Fico rejects further sanctions: Slovakia on political tilt!

Fico rejects further sanctions: Slovakia on political tilt!

In Slovakia, the political situation has changed dramatically in the past few days. The People's Representation in Bratislava surprisingly made a decision with a narrow majority to vote against planned other EU sanctions against Russia. This decision met with great interest and concern, since Slovakia historically approved all EU sanctions. The application made by the smallest government party SNS is considered potentially economically harmful to the country. The deputies who voted against the sanctions were accused of causing a coordination breakdown, since almost half of the MPs, especially from the opposition, had boycotted meetings, as Krone reported.

Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been in office since the end of October 2023, ensured that the vote will not influence the EU position on the situation with Russia. He informed the EU Council President Antonio Costa about the result of the vote and indicated that Slovakia would not agree to a complete end of gas, oil and uranium deliveries from Russia. Fico had already sharply criticized the EU sanctions by arguing that they would cause more damage to Slovakia than for Russia.

controversy about EU policy

fico is under pressure not only because of his attitude towards Russia, but also because of its general EU policy. During a scheduled vote in parliament, he received criticism of the opposition that accused him of wanting to lead Slovakia from the EU. However, this vote was canceled after the opposition had left the debate in protest against a partially non -public session. Although Fico would probably have survived the vote, the incident illustrates the tensions between the government and the opposition, such as [Euronews] (https://de.euroneews.com/My-europe/2025/21/slowakische-t-witft-minminprasident-fico-belstauf-aus- der-u--u--u--u--u--u--- determined.

The Prime Minister himself has skeptically commented on NATO and the EU and meant that Slovakia should prepare for possible crisis scenarios, including the EU's breaking apart. Many are worried about these statements inside and outside the country because they raise questions about national sovereignty and the future of the EU.

political reforms and public protests

fico initiated profound changes in the country's politics. This affects both the occupation of top posts in the police and judiciary as well as how to deal with critical media and non -governmental organizations. His planned reform of criminal law is seen by many as a "pro mafia package" and an attempt to undermine the legal processing of corruption offenses. The opposition has increasingly organized protests to demonstrate against these reforms, as mentioned in a report by Tagesschau

Another reason for concern is Fico's intention to block Ukraine's NATO accession. This could have serious consequences for the geopolitical stability of the region. Despite all the tensions, Fico states that Slovakia will provide humanitarian aid and support private armaments. However, the growing protests against his government and reforms show that its popularity may be in danger.

Overall, Slovakia is in a critical phase in which both sides, the government and the opposition, have to consolidate its positions, while the questions of national identity and the political direction become more urgent than ever.