Anti-Ukraine Ex-PM Fico Poised for Comeback in Slovakia Elections

Slovakian parliamentary elections held on May 14th saw former Prime Minister Robert Fico's SMER-SD party emerge as the largest vote-getter.

Fico, a vocal opponent of Ukraine and Western sanctions against Russia, campaigned on a platform of severing military aid to Kyiv and pursuing closer ties with Moscow. His victory has raised concerns among Western leaders who fear a shift in Slovakia's foreign policy stance.

In recent years, Slovakia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing military and humanitarian assistance and backing EU sanctions against Russia. However, Fico's victory could signal a change in this stance, with Slovakia potentially becoming a more sympathetic voice towards Russia within the EU.

Fico's victory is also being seen as a setback for the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Eduard Heger. Heger's government has been criticized for its handling of the energy crisis and rising inflation, which may have contributed to Fico's success at the polls.

Fico's SMER-SD party fell short of an outright majority in parliament, so he will need to form a coalition with other parties to govern. It remains to be seen which parties Fico will approach for support, and what concessions he will be willing to make in order to secure a governing majority.

The outcome of the coalition negotiations will have a significant impact on Slovakia's future foreign policy direction. If Fico is able to form a coalition with like-minded parties, Slovakia could become a more vocal critic of Ukraine and Western sanctions against Russia.