- NATO concerns: Pro-Putin leader.
- Populist Fico wins Slovak elections.
- Ukraine support, EU stance challenged.
NATO will soon have its first leader sympathetic to Vladimir Putin, opposing EU sanctions against Moscow and pledging to withdraw military support for Ukraine due to a populist victory.
In Slovakia, populist former prime minister Robert Fico, often compared to Donald Trump, is set to return to power after winning parliamentary elections with over 99% of votes counted. However, a coalition government will be necessary as no party secured a majority of seats.
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This development raises concerns about NATO’s leadership aligning with Putin’s Russia and its implications for Ukraine’s stability.
Fico, who previously resigned amid anti-corruption protests, promised to withdraw military support for Ukraine if elected. Slovakia had been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2014.
As international support for arming Ukraine faces challenges, Fico’s return could impact Slovakia’s direction, akin to Hungary and Poland under leaders who faced EU scrutiny for rule-of-law issues.
Fico has also echoed Putin’s unverified claims about Ukraine and has a history of confrontational stances on journalism, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. Other parties gaining parliamentary seats include the populist Ordinary People party, conservative Christian Democrats, and pro-business Freedom and Solidarity party.
