Fico said he respects people’s right to protest, but dismissed the comparison with the Russian foreign agent bill.
“The draft law concerning nongovernmental organizations has nothing to do with Russian, American or Israeli legislation,” Fico said after a government meeting on Wednesday, adding that it is a “European law that has been consulted.”
“They’ve run out of things to protest about, so now they’re just making up another lie,” he added.
Stasselová said that the most dangerous aspect of the law is that it discredits NGOs that receive foreign funding in the eyes of the public.
“It stigmatizes and criminalizes NGOs receiving foreign funding, even if the funds come from the EU or grants supporting education, environmental protection, or anti-corruption efforts,” she said.
“The government would gain the authority to interfere in their operations, impose fines, or even shut them down,” she added.
Hungary passed a similar law in 2017, but had to repeal it in 2023 after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled it illegal.
The right-wing nationalist Slovak National Party (SNS), who proposed the amendment, did not reply to a request to comment. The bill is set to be discussed in parliament on April 9.
