Slovak Prosecutor General Calls for Tougher Penalties on Tax Fraud, Opposition to Carry Bill

Slovakia's Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka is pushing for stricter criminal penalties for tax-related offenses, including lowering the threshold at which tax fraud constitutes a criminal act. The opposition plans to introduce his proposals in parliament in September. Žilinka is urging the ruling coalition to reverse softened sentences for economic crimes that were introduced under Prime Minister Robert Fico's fourth government. That government passed a controversial amendment to the criminal codes that reduced penalties across a range of offenses — a move widely criticized for bypassing proper expert consultation. The amendment was subsequently partially revised under pressure, but Žilinka argues further changes are needed to improve tax collection and combat financial crime. Because the ruling coalition — led by Fico's Smer-SD, a left-nationalist party — is unlikely to support the proposals, opposition parties have agreed to sponsor the legislation and bring it to the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, in the autumn session. The move highlights ongoing tensions between the Fico government and key institutions, including the Prosecutor General's office, over the direction of criminal justice policy. Stronger penalties for tax fraud could have significant implications for state revenues and the enforcement of financial laws in Slovakia.