Robert Fico, a controversial figure in Slovak politics, is making his comeback to the forefront. Despite a reputation tarnished by corruption cases and a scandal linked to the murder of an investigative journalist, he is today favored by the polls to win the legislative elections in Slovakia.
Robert Fico, 59, already served two terms as prime minister before being forced to leave power in 2018 following the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée. This double assassination shook the country and revealed links between Fico’s political party and the Italian mafia. The protests that followed pushed Fico to resign.
However, despite this affair which could have buried his political career, Fico managed to maintain influence by retaining his seat in Parliament. Today, he is running again for elections with his party, Smer-Social Democracy, and is on track to regain the post of Prime Minister.
Fico’s popularity is partly explained by his use of social media and online videos to communicate with his electorate. He does not hesitate to play on false information and conspiracy theories to galvanize his supporters. A survey carried out in 2022 found that more than half of Slovaks are receptive to this false information and the conspiracy theories it promotes.
But apart from his controversial communication strategies, who is the real man behind this populist politician? He presents himself as a champion of stability, order and well-being for his country. However, his positions on immigration and LGBT+ rights reveal an uncompromising conservatism. He strongly opposes same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.
Another intriguing aspect of Fico’s personality is his admiration for Vladimir Putin. He presents himself as a fan of the Russian president and has even said that he would refuse to arrest Putin if he came to Slovakia despite an international warrant against him. Additionally, he promises to end Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine, raising doubts about his foreign policy.
In short, Robert Fico is a complex and controversial figure on the Slovak political scene. Its comeback raises concerns about the evolution of democracy and civil rights in the country. He embodies a populism fueled by fake news and conspiracy theories, methods of communication that unfortunately seem to be bearing fruit with a receptive electorate. The political future of Slovakia therefore looks uncertain with the possible return of Fico to power.