The shock of an assassination attempt could heal deep divisions Fico exploited, but the omens are not promising, says author and broadcaster John Kampfner
Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, left, with the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, following a meeting in Budapest, Hungary, 16 January 2024.Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, left, with the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, following a meeting in Budapest, Hungary, 16 January 2024.
Fico called Čaputová, his own head of state, an “American agent”. She in turn warned of an “information storm” from the right, supported by Russia. Ominously, after initiating legal action against him, she declared she had had enough and The election campaign was dominated by two entirely separate narratives – Fico the putative dictator and Fico the proud patriot. The result was close, butWithin weeks it became clear that many of the worst fears of liberals were going to be realised. Fico carried out a 180-degree turn on Ukraine, stopping weapons sales (although, to be fair,The battle for Slovakia’s future will continue to be fought for and through the media. Liberal outlets are already feeling the pressure.
The tragedy for Slovakia is that many of its young mobile workforce are choosing to leave. Some are going across to the border to its neighbour, where the contrast is stark. In 2023, the Czech Republic elected as its president theJohn Kampfner is an author and broadcaster, and made the BBC World Service documentary Slovakia Divided
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