Status: 12/15/2022 8:16 p.m
Prime Minister Heger and his conservative-populist government did not survive the no-confidence vote in Slovakia’s parliament. The vote came from a former coalition partner. It is unclear whether there will be new elections.
In Slovakia, the conservative-populist minority government of Prime Minister Eduard Heger was brought down by a vote of no confidence. In the Bratislava Parliament, 78 out of 150 deputies voted against the three-party cabinet. The motion of no confidence came from the liberal Freedom and Solidarity Party (SaS), which itself was a member of the coalition until the beginning of September.
SaS boss Richard Sulik accused the government of incompetence in the face of the energy crisis and high inflation, as well as a lack of commitment in the fight against corruption. The opposition also criticizes that Heger’s government is overwhelmed by the current refugee crisis. In addition, Igor Matovic, the founder and leader of the largest governing party, Olano, abuses his office as Finance Minister for acts of revenge on political opponents.
Several ways to proceed
Who will govern Slovakia in the future now depends primarily on President Zuzana Caputova. It can provisionally instruct the fallen government to continue its work until a new coalition is formed. But it can also set up a government of experts.
There may also be an early election. Several parties have spoken out in favor of it. This would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament. According to surveys, the opposition would benefit most from a new election. The next election would normally be scheduled for February 2024.