Slovak Opposition Faces Strategic Debate Ahead of Referendum on Anti-Corruption Bodies

Slovakia's democratic opposition is navigating a strategic dilemma over an upcoming referendum concerning the restoration of two key anti-corruption institutions disbanded by the current government: the National Criminal Agency (NAKY), the country's specialized police unit for serious crime, and the Special Prosecutor's Office, which handled major corruption and organized crime cases. Both were abolished under Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, which returned to power in 2023. A commentary argues that opposition-leaning voters who turn out for the referendum would not simply be voting to restore these institutions, but would effectively be endorsing how those bodies operated during the 2020–2023 period — a time that remains politically contentious and divisive. The piece suggests that democratic forces should be less focused on responding to Fico's political framing and instead concentrate on crafting a more persuasive, grounded message for ordinary voters.