The election was a test for the small eastern European country's support for neighboring Ukraine. The win by Robert Fico could strain a fragile unity in the European Union and NATO.
Former Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives to his party's headquarters after polling stations closed for an early parliamentary election, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Saturday.Former Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives to his party's headquarters after polling stations closed for an early parliamentary election, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Saturday.
Fico, 59, vowed to withdraw Slovakia's military support for Ukraine in Russia's war if his attempt to return to power succeeded.The country of 5.5 million people created in 1993 following the breakup of Czechoslovakia has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded last February, donating arms and opening the borders for refugees fleeing the war.
The left-wing Hlas party, led by Fico's former deputy in Smer, Peter Pellegrini, was in third with 15%. Pellegrini parted ways with Fico after Smer lost the previous election in 2020, but their possible reunion would boost Fico's chances to form a government. Fico opposes EU sanctions on Russia, questions whether Ukraine can force out the invading Russian troops and wants to block Ukraine from joining NATO.
Hungary also has — uniquely among EU countries — maintained close relations with Moscow and argued against supplying arms to Ukraine or providing it with economic assistance.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomerVoters in Slovakia are casting ballots in an early parliamentary election that pits a populist former prime minister who campaigned on a pro-Russia and anti-American message against a liberal, pro-West newcomer.
Read more »
Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomerVoters in Slovakia are casting ballots in an early parliamentary election that pits a populist former prime minister who campaigned on a pro-Russia and anti-American message against a liberal, pro-West newcomer
Read more »
Slovakia Election Pits a Pro-Russia Former Prime Minister against a Liberal Pro-West NewcomerVoters in Slovakia cast ballots Saturday in an early parliamentary election that pits a populist former prime minister who campaigned on a proRussia and antiAmerican message against a liberal, proWest newcomer.Depending on which of them prevails, the election could reverse...
Read more »
Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomerVoters in Slovakia cast ballots Saturday in an early parliamentary election that pits a populist former prime minister who campaigned on a pro-Russ...
Read more »
Pro-Russia party opposed to Ukraine aid wins Slovakia electionLeftist ex-PM Robert Fico beats his progressive rival in parliamentary election after campaigning to end military aid to Ukraine, but he will need to win over allies to form the next government.
Read more »
Maldives presidential run-off pits pro-India, pro-China figuresVoters lined up at hundreds of polling stations in the Maldives on Saturday in a run-off election for president of the Indian Ocean archipelago that pits the incumbent India-leaning leader against a strong pro-China contender.
Read more »