Unraveling the Intricate Web: The Case of Maroš Žilinka and Slovak Politics

Unraveling the Intricate Web: The Case of Maroš Žilinka and Slovak Politics

Maroš Žilinka’s Extraordinary Relationships: An Overview

Public servant Maroš Žilinka is currently under scrutiny due to his remarkable relationships, particularly with Michal Gučík, who is suspected of money laundering. Gučík, a significant figure in TA3 television, is infamously known as the ‘consigliere’ of oligarch Ivan Kmotrík. Kmotrík’s rise to power and wealth occurred under the Mečiar era and was further boosted during the Smer government’s reign.

Gučík is believed to have played a pivotal role in the electoral success of Andrej Danko and SNS in 2016. This victory revived the dwindling party, placing it in the government and propelling Danko to the position of the second highest constitutional official. Additionally, Gučík’s influence extends to the election of General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka.

Amidst Controversy: A Lobbying Incident

Richard Sulík admitted that Gučík had arranged a meeting with him before the election. Sulík, the leader of SaS, insists that Gučík did not interfere with the SaS parliamentary club’s support. Despite these assertions, the incident is viewed as lobbying in democratic societies, thereby implying that Gučík in fact lobbied for Žilinka. The current general prosecutor has denied any lobbying, a statement that has since been proven false.

Surrounding Speculations and Denial

In the summer of 2019, rumors circulated that Smer intended to install their candidate in the special prosecutor’s post. It was widely speculated that Dušan Kováčik would resign before the end of his term to facilitate the appointment of a new special prosecutor before the elections. Maroš Žilinka’s name was frequently mentioned in this context, with Gučík’s involvement being a prominent factor.

Žilinka has now distanced himself from Gučík, asserting that he has not had any contact with him over the past three years. However, given his previous dishonesty concerning Gučík, doubts persist. As a public servant, Žilinka cannot overlook these concerns. His past and unwillingness to disclose the truth are catching up to him. His relationships, even if born out of humanity, are now seen as problematic.

Unraveling the Article 363 Controversy

In August 2021, General Prosecutor Maroš Žilinka invoked Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to nullify charges against the former director of the Slovak Secret Service (SIS), along with four other prominent individuals held in custody due to corruption allegations. This move was controversial as the legality of the criminal charges had been upheld numerous times by three different courts, including the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

The GP [General Prosecutor] used his powers under Article 363 to nullify the charges just days before the expiry of this option. This move has been criticized, as it seemed to be a last resort to free a person with unusually strong personal connections to the party that most strongly backed Žilinka for his post.

Conclusion: The Implications for Slovak Politics

Scrutiny of Maroš Žilinka’s relationships and actions has revealed a complex web of influence and power within Slovak politics. The general prosecutor’s actions, particularly in invoking Article 363 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, have raised questions about the balance of power and the role of lobbying in democratic societies. For Slovakia, these revelations represent a critical juncture, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public service.