Slovak Firebrand’s Push to Block Help for Ukraine Hits Trouble. Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s attempts to obstruct aid for Ukraine face obstacles. His coalition partner, Eduard Heger, refuses to serve in the same cabinet as Fico. This is due to Fico’s recent anti-US and anti-Ukraine stance, as well as his call for Slovakia to withdraw from NATO.
Prime Minister Heger remains committed to assisting Ukraine and unaffected by Fico’s rhetoric. However, the disagreement between Fico and Heger puts the Slovak government in a delicate position. Slovakia, as a NATO member, is pressured to support Ukraine. But Fico’s growing popularity threatens the government’s stability if he leaves the coalition.
Former Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini also refuses to serve alongside Robert Fico in the same cabinet. Pellegrini’s decision is based on Fico’s recent anti-US and anti-Ukraine position, as well as his criticism of the government’s decision to send weapons to Ukraine. Pellegrini supports Slovakia’s NATO membership and its assistance to Ukraine.
The conflict between Fico and Pellegrini creates difficulties for the Slovak government. The pressure to support Ukraine clashes with Fico’s supporters who advocate for a more neutral approach.
Robert Fico, the outspoken former prime minister of Slovakia, experiences a surge in popularity due to his increasingly anti-US and anti-Ukraine stance. Fico’s calls for Slovakia to withdraw from NATO and his criticism of providing weapons to Ukraine resonate with some voters.
Fico’s rhetoric resonates with Slovak citizens concerned about national security and the country’s relationship with the United States. Consequently, Fico’s popularity rises in recent polls. It remains to be seen if this trend will continue and if he can convert his support into votes in the upcoming election. Nonetheless, his stance on Ukraine undoubtedly elevates his standing in Slovak politics.
