Winter of discontent in Slovakia: Why the new government is already under scrutiny

It has taken just a few weeks for the new government in Slovakia to attract an eclectic movement of discontent, gathering not only opposition parties, but also NGOs, legal experts, journalists and different activists from civil society.

Our reporter Julián López went to the very heart of the protests to try to understand exactly what is happening.

Protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his plans to scrap the Special Prosecutor's Office have lately gained momentum in Bratislava and other Slovak cities.

The Office deals with high-level corruption and organised crime. It is currently handling several cases involving Mr Fico's own party.

Even the European Commission has raised concerns about the move.

"We are here to show our support and solidarity for democracy and the rule of law. Because basically he (the Prime Minister) is corrupting the judicial system here", one protester said. 

"From the outside we are like the beautiful democratic land in Eastern Europe, but if you look inside, it is polluted with crime and oligarchs. That's why I think it is the black hope of Europe," another added.

Robert Fico became Prime Minister for the fourth time last Autumn leading a coalition of left-wing populists and ultranationalists. Critics say his campaign was rife with pro-Russian, anti-Ukraine, anti-American and anti-immigration rhetoric.

Slovakia is currently ranked 50th out of 180 countries in the Global Corruption Index -its best position in 10 years, said experts at Zastavme Korupciu -and NGO engaged in the fight against corruption. 

But, Xénia Makarová, an analyst and Zastavme Korupciu spokesperson, added that there is not much to be proud of: "Public corruption in Slovakia happens precisely in the areas that our Foundation