Photo: AP
The coalition government of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in the minority after two MPs were expelled from the Voice (Hlas) party. This was reported by the EFE news agency.
The coalition, led by Fico’s Social Democratic Party Smer-SD, also includes the Voice party, which was formed as a result of the split of Smer-SD, and the nationalist Slovak National Party (SNS). After the expulsion of MPs Samuel Migal and Radomir Salitros, the coalition now has only 74 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
Criticism of government reforms
The expelled MPs opposed the government’s judicial reform, which included the abolition of the special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office. This institution had been investigating Fico’s allies, but was accused by the prime minister of political bias.
“None of us wants early elections. We will see what negotiations can still take place,” said Samuel Migala, adding that the political climate in the country is becoming increasingly tense.
Protests and tensions in society
Large-scale anti-government protests organised by the opposition continue in Slovakia. Last Friday, tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets to protest against what they see as Fico’s authoritarian course and his pro-Russian and pro-Chinese stance.
Fico had previously stopped military aid to Ukraine and openly criticised EU policies. In May 2024, he narrowly escaped death in an assassination attempt organised by an opposition supporter.
The future of the Fico government
Although the coalition has lost its majority, the government can still count on the support of five independent MPs, who have not yet expressed any intention of calling early elections.
Robert Fico returned to power in October 2023 after winning the parliamentary elections. His policy of strengthening conservative values, rapprochement with Hungary, and distancing himself from support for Ukraine has caused concern both in the country and in Brussels.
