Leftist figure Robert Fico has been appointed as Slovakia’s prime minister for the fourth time, with President Zuzana Caputova formalizing the appointment on Wednesday. Fico’s SMER-SSD party secured victory in the September 30 election, forming a coalition with the HLAS and SNS parties of the center-left and nationalist spectrums, respectively.
Having previously resigned from the post in 2018 amidst anti-corruption protests following a journalist’s murder, Fico returns with a platform emphasizing an end to Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine and a critical stance on sanctions against Russia. His campaign also emphasized an independent foreign policy apart from the EU and the U.S., alongside stricter measures against incoming migrants aiming to reach Western Europe.
Expected to attend an upcoming EU summit, Fico’s views extend to opposition against political liberalism, non-governmental organizations, and increased rights for transgender individuals. Notably, he has expressed admiration for Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, potentially paving the way for political alliances where their interests align. Despite his critiques of Brussels and the United States, Fico has clarified that he has no intention of withdrawing Slovakia, with its 5.5 million populace, from the EU or the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.
