Why this story matters:
Almost two months after the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová, Slovaks are still protesting and calling for the resignation of several officials, including the head of the Slovak police forces, Tibor Gašpar.
Organizers of the protests say Gašpar should step down to restore trust in the Slovak police.
Most Slovaks believed the chief of police would be immediately replaced after a new government was formed, but Gašpar's position has proven unassailable.
While several high-ranking officials have resigned after the Kuciak murders, in the eyes of the protesters, the Slovak government has not done enough to eliminate corruption. This impression intensified last week, when mafia boss Róbert Okoličány mysteriously fled after being sentenced to life in prison.
Understandably, Slovaks cannot help but wonder what makes Gašpar untouchable while so many other officials resigned in the wake of the Kuciak protests.
Details from the story:
- Interior Minister Tomáš Drucker stepped down on April 16 after 26 days in office.
- His predecessor, Robert Kaliňák, served as Interior Minister for ten years.
- Drucker was previously Minister of Health. Slovaks have dubbed him the "universal minister".
- The new Slovak government was formed after the resignations of Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák.
