Slovakia’s political landscape is erupting in tension as opposition parties unite to call a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. Citing Fico’s pro-Moscow stance and allegations of neglecting domestic crises, this move could topple the leader’s fragile coalition and trigger a snap election.
Fico’s Controversial Moscow Visit Sparks Outrage
At the heart of the uproar is Fico’s recent surprise visit to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate cheaper gas for Slovakia after Ukraine ended its transit deal with Gazprom. The visit sparked a diplomatic feud with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and drew harsh criticism at home.
“Robert Fico has left Slovakia,” declared Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia, during a fiery press conference. “Instead of addressing the problems people face, he flies around the world, kowtowing to dictators and enjoying luxury.”
Fico’s trip came amid revelations of his stay at a €5,000-per-night luxury hotel in Vietnam, further fueling public anger. While Fico denies the claims, insisting the hotel was used only for official meetings, the perception of extravagance during a health care and cost-of-living crisis has damaged his credibility.
A Fragile Coalition Under Fire
The opposition’s push for a no-confidence vote comes as Fico’s coalition teeters on the edge of collapse. The three-party alliance—comprising Fico’s SMER-SD party, the hard-right Slovak National Party (SNS), and the social-democratic Hlas—holds a razor-thin majority of 76 seats in the 150-member parliament.
Cracks within the coalition are deepening. Four Hlas MPs openly criticized Fico’s Moscow trip, announcing plans to visit Kyiv instead. In October, three SNS MPs quit their caucus over internal disputes, further eroding coalition unity.
Opposition Unites for the First Time
In a rare show of unity, Slovakia’s fragmented opposition has rallied behind the no-confidence motion, an unprecedented move that reflects growing discontent with Fico’s leadership. “It is a moment of emancipation for the opposition,” said Michal Vašečka, a political scientist at the Bratislava Policy Institute.
Fico himself has hinted at a potential snap election, acknowledging the precarious state of his coalition. “Even Fico is hesitating whether he can maintain his majority,” Vašečka noted.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The no-confidence vote comes at a critical time for Slovakia, a nation grappling with economic instability, rising energy costs, and strained relations with its European allies. Fico’s pro-Moscow tilt has isolated him on the international stage, even as his government struggles to address domestic crises.
If the opposition succeeds in ousting Fico, Slovakia could face a snap election that may further reshape its political landscape. For now, the nation waits, as the vote could determine the future of its leadership and direction.