MEPs face criticism and threats during Slovakia rule of law visit

In early June 2025, a four-member delegation from the European Parliament (EP) arrived in Slovakia to evaluate the state of democracy, the rule of law, and the observance of fundamental rights. This visit was marked by controversy as Igor Matovič, chairman of the opposition movement Slovakia, clarified that the opposition did not request this investigation. He expressed concerns that the MEPs might be intimidated by Robert Fico, who has already begun attacking their credibility. Moreover, Veronika Remišová, the chairwoman of the opposition party For the People, warned the delegation about potential surveillance by Slovak secret services, referencing previous experiences of other delegations who faced similar issues during their missions to Slovakia. This situation underlines a broader apprehension among opposition members regarding the government's response to critical oversight from European entities. Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice Boris Susko vehemently criticized the MEPs, accusing them of a lack of interest in the truth. Susko claimed that the MEPs disregarded previous discussions with Slovak officials and were deliberately distorting the issues at hand to malign Slovakia’s reputation in the EU. This contentious atmosphere surrounding the EP delegation reflects a significant tension between the Slovak government and the opposition, as well as a deeper concern regarding the nation's adherence to EU standards of democracy and rule of law. As Slovakia grapples with these internal conflicts, the response to the EP delegation may set a precedent for how such international oversight will be handled in the future, as well as how effectively the government can navigate criticisms from its own political spectrum.