Europe

Slovakia elects president supportive of Russia

Peter Pellegrini, a former premier and member of Fico’s ruling coalition, secured 53.1 per cent of the vote, beating Ivan Korcok, a pro-European Union diplomat

Peter Pellegrini gives a speach to the members of media after winning the presidential election in Bratislava, Slovakia. Photograph: Zuzana Gogova/Getty Images

Sun Apr 7 2024 - 12:18

Russia-friendly prime minister Robert Fico, a staunch opponent of military aid to Ukraine, has cemented his grip on power after his ally won the presidential election in Slovakia.

Peter Pellegrini, a former premier and member of Fico’s ruling coalition, secured 53.1 per cent of the vote, beating Ivan Korcok, a pro-European Union diplomat, according to the official tally published early on Sunday.

Since returning to power last year, Fico has triggered public criticism and scrutiny from the European Union for his decisions to curb the fight against corruption, suppress independent media and challenge EU and Nato allies over support for Ukraine. The presidential victory would ease his path to approving legislation and appointments of key public officials.

During the campaign, Pellegrini accused Korcok, who argued for supporting Kyiv, of wanting to drag the country into war. The new head of state will now represent Slovakia at the meetings of leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

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“I’ll do everything to ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not war, and let anyone criticise me for it if they want,” Pellegrini told reporters in Bratislava after announcing his victory.

As a parliament speaker, Pellegrini has also played a crucial role in pushing through Fico’s contested judicial overhaul, which has raised alarm in the European Union. He signalled on Sunday his support for the prime minister will continue.

“The government can count on that – as long as it fulfils its program – it doesn’t have to fear that the presidential palace will become an opposition centre harming the cabinet, as it was in the past,” he said.

Zuzana Caputova, the current officeholder and standard-bearer of Slovakia’s anti-corruption movement, moved to stop some of Fico’s more controversial proposals. She submitted his contentious criminal-law overhaul in February to the country’s top court, which has yet to issue a ruling.

Pellegrini succeeded Fico as prime minister in 2018, when the Slovak leader was forced to resign amid mass protests following the killing of a journalist investigating corruption in the EU member state.

Amid the public outrage, Pellegrini left Fico’s Smer party and led his own group, known as Voice, in last year’s parliamentary election. He joined Fico’s coalition in October. – Bloomberg

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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