Opposition parties in Slovakia have announced they will launch a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, accusing him of moving his foreign policy closer to Russia while ignoring the country’s domestic problems, Reuters reported.
Fico’s ruling left-wing nationalist coalition has become increasingly unstable in recent months, with its parliamentary majority reduced to 76 out of 150 seats. The prime minister is facing disagreements within smaller coalition partners and a rebellion by some lawmakers.
It is unclear when the vote might take place, and a no-confidence vote requires a simple majority, which would oblige the Slovak president to name a new government.
Parliament could also decide to hold early elections, which would require the support of both the opposition and the ruling parties.
The government faces significant domestic problems, including a high budget deficit, a crisis in the healthcare system and the disruption of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, which Fico says is hurting the Slovak economy.
Fico said that the interruption of gas supplies from Ukraine would cost Slovakia 1.5 billion euros through increased prices and loss of revenue from transit fees. He also threatened to suspend humanitarian aid to Kiev over the dispute.
Last month, Fico visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but did not visit Kiev.
Before the gas dispute, he suspended military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
“Robert Fico has left Slovakia. Instead of solving problems in his country, he is flying around the world and bowing to dictators. We are in favor of Slovakia remaining firmly rooted in the European Union and NATO,” said Michal Simečka, leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia, at a press conference.
Photo: Prensa Latina
