Slovak Judiciary Under Fire as Political Tensions Escalate Over Court Immunity and Judicial Independence

Slovakia’s government is facing renewed accusations of undermining judicial independence after Prime Minister Robert Fico’s administration granted legal immunity to a close associate, triggering sharp criticism from judicial officials and opposition politicians.

The controversy centers on a decision by Fico’s government to grant immunity to Jana Záleská, a former state secretary and ally of the prime minister, shielding her from potential criminal prosecution. The move has been denounced by Slovakia’s highest court as an unacceptable attempt to intimidate judges who might rule against government interests.

The Supreme Court of Slovakia issued a rare public statement warning that threats of criminal prosecution against judges for their judicial decisions are impermissible and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. The court emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in the justice system and violate the principle of judicial independence.

Justice Minister Mária Kolíková has come under fire for her role in the affair, with Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok accusing her of abusing her authority by publicly commenting on ongoing judicial matters. Šutaj-Eštok argued that Kolíková’s statements risk influencing judicial proceedings and represent an improper use of ministerial power.

Opposition figures have amplified the criticism, with former minister Veronika Remišová claiming the government is conducting a systematic attack on judicial independence. Remišová, speaking on behalf of the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party, argued that the immunity grant fits a broader pattern of executive overreach aimed at weakening checks and balances.

The developments add to growing concern among European institutions about democratic backsliding in Slovakia. The European Commission has previously warned that legal changes introduced by Fico’s government since 2023 pose risks to judicial independence, while the International Commission of Jurists has urged Slovakia’s National Judicial Council to clarify how recent legislation safeguards against undue political interference.

As of April 2026, the immunity grant to Záleská remains in effect, and no legal challenges to the decision have been publicly reported. Judicial officials continue to stress that any attempt to link judicial decisions to potential prosecution represents a threat to constitutional governance.