The formation of a government coalition in Slovakia is attracting political attention. Prime Minister-designate Robert Fico announced an agreement with the far right and a left-wing party for the creation of a future government. This new political alliance could radically change Slovakia’s foreign policy and have consequences for its relations with Ukraine.
Robert Fico’s party, Smer-SD, won the legislative elections with 23% of the vote, beating the centrist Progressive Slovakia party. The alliance with the left-wing Hlas-SD party, led by Peter Pellegrini, former Prime Minister, and the nationalist SNS party would allow this coalition to obtain a majority of 79 seats. This new political configuration raises concerns about Slovakia’s orientations internationally.
During the electoral campaign, Robert Fico expressed his wish to review relations with Ukraine and to promote rapprochement with Russia. He notably declared that Slovakia would no longer provide military aid to Ukraine. This position raises questions about the future of European aid to Ukraine in an already tense context.
Smer-SD’s decision to ally with the far right also raises concerns about democratic values and human rights in Slovakia. The nationalist SNS party is known for its populist and nationalist positions, which could impact the country’s internal policies.
It now remains to be seen how this government coalition will materialize and what the first measures taken by the new government will be. All eyes are on Slovakia to observe the evolution of its foreign policy and the impact of this new alliance on the international scene.
In conclusion, the formation of a government coalition in Slovakia between Smer-SD, the far right and a left-wing party raises questions about the country’s political orientations. Relations with Ukraine and Russia as well as democratic values and human rights are at the heart of concerns. The establishment of this new government will inevitably lead to changes on the Slovak political and diplomatic scene.