How a pro-Russia party triumphed in Slovakia’s election

The staunchly pro-Russian Robert Fico is back in power for a third time in Slovakia. Fico’s Smer party clinched at least 23 per cent of the vote – enough to lead a coalition government. His victory comes five years after Fico was forced to resign following mass protests over the murder of a journalist investigation corruption in his government. 

Fico has not been shy during campaigning about his views on Russia and Ukraine. His most striking pledge was to immediately end military support for Kyiv, promising to ‘not send a single round’ of ammunition to Ukraine if voted into power; now that he is, Ukraine’s allies are concerned about whether he will follow through – and what other trouble he may cause.

Until now, Slovakia has loyally followed the lead of its fellow Nato and EU members, supplying weapons to Ukraine, taking in Ukrainian refugees and beginning the process of weaning itself of Russian gas.