Slovaks vote in a referendum on lifelong payments for populist leader Fico
Summary
Slovakia is holding a referendum on whether to stop lifelong payments to Prime Minister Robert Fico and other leaders after they leave office. Voters will also decide if two government offices that investigate major crimes and corruption should be reopened.Key Facts
- The referendum comes after a petition signed by over 350,000 Slovak citizens, which is the legal minimum to trigger a vote.
- Lifelong payments are a monthly salary to former leaders who served at least two terms; this was extended to Fico and others after a 2024 assassination attempt on Fico.
- The two offices up for potential reopening are the special prosecutor’s office and the National Criminal Agency, both dealing with serious crimes.
- Earlier in 2024, Fico’s government closed these offices, causing protests in Slovakia and criticism from other countries.
- Only one previous Slovak referendum, in 2003 on EU membership, passed; others failed due to low voter turnout.
- Polls suggest this referendum may not meet the necessary 50% voter turnout.
- Fico, a pro-Russian leader returning to power in 2023, has faced protests and corruption accusations involving his party.
- Fico said he will not participate in the referendum vote.
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