After his election victory in Slovakia, the left-wing populist Fico enters into a three-party alliance with an ultra-right and a left-wing party. Observers assume that the country will move closer to Hungary’s foreign policy position.
Eleven days after the parliamentary election in Slovakia, two social democratic parties and a nationalist party agreed to form a three-party coalition. According to the agreement signed by the three party leaders, the left-wing nationalist former long-term head of government Robert Fico will become prime minister again. Peter Pellegrini, the leader of the more liberal Social Democrats, takes over the role of President of Parliament. The smallest coalition partner will be the pro-Russian Slovak National Party SNS.
After the signing, Fico announced that he wanted to have the government put together “as quickly as possible.” It is still unclear when this could be sworn in.
“Respect the nation-state Interests”
In writing, the three parties guaranteed a foreign policy based on EU and NATO membership while “respecting Slovakia’s national interests.” Observers assume that Slovakia, previously one of Ukraine’s big supporters in the war against Russia, will make a U-turn in foreign policy under Fico’s leadership and move closer to Hungary’s position.
Fico declared during the election campaign that under his leadership Slovakia would not deliver “one shot of ammunition” to Ukraine. At the same time, he called for better relations with Russia. After his election victory, Fico said Slovakia had “bigger problems” than aid to Ukraine. He spoke out in favor of peace talks.
Resigned as head of government in 2018
Fico was head of Slovakia’s government from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018, twice forming a government with the SNS, which also rejects further military aid for Ukraine.
In 2018, Fico had to resign after the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancé. Kuciak had researched connections between the Italian mafia and Fico’s ruling party.