BRATISLAVA – Slovakia’s parliament approved on Tuesday a government plan to dismantle an independent office that protects those who report corruption and other criminal activities.

A total of 78 lawmakers representing the coalition government led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico voted in favor of the move in the 150-seat parliament, despite critical voices at home and abroad.

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The critics included the opposition, the Slovak prosecutor-general, the European Union and international and local nongovernmental organizations dealing with corruption.

President Peter Pellegrini, usually an ally of Fico, expressed his reservations. Pellegrini has to sign the legislation to become law, but the government has a majority to override his possible veto.

“The level of protec

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