these units faced significant domestic and international criticism, with thousands protesting the legislation.
Prime Minister Fico, a polarizing figure since his return to power in 2023, has pursued policies that have drawn both domestic protests and international attention. He has stated he will not participate in the current referendum.
The referendum's success hinges on a turnout of at least 50%, a threshold that has proven difficult to meet in Slovakia's history. Only one referendum, concerning the country's European Union membership in 2003, has been successful. Current polling suggests that Saturday's turnout may not reach the required mark.