The pro-Russian party Smer-SD is leading in the elections in Slovakia: what does this mean for Ukraine?

Vote counting continues. However, according to preliminary data released by local media and the statistical office of Slovakia, Robert Fico is in the lead,Channel 24 reports.

In the elections in Slovakia pro-Russian politician wins

According to the exit polls of TV Markiza and RTVS, the pro-European Progressive Slovakia party of Michal Šimečko was in the lead. However, soon the media reported that the political force of pro-Russian ex-Prime Minister Robert Fico was winning.

The Slovak Spectator writes that “Smer” received more than 23% of the votes. “Progressive Slovakia” is in second place, 17%. The third place was taken by Peter Pellegrini's “Voice” party – 15%. However, according to the publication, as of half past 6 a.m. on October 1, votes are still being counted in Bratislava and the districts of Pezinki and Pryasa.

We note that the publication Pravda.sk noted that 99.6% have already been counted.< /p>

Election results as of 06:50/Screenshot from the website of the Statistical Office of Slovakia

Why Fico’s victory is dangerous

• First of all, it is worth recalling that former Prime Minister Robert Fico left his post in 2018 as a result of mass protests after the murder of an investigative journalist. This politician has pro-Russian views.
• Fico promisedto stop supporting Ukraine. He opposes our state’s membership in NATO. He also said that if he wins, he will continue the ban on Ukrainian grain.
• “I don’t want to supply Ukraine with deadly weapons just for the sake of a good image among Western countries,” Fico cynically said in an interview in April.
• In a commentary on24 Channel, political scientist Vladimir Fesenko noted that many call the ex-premier “the second Viktor Orban.” He may indeed return to power. However, most likely there will be a coalition government in Slovakia.