The Slovakian government plans to increase personal protection for politicians as well as stricter rules for protests in the wake of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico last month.
The plans affect not only members of the government, but also the leaders of the opposition parties, according to amendments to the law passed by the three-party Cabinet in Bratislava on Wednesday.
They still have to be approved by parliament, where the coalition parties have a sufficient majority.
Left-wing populist Fico was seriously injured after he was shot several times by an opponent of the government on May 15. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák has taken over his official duties for the time being.
The new legal provisions also include stricter rules for protest rallies. Demonstrators are no longer allowed to take place directly in front of the government or presidential office, parliament or court buildings, but must keep a minimum distance of 50 metres.
The private sphere of public officials is to be more strongly protected.
In the past, parts of the opposition had repeatedly organized protests directly in front of Fico's private residence in Bratislava. There have also been individual protests in front of the private residence of President Zuzana Čaputová and other politicians.
In future, a minimum distance will also apply here.
Protests in front of hospitals and the private residences of doctors, journalists and other people who have become the target of public criticism due to their professional activities will be banned.
