Thousands of people in Slovakia took to the streets, opposing the planned abolition of the authority that protects whistleblowers. The protests were centered in the capital, Bratislava, where demonstrators called for Prime Minister Fico to resign. Prominent opposition politicians also participated in the demonstrations. Protests were held not only in Bratislava but also in nine other cities.

The parliament had decided last week to dissolve the whistleblower authority, which until now had received reports of misconduct, illegal practices, or grievances, particularly within governmental bodies. The parliamentary decision also partially criminalizes the forwarding of evidence to law enforcement agencies. Critics accuse Prime Minister Fico’s government of corruption, adding to the tensions surrounding this move.