The presidential election in Slovakia has been won by Peter Pellegrini, an associate of Robert Fico, the pro-Russia prime minister known for his opposition to military aid for Ukraine. Pellegrini, who previously served as premier and a coalition member under Fico, took away 53.1 per cent of the vote, defeating Ivan Korcok, a European Union-friendly diplomat. This result was confirmed by the official count released early Sunday.
Fico, who retook power the past year, invites both local backlash and scrutiny from the European Union for his policies to reduce anti-corruption efforts, curb free press, and contest support for Ukraine from EU and Nato allies. The presidential triumph eases the way for Fico to push through legislation and appoint critical public officials.
In the campaign trail, Pellegrini censured Korcok’s support for Kyiv, alleging that it would drive their country to war. As the newly elected president, Pellegrini will now represent Slovakia in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s leadership meetings.
Pellegrini, as speaker of the parliament, was instrumental in pushing Fico’s disputed judicial reform forward, sparking concern within the European Union. After his victory, he assured continued backing for the prime minister.
Current incumbent Zuzana Caputova, who has been a champion of anti-corruption in Slovakia, had aimed to halt some of Fico’s more divisive proposals. She presented his controversial criminal law reform to the highest legal authority in the country in February, and a ruling is still awaited.
Pellegrini took over as prime minister from Fico in 2018 after the latter was compelled to step down following widespread protests induced by the murder of a journalist reporting on corruption in the European Union member nation. Amid public fury, Pellegrini exited Fico’s Smer party, formed his own team, Voice, and participated in the previous year’s legislative election. He united with Fico’s coalition in October of the same year. The report was sourced from Bloomberg ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.