Slovak Government Proposes Controversial Reforms to Plea Bargain System

Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD party has released its first detailed proposal for reforming the country's plea bargain system, commonly known as "kajúcnici" or penitents. The draft legislation has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, who have recommended that the government either completely abandon the proposal or undertake a comprehensive overhaul. The plea bargain system allows defendants to receive reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation with prosecutors, and has been a key tool in Slovakia's anti-corruption efforts. Smer-SD, the social-democratic party that leads the current government coalition, has long criticized the existing system, arguing it has been misused. However, legal professionals warn that the proposed changes could undermine the country's ability to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively.