Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico appears likely to withstand an upcoming no-confidence vote, following assurances from dissenting lawmakers within the ruling coalition’s junior party, Hlas (Voice), that they will not back the opposition-led motion.
The opposition accuses Fico’s leftist-nationalist government of pivoting Slovakia’s foreign policy closer to Russia while neglecting domestic challenges. Since taking office in late 2023, Fico’s administration ended military aid to Ukraine and renewed ties with Moscow, including a high-profile visit to Russia last month.
Four lawmakers from Hlas had previously criticized the government and withheld support for key legislation, raising concerns about the stability of Fico’s coalition. However, Jan Ferencak, a Hlas rebel lawmaker, confirmed that they would not join the opposition in dismissing the prime minister, citing their commitment to the coalition.
Fico’s majority in the 150-member parliament remains narrow, with 76 seats, after three deputies left another junior coalition partner, SNS, late last year. Disputes between Hlas and SNS have added further strain to the ruling coalition.
Fico, a four-term prime minister, has suggested that a government reshuffle or early elections could be necessary if internal conflicts persist. Meanwhile, critics accuse him of failing to address domestic issues such as the budget deficit, rising costs, and healthcare challenges.
Tensions with Ukraine have also escalated after Kyiv halted Russian gas shipments to Slovakia, further complicating Fico’s leadership amid growing opposition criticism.