Slovakia's Overhaul of Whistleblower Office Triggers Pushback

Slovakia’s parliament on Tuesday approved the first stage of a bill to dismantle the independent Whistleblower Protection Office (UOO) and replace it with a new agency called the Office for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Whistleblowers.

The move, backed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, has drawn strong criticism from opposition lawmakers and anti-corruption groups who say the change weakens oversight and narrows protections for whistleblowers.

Supporters of the legislation argue the reform is necessary to prevent misuse of whistleblower protections. Government officials said the current system allowed individuals to invoke protection to avoid accountability and that a new framework would ensure safeguards apply only to legitimate whistleblowing and crime victims. They also said the redesign would streamline responsibilities and cut administrative overlap.

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Opponents countered that the bill gives the government excessive control over the new body, including authority to appoint its leadership and prematurely end the current chair’s mandate. Civil society groups, including Transparency International and the Whistleblowing International Network, warned that the overhaul risks political interference and undermines an institution designed to operate independently.

The debate intensified after the UOO recently fined the Interior Ministry over alleged politically motivated personnel changes in law enforcement. That action raised concerns that the planned revamp may be retaliation rather than structural reform. Critics also pointed to fast-tracking of the bill as evidence of political intent rather than administrative efficiency.

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European institutions, including the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, have expressed concern that weakening independent whistleblower protection could damage Slovakia’s compliance with EU standards and hinder ongoing corruption investigations. Parliament is expected to vote on final approval later this week, with opposition groups planning further protests and legal challenges.