Slovakia elections – level 3

Slovakia elections

04-10-2023 07:00

Robert Fico, a pro-Russian politician, won last week’s Slovakian election and is set to begin coalition talks to form a government.

His party SMER-SSD secured almost 23% of the vote. Fico opposes the European Union’s military aid to Ukraine, aligning with Hungary in this stance. While willing to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, he opposes arming them. Slovakia is a NATO member; however, it sympathizes with Russia’s perspective that the West aims to harm Moscow.

Fico’s campaign slogan ‘Not a single round’ for Ukraine, resonated with many in Slovakia. His likely coalition partners may include the moderate leftist HLAS party and the pro-Russian Slovak National Party. Fico’s pragmatism may lead to a toned-down approach, especially in a coalition with HLAS.

This election marks a shift against political liberalism in central Europe, similar to Hungary’s Viktor Orban’s policies. Fico also plans to reinstate border controls with Hungary to stop illegal migration.

Difficult words: stance (attitude), resonate (to evoke memories and emotions), pragmatism (dealing with a problem in a way that suits the conditions that really exist), toned-down (less forceful or offensive).

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What policies does Robert Fico advocate for Slovakia's relationship with Ukraine and the European Union?

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