Slovaks vote in presidential election that might bolster PM Fico

By Radovan Stoklasa

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -Slovaks vote in a governmental election on Saturday that might reinforce Prime Minister Robert Fico’s grip on power as he looks for more control over public media, softer anti-corruption laws and a dissenting voice to EU assistance for Ukraine.

Surveys are open in the preliminary of voting till 10:00 p.m. (2100 GMT). A most likely run-off in between the leading 2 prospects is due on April 6, if nobody wins a bulk this weekend.

Fico’s ally Peter Pellegrini, 48, has actually been a frontrunner in the race to change President Zuzana Caputova, 50, who is a strong challenger to Fico, although she is not looking for a brand-new term.

Fico went back to power in an election last September after winning over citizens with promises to stop military help to Ukraine in its battle versus a Russian intrusion, maintain investing to assist individuals struck by rate rises and end disorderly governance seen throughout a previous opposition-led administration.

Pellegrini, a previous prime minister and ex-member of Fico’s leftist SMER celebration and who is now the head of junior union partner HLAS, is wanting to replicate Fico’s success.

He stated on Saturday the instructions of the nation was at stake with the tally, with citizens choosing a president for the next 5 years “who will either comply with the federal government or put a brake on actions that are not in favour of individuals.”

Amongst the 9 prospects contending, Pellegrini is dealing with close competing Ivan Korcok, 59, a pro-EU previous foreign minister who wishes to avoid the federal government from acquiring the president’s seat.

While Slovak presidents do not wield lots of executive powers, they have a function in federal government and judicial visits, can ban laws and form public dispute as the liberal Caputova has actually typically done.

Citizens in the past have actually typically declined offering judgment celebrations both the federal government and governmental workplaces. Caputova won the last governmental election in 2019, riding an anti-corruption wave targeted at Fico’s celebration, which was in power then.

(People) understand what I represent … It is their choice now,” Korcok stated after casting his vote.

UKRAINE SPLIT

Citizens have actually ended up being polarised in Slovakia over the last few years in the middle of an international pandemic, war in Ukraine and high inflation denting family spending plans.

Fico, a four-time prime minister, has actually moved policy rapidly, ending state military products to Ukraine – while still enabling business supply offers – and opening discussion with Moscow even as the EU isolates the Russian program.

Pellegrini, like Fico, states the dispute in Ukraine does not have a military option and supports peace talks in between Kyiv and Moscow, something that Korcok, like other critics, call capitulation when parts of Ukraine are inhabited.

Fico’s union federal government has actually likewise pressed through criminal law modifications that critics state damage the battle versus corruption. Caputova, as president, has actually challenged the modifications at the Constitutional Court.

The federal government has actually likewise shut an unique prosecution system, a relocation the European Commission criticised today.

The federal government is now preparing modifications that will offer it more control over public broadcaster RTVS, raising issue amongst media groups and supporters. Korcok has actually criticised the federal government’s push for more power.

Alena, a 40-year-old gastronomy employee, stated Slovakia’s “bad instructions” was directing her vote. “We are sending out bad signals to the world,” she stated without calling her favored prospect.

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