image: shutterstock

Slovakia held an early parliamentary election that featured a clash between a populist former prime minister, Robert Fico, and a liberal newcomer, Michal Simecka, who leads the Progressive Slovakia party.

Fico and his Smer party campaigned on a platform of withdrawing Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Fico opposes EU sanctions on Russia, questions Ukraine’s ability to remove Russian troops, and opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership.

In contrast, Progressive Slovakia supports Slovakia’s existing EU and NATO memberships and pledges to continue supporting Ukraine. The party also advocates LGBTQ+ rights.

No party was expected to win an outright majority, so a coalition government will need to be formed. Polls indicated that several political groups and parties might surpass the 5% threshold needed for representation in the 150-seat National Council. This included the far-right Republic group, which seeks Slovakia’s exit from the EU and NATO.

The election’s outcome could have significant implications for Slovakia’s stance on Ukraine, its EU and NATO commitments, and domestic policies like LGBTQ+ rights.

Young voters have shown support for Progressive Slovakia, making the election an important indicator of the country’s political direction.

The party securing the most votes typically gets the first opportunity to form a government, but coalition negotiations will play a crucial role in determining Slovakia’s future leadership and policies.

Source: with agencies