Opposition claims Slovak Prime Minister Fico is preparing for a potential EU exit

Slovak opposition leader Michal Simecka has accused Prime Minister Robert Fico of paving the way for the country to exit the European Union as he initiated a no-confidence vote aimed at ousting the leftist-nationalist government on Tuesday.

The opposition’s attempt appeared likely to fail, given the government’s narrow majority in parliament, which was anticipated to support Fico. Fico has been keen on maintaining ties with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and has ceased official military assistance to Kyiv. He has also criticized sanctions against Russia and has exacerbated tensions with Kyiv following the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine at the end of 2024.

Fico, who leads the leftist Smer-SSD party and has served as prime minister four times, has indicated that Slovakia must prepare for “all possible crisis situations” that the EU may encounter in the near future, even hinting at a potential disintegration of the bloc.

“This can only be interpreted as what we have warned about: that the Smer government is laying the groundwork for Slovakia’s exit from the European Union,” Simecka, head of the Progressive Slovakia party, stated in parliament.

“I view this as an existential threat to our national interests, warranting the declaration of no-confidence.” In anticipation of the no-confidence vote, the government released a statement affirming its commitment to its policy manifesto, which declares EU membership as irrevocable while allowing for criticism. Fico was expected to address the parliament later on Tuesday.

In December, Fico made an unannounced private visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss gas and the situation in Ukraine. Recently, a delegation of several government members traveled to Moscow to seek improved relations.

He has subsequently accused the opposition of orchestrating popular protests aimed at usurping power, a claim that the opposition has refuted. Fico’s administration has not officially questioned Slovakia’s EU or NATO membership; however, Fico has visited Russia, China, Brazil, and Turkey to establish connections, which he describes as a multi-directional foreign policy.

Fico’s government was anticipated to receive support from Smer, along with members from the nationalist SNS and the center-left Hlas party, providing him with sufficient votes. Nevertheless, Hlas has dismissed any dialogue regarding EU membership, and several of its members have voiced their dissent against Fico’s foreign policy.