The early legislative elections in Slovakia: a decisive election for the country’s foreign policy
On September 30, Slovaks went to the polls for early parliamentary elections that could have a major impact on the country’s foreign policy. With a tumultuous electoral campaign and high stakes, these elections are considered decisive for the future of Slovakia, both nationally and internationally.
The main issue in these elections lies in the choice between the left-wing Smer-SD party of former populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and the centrist Progressive Slovakia party of Michal Simecka, vice-president of the European Parliament. These two parties enjoy around 20% support each, meaning they will need to form coalitions with other smaller parties to gain a majority in Parliament.
Foreign policy and in particular Slovakia’s position vis-à-vis Ukraine is a key subject of this election. While Robert Fico opposed any additional military aid to Ukraine, Michal Simecka advocated support for that country in its fight against the Russian invasion. Thus, the outcome of these elections could have significant repercussions on Slovakia’s relations with Ukraine and also with the European Union and NATO.
Furthermore, this electoral campaign was marked by a wave of disinformation which affected almost half of the population, according to analyses. This highlights the growing importance of the media and its influence on voters’ opinions. It is therefore crucial for citizens to be aware of these manipulations and engage in an informed decision-making process.
Beyond the question of foreign policy, these elections are also decisive for the future of democracy in Slovakia. The election of a new government will mean a change of political course and could have consequences on the country’s internal policies, particularly in terms of defense, security and the economy.
Pending the final results, it is obvious that these parliamentary elections in Slovakia will have significant repercussions, not only for the country itself, but also for the region and Europe as a whole. It is essential to closely follow the development of the political situation and stay informed of the decisions taken by the future Slovak government.