In Slovakia, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bratislava and other cities on December 16 to oppose the government’s planned changes to the criminal code and the whistleblower protection system. Critics say the proposals would weaken safeguards for exposing corruption and limit prosecutors’ ability to pursue organized crime. Former Slovak defense minister Martin Sklenár warned the backlash could erode support for the ruling coalition even among its own voters. The unrest mirrors protests elsewhere in the region. In Romania, demonstrators have taken to the streets in Bucharest to oppose controversial judicial reforms, arguing they undermine the independence of the courts and the rule of law. In Lithuania, protests have focused on proposed changes to the governance of the public broadcaster LRT, with critics warning of political interference and threats to media freedom. Meanwhile in Hungary, tens of thousands have marched in Budapest over allegations that authorities sought to downplay or conceal abuse in state-run care institutions. Taken together, the demonstrations point to a broader wave of public frustration across Central Europe, raising concerns that the region could face a prolonged period of political unrest.
