Slovak NGOs express concerns over the government's decision to implement stricter controls on their organizations, arguing that existing checks are already sufficient.
The Slovak government, under Prime Minister Robert Fico, plans to increase scrutiny on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) following a constitutional court ruling that deemed previous legislation on NGOs unconstitutional. This decision has sparked significant backlash from the NGO sector, which contends that they already undergo extensive oversight. Fico's announcement has been met with criticism, as he argued that the current transparency efforts by NGOs do not hold weight if they are shielded from any form of review.
Fico highlighted issues identified in a governmental audit last year, which included discrepancies in the accounting of three NGOs, raising questions about the management and use of public funds. The government’s push for stricter oversight reflects a broader tension between state authorities and civil society, especially concerning transparency and accountability of NGOs that are often seen as critical of government actions. Our investigation into the community’s responses indicates a deep concern that these measures can lead to undue burdens on organizations that play vital roles in advocacy and public service.
Civil society advocates emphasize the importance of balancing oversight with the freedom of NGOs to operate without fear of retribution for their criticism of the government. They argue that increasing state control could potentially stifle the independent work and influence of NGOs in Slovakia, which have been crucial in advocating for civic rights and holding the government accountable, particularly during contentious political periods.
