OECD: Stronger Rule‑of‑Law Could Lift Slovakia’s GDP by 1.8%

Stronger anti‑corruption efforts and more robust compliance with rule‑of‑law standards would raise Slovakia’s GDP by 1.8% over ten years, according to the OECD’s 2026 Country Report. The country needs such a boost, the report says, as economic growth has slowed significantly, Slovak wages remain the lowest in the region, public debt continues to rise despite consolidation, and the government sees ever‑higher taxes as the only solution. “Perceptions of weak judicial independence and corruption undermine investor confidence,” the report warns. The current coalition, however, is moving in the opposite direction, attacking independent oversight institutions and critical media while fostering corrupt practices, including changes to public procurement rules and the criminal code. The OECD instead recommends digitalizing public procurement processes.

(sme.sk)