Slovak non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are pushing back against a controversial bill that would tighten regulations on their operations, warning that the legislation is discriminatory, politically motivated, and reminiscent of authoritarian measures seen in other countries.
At a press conference, Filip Vagač, former Government Plenipotentiary for Civil Society and now Program Director at the Platform for Democracy, described the bill as a threat to civic freedom and called on parliament to reject it. “This law brings a climate of fear and intimidation we’ve seen in Russia,” Vagač said, citing comments from Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko, who admitted discussing the legislation during a recent trip to Moscow.
Legal experts and NGO leaders argue that the bill unfairly targets civil society groups by imposing lobbying restrictions only on NGOs, while exempting other associations like unions, sports groups, and business chambers. “The goal is not transparency but silencing active citizens,” Vagač warned, adding that the bill was drafted without consultation and must be challenged in the Constitutional Court.
Lýdia Brichtová from Sociofórum, which represents over 140 social service NGOs, highlighted that such organizations provide the majority of social care in Slovakia, often stepping in where the state cannot. “We care for the elderly, people with disabilities, victims of abuse, and the homeless—many of us unpaid,” she said. “Without us, the state would fail to deliver basic services.”
Youth organizations also voiced concern. Juraj Lizák from the Slovak Youth Council called the bill a “nail in the coffin” for youth engagement. “No young person wants to be labeled a lobbyist for participating in student councils or local youth advisory boards,” he said, warning that the law could cripple youth programs and raise bureaucratic burdens.
Anti-corruption watchdogs such as the Stop Corruption Foundation stressed the danger vague definitions pose for whistleblowers and activists. “These rules could carry severe penalties and chill essential oversight work,” said Xénia Makarová.
While Prime Minister Robert Fico and lawmakers claim the bill merely aims to enhance transparency, NGOs say it mirrors foreign laws designed to suppress dissent.
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