Abolition of Special Prosecutor’s Office and Judicial Rollback (critical) Fico's government abolished the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) and introduced a new criminal code that significantly reduced penalties for economic crimes and corruption, and shortened the statute of limitations. This action was taken despite warnings from the EU and triggered nationwide protests.. EU Warning Regarding Rule of Law and Fraud Investigations (critical) The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) stated that Fico’s reforms negatively impacted fraud investigations, forcing the discontinuation of prosecutions in at least twenty cases due to the statute of limitations. The EPPO concluded the reforms pose a 'serious risk of breaching the rule of law' and endanger the EU’s financial interests.. Allegations of Running an Organized Crime Group (Operation Súmrak) (critical) Fico was formally charged in April 2022 with abuse of public office and leading an organized crime group (codenamed Súmrak/Twilight) that allegedly manipulated public contracts, took bribes, and illegally obtained information on political rivals. Although the charges were scrapped in November 2022 after parliament failed to revoke his immunity, the formal investigation and charges indicate serious criminal allegations.. Resignation Following Journalist Murder and Mafia State Allegations (critical) Fico was forced to resign as Prime Minister in 2018 following mass protests sparked by the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, who was investigating alleged links between Fico's government figures and the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia, including fraudulent EU subsidies and 'mediation fees.' Fico was accused of running a 'mafia state.'. Systematic Suppression of Media Freedom and Hostile Rhetoric (high) Since returning to power (2023), Fico has engaged in a 'vengeance campaign' against the media, including abolishing the public broadcaster RTVS (July 2024) and replacing it with STVR to increase political control. He has stopped communication with several major outlets, branded them 'enemy media,' and previously called journalists 'dirty anti-Slovak prostitutes' and 'dreckige Schweine.'. Use of Inauthentic Profiles and Disinformation on Social Media (high) An analysis of Fico's January 2025 Facebook video showed 21% of comments originated from 'inauthentic profiles,' double the previously observed rate, suggesting coordinated manipulation. His account has been flagged for using fake followers and purchased likes, and Meta is reportedly evaluating potential actions for deliberate policy violations.. Pro-Russian and Anti-Western Geopolitical Stance (high) Fico maintains an 'anti-American' and 'pro-Russian' ideology, halting military aid to Ukraine, vowing to veto Ukraine's NATO membership, and claiming the war was started by 'Ukrainian neonazis.' This stance has strained relations with EU and NATO allies, leading to the cancellation of high-level meetings (e.g., with the Czech Republic).