Description
Even almost 25 years after the fall of Communism and 10 years after entering the European Union Slovakia’s legal and institutional infrastructure protecting core democratic values is weak. Authorities in too many cases act formally as so called “empty shells” without deeper understanding and internalizing values crucial for the rule of law. Key institutions expected to oversee obeying the law aren’t independent enough. And after the last elections one political party dominates the political and public life. Such environment significantly increases the risk of power abuse, ineffective use of public funds and nepotism. Therefore strong and independent civil actors are needed in order to watch over the political representation and public administration. The aim of the project is to strengthen a systematic watchdog role. One of core project results will be revealing cases of power misuse and ineffective using of public money. Findings will be sent to control authorities to hold officials accountable. Drafts aiming at improving the legislative framework will be presented, campaigns will be organized. As Slovak judiciary still remains a big problem for the rule of law important judicial sessions will be attended and monitored. Fair-play Alliance will be an independent actor strengthening the voice of civil society voice in the public debate. It will help journalists with their investigations and offer them modern open data tools to make public control easier. Outcomes will be achieved through proven methods Fair-play Alliance has been using for years: investigative and analytical work, monitoring, working with the public and improving open data tools. The project aims at two main target groups. One of them are public officials who will get qualified feedback on their job including suggestions for improvements. The second target group is the civil society as a whole who will be involved and get relevant information regarding their represent and civil servants.
Summary of project results
The project helped to come up with serious findings in the corruption affair involving important state figures, the so-called Váhostav case. It contributed to revealing serious failures in the TechMatch affair leading to resignation of the responsible agency director. It helped to create public pressure on the Ministry of Health in order to reevaluate buying of electronic 'Health cards'. It helped to disclose wasting public money in using EU funds and to show systemic loopholes in the new anti-shell companies’ law. It made the public more sensitive to rule of law topics and involved citizens in suggesting improvements. The project focused at two main target groups: one of them was the public administration who got qualified feedback. The second target group was the civil society as a whole who was involved in activities such as campaigns, discussions or creating public pressure.
Summary of bilateral results