The recent electoral triumph of pro-Putin politician Robert Fico in Slovakia has sent shockwaves throughout Europe, with concerns mounting over the implications for Ukraine and the European Union as a whole.
While Budapest appears elated at the prospect of a new ally in Fico, pro-EU forces are sounding alarms, calling on Europe to wake up to the potential consequences of his rise to power, particularly in light of fears regarding AI-driven misinformation campaigns.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was quick to offer his congratulations.
He wrote: “Guess who’s back! Congratulations to Robert Fico on his undisputed victory in the Slovak parliamentary elections. Always good to work together with a patriot.”
Orban’s words have fuelled speculations that Fico and the Hungarian leader could potentially form an alliance, challenging other EU member states on issues related to support for Ukraine and the rule of law.
READ MORE: Ben Wallace promises Ukraine victory – but says West must help finish the job
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dr Stepan Stepanenko, Director of Forward Strategy explained how Fico’s election could spell disaster for Ursula von der Leyen and the European Union.
He said: “While it is possible that both Hungary and Slovakia will only prevent the transportation of aid to Ukraine through shared borders, these are but a small percentage of the land links between the EU and Ukraine. A far larger border is shared with Poland and Romania.
“Where Hungary and Slovakia can collude is in blocking any EU packages to Ukraine, something that Orban has been more than happy to do on multiple occasions in the 26 months since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
Dr Stepanenko also highlighted Slovakia’s role as a significant producer of military equipment, including the Zuzana 2 howitzers used by Ukraine.
He pointed out that Slovak and Ukrainian manufacturers have agreed on joint ventures, producing ammunition and weaponry in Slovakia. The situation raises concerns about Ukraine’s ability to safeguard production zones from aerial attacks, especially given Slovakia’s potential economic hardships.
Dr Stepanenko concluded: “With Slovakia facing economic difficulties, it is unlikely that Fico’s government will impede the sale or transfer of privately produced military equipment, given the tax income it generates. However, we are likely to witness a reduction in what the Slovak state does to prevent Russian occupation and genocide in Ukraine, and the continued global offensive by tyrannical rulers on democratic states.”
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico attends EU summit
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Fico’s party, SMER-SSD, secured a resounding victory in Slovakia’s elections, capturing 23.37 percent of the vote. Following closely behind were the liberal Progressive Slovakia (PS) with 18 percent and the HLAS (Voice) party with 14.7 percent, which could play a pivotal role in shaping the next government.
The decisive win by Smer has paved the way for Fico to potentially form a government, with speculation of a coalition with HLAS, led by former Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini. Such a coalition could even include the runner-up Progressive Slovakia, with the enticing offer of the prime minister’s seat.
Throughout the election campaign, Fico, well-known for his pro-Putin stance, made his positions clear. He asserted that military support to Ukraine “only prolonged the conflict” and vowed to oppose “sanctions that hurt the EU more than they hurt Russia.” If Fico successfully assembles a functioning coalition, he has indicated that he would refrain from sending additional weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
Fico’s stated priorities upon entering government include tightening controls on the border with Hungary and removing the Special Prosecutor and Police Chief, who have been investigating political corruption from the Smer era in recent years.
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