The head of Slovakia's Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Zuzana Dlugošová, comments on the recent parliamentary decision to retain the institution that safeguards whistleblowers amid attempts to dissolve it by the government.
Zuzana Dlugošová, the head of the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers, recently criticized the government's attempt to abolish her office, calling it a waste of time, energy, and money. She highlighted that despite the push from Koalitional Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok to eliminate the institution, the parliament ultimately voted to keep it operational, recognizing its vital role in protecting whistleblowers who report corruption. This legislative process involved extensive scrutiny and discussions among various Slovak and international entities, reflecting the importance of the whistleblower laws in Slovakia's fight against corruption.
Dlugošová also noted that the ongoing uncertainty caused by the debates over the office's fate created anxiety among whistleblowers and public servants. She emphasized that, contrary to the government's initial intentions, her office has gained public trust and that in 2025, there has been a record influx of reported corruption cases. This rise in reporting could indicate increasing public awareness and willingness to expose corruption, an encouraging sign for the oversight of civic integrity.
In her interview, she detailed the past months' challenges and efforts to prepare for potential transformations within the office while stressing that they received inadequate guidance from state institutions regarding future operations. Dlugošová's advocacy underlines the significance of protecting those who speak out against corruption, and her office's survival highlights public support for whistleblower protection in Slovakia.
