BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s president announced Monday that citizens will participate in a summer referendum to determine the fate of lifetime financial benefits for Prime Minister Robert Fico and other high-ranking officials once they leave office.
President Peter Pellegrini confirmed the referendum date as July 4. During the same voting session, Slovaks will also decide whether to restore a specialized prosecutor’s office that previously handled major criminal cases and corruption investigations.
The referendum comes after the Democrats, a pro-Western opposition group not represented in parliament, gathered signatures from more than 350,000 citizens — meeting the legal requirement to trigger such a vote.
Pellegrini noted that the referendum will not include a question about holding early parliamentary elections. He explained that the nation’s Constitutional Court ruled in 2021 that such a question would violate the constitution.
Under current law, prime ministers and parliament speakers who complete at least two terms receive monthly payments equivalent to current lawmakers’ salaries for the rest of their lives. These security measures for top political figures were expanded after the shocking events of 2024.
The lifetime payment system was broadened following an assassination attempt against Fico, who suffered serious gunshot wounds during a campaign event. The attack sent shockwaves through the small European nation and beyond. Previously, only former presidents received such benefits.
Also in 2024, parliament members approved Fico’s coalition government proposal to eliminate the special prosecutor’s office responsible for investigating serious crimes including corruption, organized crime, and extremism.
The legislative change drew intense opposition both domestically and internationally, sparking repeated street demonstrations involving thousands of Slovak citizens. Multiple individuals connected to Fico’s political party have faced corruption-related prosecutions.
Slovakia has seen only one successful referendum in its history — the 2003 vote approving European Union membership. Previous referendums have failed because of insufficient voter participation.
Since regaining power in 2023, Fico has remained a controversial leader. His pro-Russian stance and various policy decisions have triggered widespread public demonstrations.
