Slovakia holds referendum on scrapping Fico’s lifetime payments

Slovakia has launched a nationwide referendum on a series of governance-related issues, including a proposal to abolish lifetime payments for former prime ministers, a measure that would directly affect current Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The vote is being held on Saturday, July 4, according to the country’s Interior Ministry, as cited by RIA Novosti. Voters are being asked to respond to two questions: “Do you agree with the abolition of the so-called lifetime annuity, for example, for Robert Fico?” and “Do you agree that the special prosecutor’s office and the national crime agency should be restored?”

For the referendum to be valid, voter turnout must exceed 50%.

The initiative was put forward by the opposition Democrats party following legislative amendments that came into force in July 2024. The changes introduced a lifetime monthly payment of 4,000 euros for former prime ministers who have served at least two terms.

Fico, who is currently serving his third term as Slovakia’s prime minister, is the only political figure eligible for the benefit under the existing criteria.

By Tamilla Hasanova