The populist, pro-Moscow party headed by former Prime Minister Robert Fico has emerged victorious in Slovakia’s parliamentary elections, securing nearly 24% of the total votes. This triumph was unanticipated as exit polls had projected the victory of a liberal centrist party.
Fico’s Smer-SSD party, a left-wing group, has assured a prompt discontinuation of military assistance to Ukraine. The abrupt end to his term as Prime Minister in 2018, was instigated by the assassination of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak. Now tasked with the formation of the next government, Fico is anticipated to commence coalition talks.
Notably, the Progressive Slovakia party, which exit polls had predicted as the election winners, only secured about 17% of votes. The pro-European Hlas party, a potential decision-maker in the formation of the next government, placed third with 15%.
In a potentially complex political drama of coalition-building, the Slovak parliament will accommodate representatives from seven distinct parties, ranging from libertarians to the far-right. Fico may form alliances with Hlas, a party that distanced itself from Smer in 2020, and the Slovak National Party, which managed to secure 5% votes.
Fico remains unbothered by his label as a “pro-Russian politician”, and his recent victory might provoke celebrations in Moscow. This shift in power dynamics in Slovakia might prompt unease among other European Union members and NATO allies, while simultaneously garnering approval from the Slovak populace that harbours traditional affection for Moscow.
Hungary’s far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the first to extend congratulations towards Fico. Known for his controversial views, notably that the war in Ukraine was initiated “by Ukrainian Nazis and fascists”, Fico advocates for peace talks as the only solution.
President Zuzana Caputova’s response to Fico’s victory has been notably subdued. Not offering public congratulations, she relied on her spokesman to issue a statement, articulating the duty the election winner has towards meeting the public’s expectations to benefit all of Slovakia. Caputova has recently confirmed that she would not be seeking re-election when her term expires next year, citing undue hostility and personal assaults that she and her family have endured.
The Progressive Slovakia party’s vision of an “open, tolerant, cosmopolitan society”, advocating for liberal policies within the European Union concerning green initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights, starkly contrast the “stability, order and social security” upon which Smer campaigns.
