The nationwide referendum on abolishing lifelong payments to former prime ministers of Slovakia, including current Prime Minister Robert Fico, has been officially declared invalid. The reason is extremely low voter turnout.
According to Slovakia’s Statistical Office, after processing protocols from 99.5% of polling stations, turnout stood at just 16.1% (approximately 705,000 people). For the referendum to be considered valid, at least 50% of registered voters needed to participate.
Voters were asked two questions:
On abolishing lifelong pensions for prime ministers and parliamentary speakers who have served at least two terms.
On restoring the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the National Crime Agency, which were abolished by Fico’s government in 2024.
Despite the low turnout, more than 90% of those who voted supported both proposals.
The provision granting lifelong payments to former prime ministers was introduced in 2024 following an assassination attempt on Robert Fico. The referendum was initiated by opposition forces, who accuse the current government of weakening anti-corruption institutions and creating privileges for politicians.
The failure of the referendum is a serious blow to the opposition. Critics have already called it a “fiasco,” pointing to insufficient mobilization of supporters. Fico’s supporters, in turn, viewed the result as confirmation of public support for the government’s course.
The referendum results will have no legal force. Robert Fico and other former high-ranking officials will retain their right to lifelong payments after leaving office.