Fico's Fourth Cabinet#Composition
{{Short description|Government of Slovakia since 2023}}
{{Infobox government cabinet
| cabinet_name = Fourth Cabinet of Robert Fico
| cabinet_type = Government
| predecessor = Ódor's Cabinet
| state_head = Zuzana Čaputová until 15 June 2024{{-}}Peter Pellegrini from 15 June 2024
| current_number = 17
| election = 2023 Slovak parliamentary election
| government_head = Robert Fico
| flag= Coat of arms of Slovakia.svg
| flag_border = false
| jurisdiction = Slovakia
| date_formed = 25 October 2023
| state_head_title = President of Slovakia
| image = Robert Fico, Nov 2023.jpg
| legislature_status = Majority (coalition) (2023–January 2025, February 2025–present)
Minority (coalition) (January–February 2025)
79 / 150{{spaces|em}}(53%)
{{Composition bar/advanced
| divisionname =
| total = 150
| boxwidth = 150
| party1 = 42
| partycolor1 = {{party color|Direction – Social Democracy}}
| party2 = 26
| partycolor2 = {{party color|Voice – Social Democracy}}
| party3 = 6
| partycolor3 = {{party color|Slovak National Party}}
| party4 = 3
| partycolor4 = {{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}
| party5 = 2
| partycolor5 = {{party color|Slovak PATRIOT}}
}}
| government_head_history = 2006–2010
2012–2018
2023–present
| political_parties = {{Unbulleted list
|{{color test|{{party color|Direction – Social Democracy}}|size=1}} Direction – Social Democracy
|{{color test|{{party color|Voice – Social Democracy}}|size=1}} Voice – Social Democracy
|{{color test|{{party color|Slovak National Party}}|size=1}} Slovak National Party
|{{color test|{{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}|size=1}} National Coalition / Independent Candidates{{efn|Ran on the party list of Slovak National Party. Left the parliamentary group on 22 October 2024 and are sitting as independents in the National Council.}} (2023–October 2024, February 2025–present)
||{{color test|{{party color|Slovak PATRIOT}}|size=1}} Slovak PATRIOT{{efn|Ran on the party list of Slovak National Party.}}
}}
| opposition_parties = {{Unbulleted list
|{{color test|{{party color|Progressive Slovakia}}|size=1}} Progressive Slovakia
|{{color test|{{party color|Christian Democratic Movement}}|size=1}} Christian Democratic Movement
|{{color test|{{party color|Freedom and Solidarity}}|size=1}} Freedom and Solidarity
|{{color test|{{party color|Slovakia (political party)}}|size=1}} Slovakia{{efn|Ran on the coalition list of OĽaNO and Friends.}}
|{{color test|{{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}|size=1}} National Coalition / Independent Candidates{{efn|Ran on the party list of Slovak National Party. Left the parliamentary group on 22 October 2024 and are sitting as independents in the National Council.}} (October 2024–February 2025)
|{{color test|{{party color|Christian Union (Slovakia)}}|size=1}} Christian Union{{efn|Ran on the coalition list of OĽaNO and Friends.}}
|{{color test|{{party color|For the People (Slovakia)}}|size=1}} For the People{{efn|Ran on the coalition list of OĽaNO and Friends.}}
|{{color test|{{party color|NOVA (Slovakia)}}|size=1}} New Majority{{efn|Ran on the coalition list of OĽaNO and Friends and the party list of Slovakia.}}
|{{color test|{{party color|Civic Conservative Party (Slovakia)}}|size=1}} Civic Conservative Party{{efn|Ran on the party list of Freedom and Solidarity.}}
|{{color test|{{party color|Democrats (Slovakia)}}|size=1}} Democrats{{efn|Ľubomír Galko ran on the coalition list of OĽaNO and Friends and the party list of Slovakia. He left the parliamentary group on 5 September 2024 and is sitting as independent in the National Council.}}
}}
| opposition_leaders =
| deputy_government_head = {{Unbulleted list|Peter Kmec|Robert Kaliňák|Denisa Saková|Tomáš Taraba|}}
| opposition_leader = Michal Šimečka
}}
Fico's Fourth Cabinet is the incumbent government of Slovakia. It is a three-party coalition government composed of Direction – Social Democracy (Smer), Voice – Social Democracy (Hlas) and the Slovak National Party (SNS).
It was appointed on 25 October 2023 by President Zuzana Čaputová following the 2023 Slovak parliamentary election.{{Cite web|title=Slovakia's Fico appointed prime minister for fourth time |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakias-fico-appointed-prime-minister-fourth-time-2023-10-25/|website=Reuters|access-date=25 October 2023}}{{Cite news|title=Slovakia swears in a new Cabinet led by a populist ex-premier who opposes support for Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/slovakia-new-government-fico-ukraine-bfe5f251d3a3b75e72ccee60f7c591b3|website=Associated Press|access-date=25 October 2023}} The National Council passed a vote of confidence in the government on 21 November 2023.{{Cite web |date=21 November 2023 |title=Slovakia's new government led by populist Robert Fico wins a mandatory confidence vote |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/robert-fico-ap-slovakia-robert-kalinak-parliament-b2450997.html|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=21 November 2023}}
Composition
{{Cabinet table start|hiderefcol=y}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Government's Office}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Prime Minister
| minister1 = Robert Fico
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Deputy Prime Minister}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Deputy Prime Minister for European Union Subsidies and the Recovery Plan
| minister1 = Peter Kmec
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Defence}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
| minister1 = Robert Kaliňák
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Economy}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy
| minister1 = Denisa Saková
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Environment}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment
| minister1 = Tomáš Taraba{{efn|Independent, ran on the party list of and nominated by Slovak National Party.}}
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Slovak National Party
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Finance}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Finance
| minister1 = Ladislav Kamenický
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Transport}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Transport
| minister1 = Jozef Ráž{{efn|Independent, nominated by Direction – Social Democracy.}}
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
| minister1 = Richard Takáč
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization
| minister1 = Richard Raši
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = 19 March 2025
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
| minister2 = Samuel Migaľ{{efn|Ran on the party list of Voice – Social Democracy, left the parliamentary group on 24 January 2025 and nominated by Direction – Social Democracy as a result of a coalition crisis.}}
| minister2_termstart = 19 March 2025
| minister2_termend = Incumbent
| minister2_party = Independent
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Interior}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Interior
| minister1 = Matúš Šutaj Eštok
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Justice}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Justice
| minister1 = Boris Susko
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Foreign and European Affairs
| minister1 = Juraj Blanár
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Direction – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
| minister1 = Erik Tomáš
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Education, Research, Development and Youth
| minister1 = Tomáš Drucker
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Culture}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Culture
| minister1 = Martina Šimkovičová{{efn|Independent, ran on the party list of and nominated by Slovak National Party.}}
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = Incumbent
| minister1_party = Slovak National Party
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Health}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Health
| minister1 = Zuzana Dolinková
| minister1_termstart = 25 October 2023
| minister1_termend = 10 October 2024
| minister1_party = Voice – Social Democracy
| minister2 = Kamil Šaško
| minister2_termstart = 10 October 2024https://domov.sme.sk/c/23396117/kamil-sasko-minister-vymenovanie-peter-pellegrini.html
| minister2_termend = Incumbent
| minister2_party = Voice – Social Democracy
}}
{{Cabinet table ministry|Ministry of Tourism and Sport}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = Minister of Tourism and Sport
| minister1 = Dušan Keketi{{efn|Independent, nominated by Slovak National Party.}}
| minister1_termstart = 1 February 2024
| minister1_termend = 5 March 2025
| minister1_party = Slovak National Party
| minister2 = Rudolf Huliak{{efn|Chairman of National Coalition / Independent Candidates, ran on the party list of Slovak National Party, left the parliamentary group on 22 October 2024 and nominated by Direction – Social Democracy as a result of a coalition crisis.}}
| minister2_termstart = 5 March 2025
| minister2_termend = Incumbent
| minister2_party = National Coalition / Independent Candidates
}}
{{end|election table}}
Supporting parties
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left"
! colspan="2" |Party !Ideology !Leader !Deputies !Ministers |
| style="background:{{party color|Direction – Social Democracy}}" |
|Direction – Social Democracy |Social conservatism |{{composition bar|42|150|hex={{party color|Direction – Social Democracy}}}} |{{composition bar|7|17|hex={{party color|Direction – Social Democracy}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|Voice – Social Democracy}}" |
|Voice – Social Democracy |Social democracy |{{composition bar|26|150|hex={{party color|Voice – Social Democracy}}}} |{{composition bar|6|17|hex={{party color|Voice – Social Democracy}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|Slovak National Party}}" |
|Slovak National Party |Ultranationalism |{{composition bar|6|150|hex={{party color|Slovak National Party}}}} |{{composition bar|2|17|hex={{party color|Slovak National Party}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}" |
|National Coalition / Independent Candidates |National conservatism |{{composition bar|3|150|hex={{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}}} |{{composition bar|1|17|hex={{party color|National Coalition / Independent Candidates}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|Slovak PATRIOT}}" |
|Slovak PATRIOT |Social conservatism |{{composition bar|2|150|hex={{party color|Slovak PATRIOT}}}} |{{composition bar|0|17|hex={{party color|Slovak PATRIOT}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|Independent}}" |
| colspan="3" |Independents |{{composition bar|0|150|hex={{party color|Independent}}}} |{{composition bar|1|17|hex={{party color|Independent}}}} |
Issues
{{Expand section|date=December 2023}}
=Domestic policy=
== Rule of law ==
In December 2023, the Fourth Cabinet of Robert Fico introduced an amendment to the Criminal Code. The government proposed that the bill be debated in a fast-track legislative procedure, arguing that the status quo leads to human rights violations. The amendment included scrapping the Special Prosecutor's Office dealing with high-level corruption and lowering penalties for financial crimes. The fast-track legislative procedure faced widespread criticism from the parliamentary opposition, President Zuzana Čaputová, the European Commission and non-governmental organizations, resulting in a weeks-long opposition parliamentary obstruction and a series of demonstrations.{{cite news|first=Jon|last=Henley|title=EU told Slovakia that its reforms risked 'irreparable damage' to rule of law|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/14/eu-told-slovakia-that-its-reforms-risked-irreparable-damage-to-rule-of-law|newspaper=The Guardian|date=14 February 2024}}
Critics have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest within the government coalition. They have noted that various individuals with perceived affiliations to the government, alongside accused members of the coalition parties, including the bill's rapporteur, MP Tibor Gašpar of Smer, could be directly affected by the proposed lowering of penalties. Their cases are also overseen by the Special Prosecutor's Office, which the amendment would abolish. The coalition government introduced the amendment, citing the need to shift towards a rehabilitative approach to justice, update the criminal code, and align with European Union standards. Proponent of the law, the Ministry of Justice led by Boris Susko of Smer published the brochure "Overview of Violations of the Principles of the Rule of Law in the Years 2020–2023".{{Cite news|title=Vláda zverejnila 140-stranovú brožúru, ako mali byť porušované ľudské práva v rokoch 2020/23. Pozrite si celý materiál|url=https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/698070-vlada-zverejnila-140-stranovu-brozuru-ako-mali-byt-v-rokoch-2020-2023-porusovane-ludske-prava-pozrite-si-cely-material/|website=Pravda|date=1 February 2024|language=sk}}
The amendment was finally approved by the National Council on 8 February 2024. The final proposal also included a reduction of the statute of limitations in rape cases from 20 to 10 years, which again caused widespread criticism from the parliamentary opposition, President Zuzana Čaputová and non-governmental organizations. The government defended the reduction of the limitation period by motivating victims to report rape earlier, possibly allowing a return to the 20-year limitation period in the next amendment after the approval of the law.{{Cite news|first=Adriána|last=Belej Majerčínová|title=Novela Trestného zákona je schválená. Prezidentka sa pokúsi zabrániť jej účinnosti (Online) |url=https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/698828-schvalenie-trestneho-balika-je-na-spadnutie-poslanci-budu-zrejme-hlasovat-skor-gaspar-svoj-navrh-opravil/|website=Pravda|date=8 February 2024|language=sk}}
President Zuzana Čaputová signed the law on 16 February, verbally clearly expressing her opposition to its content. The President argued that by signing the law instead of vetoing it, she wants to create enough time for the Constitutional Court to decide on her submission challenging the constitutionality of the law. As of February 2024, the Constitutional Court is expected to make its decision following the publication of the law in the collection of laws by the Ministry of Justice.{{Cite news|first=Michal|last=Katuška|title=Prezidentka podpísala Trestný zákon, hoci ho kritizuje. Vytvára čas pre Ústavný súd|url=https://domov.sme.sk/c/23283435/prezidentka-caputova-trestny-zakon-oznamenie.html|website=Sme|publisher=Petit Press|date=16 February 2024|access-date=12 August 2024|language=sk}} In July 2024, Constitutional Court annulled only minor changes in the law.{{Cite news |date=3 July 2024 |title=Ústavný súd zrušil len malú časť zmien v trestných kódexoch. Verdikt padol po vyše štyroch mesiacoch |url=https://spravy.pravda.sk/domace/clanok/716015-casti-vladnej-novely-trestneho-zakona-su-v-rozpore-s-ustavou-rozhodol-sud/ |work=Pravda |language=sk}}
This reform stopped the prosecution of some corruption cases involving politicians and businessmen, some of whom were close to Fico. Among them were: former minister of finance Ján Počiatek.{{Cite news |date=21 January 2025 |title=Počiatka už nestíhajú v kauze Tipos. Prípad je po zmene trestných kódexov premlčaný |url=https://domov.sme.sk/c/23438601/jan-pociatek-kauza-tipos-lemikon.html |work=SME |language=sk}} Oligarch Jozef Výboh, suspected of taking a bribe of 150,000 €, intended for Peter Pellegrini.{{Cite news |date=28 August 2024 |title=Oligarcha Výboh už nie je obvinený, po novele Trestného zákona je jeho prípad premlčaný |url=https://domov.sme.sk/c/23376492/miroslav-vyboh-trestne-stihanie-zastavenie.html |access-date= |work=SME |language=sk}} And acting Speaker of the National Council Peter Žiga, suspected of an attempt to bribe a Supreme Court judge with 100,000 €.{{Cite news |date=10 September 2024 |title=Prokurátor zastavil stíhanie podpredsedu parlamentu Petra Žigu pre korupciu |url=https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/924800-prokurator-zastavil-stihanie-podpredsedu-parlamentu-petra-zigu-pre-korupciu |work=Markíza |language=sk}}
== Doctors' Strike ==
In 2024, the government faced a doctors' strike for better conditions. More than 3,300 doctors submitted their resignations. The government passed a bill according to which, when an emergency situation is declared, doctors can face up to one year in prison or 1,500€ fine for refusing to work, and up to five years if a patient is harmed as a consequence of their departure. Minister of Health Kamil Šaško considered using emergency situation in districts with the highest resignation rates. Ultimately the government signed an agreement with doctors' union with many concessions.{{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Koniec napätia v zdravotníctve. Vláda podľahla tlaku, lekári dostanú pôvodné zvýšenie platov |url=https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/942425-koniec-napaetia-v-zdravotnictve-vlada-podlahla-tlaku-lekari-dostanu-povodne-zvysenie-platov |work=Markíza |language=sk}}{{Cite news |date=8 December 2024 |title=Niektorí lekári budú musieť pracovať pod hrozbou väzenia. Vláda prijala zákon o mimoriadnej situácii |url=https://tvnoviny.sk/domace/clanok/940142-niektori-lekari-budu-musiet-pracovat-pod-hrozbou-vaezenia-vlada-prijala-zakon-o-mimoriadnej-situacii |work=Markíza |language=sk}}
==NGOs==
Fico and some of his coalition members have shown their dislike for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil rights groups.{{Cite web|title=Slovakia's Robert Fico targets civil rights groups|url=https://www.ft.com/content/62e755ec-b90b-43c0-a88b-4989919507ae|website=Financial Times|access-date=23 June 2024}} On 30 April 2024, Slovakia's parliament approved in the first reading legislative amendment introduced by the Slovak National Party. The bill would require NGOs which annually receive more than €5,000 from outside of Slovakia to register as "foreign agents", raising fears of the label being used for organisations disliked by the current government.{{Cite web|title=Slovak parliament moves closer to approving foreign agent bill aimed at NGOs|url=https://www.intellinews.com/slovak-parliament-moves-closer-to-approving-foreign-agent-bill-aimed-at-ngos-323620/|website=Bne IntelliNews|date=2 May 2024}}{{Cite news|title=Slovakia chided for ‘chilling effect’ of changes to NGO, public media laws |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/commissioner-upbraids-slovakia-on-changes-to-ngo-public-media-laws-robert-fico/|website=Politico Europe|date=14 May 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}
==Media==
Fico and his political associates have stopped responding to and inviting to their press conferences reporters from some major news outlets that criticise the government, such as Denník N, Aktuality.sk, and Sme, along with broadcaster TV Markíza, calling them "enemy media",{{Cite news|first=Lili|last=Bayer|title=Slovakian prime minister sparks alarm with threat to restrict media|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/slovakian-media-express-alarm-after-prime-minister-robert-fico-threatens-to-restrict-access|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 November 2023|access-date=16 December 2023|issn=0261-3077}} while giving preferential treatment to media more favourable to him.{{Cite web|first=Jaroslav|last=Barborák|title=Fico s Dankom škodia občanom selektívnym prístupom k médiám, tvrdí Pavol Szalai z Reportérov bez hraníc (podcast)|url=https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/PsLtMBG/fico-s-dankom-skodia-obcanom-selektivnym-pristupom-k-mediam-tvrdi-pavol-szalai-z-reporterov-bez-hranic-podcast/|website=Aktuality.sk|publisher=Ringier Axel Springier Slovakia|date=23 November 2023|access-date=16 December 2023|language=sk}} Pavol Szalai, the head of the EU and Balkans desk of Reporters Without Borders, stated that Fico was subjecting Slovakia's democracy to a "crash test".{{Cite news|first=Jason|last=Hovet|title=Slovakia's new PM Fico stops talking to some media amid rift|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakias-new-pm-fico-stops-talking-some-media-amid-rift-2023-11-20/|website=Reuters|date=20 November 2023}}
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated: “RSF condemns the ruling parties’ verbal attacks, their attempts to restrict access to information and their questioning of the independence of the public broadcaster RTVS.”
The government has proposed a drastic cut in the financing of the RTVS, as well as a plan to split it into separate radio and television companies, attracting criticism from Reporters Without Borders and other organisations.{{Cite news|title=Reportéri bez hraníc vyzývajú prezidentku a parlament, aby odmietli plány vlády pre RTVS|url=https://svet.sme.sk/c/23256403/reporteri-bez-hranic-vyzyvaju-prezidentku-a-parlament-aby-odmietli-plany-vlady-pre-rtvs.html|website=Sme|publisher=Petit Press|access-date=16 December 2023|language=sk}}{{Cite news|title=Reportéri bez hraníc apelujú na prezidentku a parlament|url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/rsf-vyzyva-prezidentku-sr-a-parlament/761155-clanok.html|website=Teraz.sk|date=13 December 2023|access-date=16 December 2023|language=sk}}
RSF, International Press Institute, European Federation of Journalists, Free Press Unlimited and European Centre for Press and Media Freedom have voiced their concerns in an open letter to the President and the National Council. They have stated that these government actions can weaken the independence of this media and endanger the freedom of the press in Slovakia.{{Cite web|title=Slovakia: RSF and its partners urge parliament and president to halt attempts to undermine the public broadcaster's independence|url=https://rsf.org/en/slovakia-rsf-and-its-partners-urge-parliament-and-president-halt-attempts-undermine-public|website=RSF|date=13 December 2023|access-date=16 December 2023}}
In April 2024, the Government of Slovakia approved the Television and Radio Act proposed by prime minister Robert Fico and minister of culture Martina Šimkovičová over alleged partiality of the broadcaster. If the bill is supported by the Parliament of Slovakia, Radio and Television of Slovakia RTVS will be closed by the following June and replaced by a new broadcaster, named STVR.{{Cite news|title=Slovakia moves to scrap public broadcaster amid fears of press crackdown|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/slovakia-public-broadcaster-rtvs-robert-fico-press-freedom-slovak-television-and-radio/|website=Politico Europe|date=24 April 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}{{Cite news|title=Slovakia's government approves controversial overhaul of public broadcasting |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/slovakias-government-approves-controversial-overhaul-public-broadcasting-109572334|url-status=dead|website=ABC News|date=24 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425032011/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/slovakias-government-approves-controversial-overhaul-public-broadcasting-109572334|archive-date=25 April 2024}}{{Cite web|title=Slovakia government tries to take control of state TV and radio |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/slovakia-government-tries-control-state-143248137.html|website=Yahoo! News Australia|date=24 April 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}{{Cite news|title=Slovakia's populist government to replace public broadcaster|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68887663|website=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=24 April 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}
The new broadcaster STVR was required by law to broadcast the Slovak national anthem once a day, a move seen as a nationalist gesture.{{Cite news|title=News digest: Slovak public broadcaster to end in current form before summer|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/23321169/news-digest-slovak-public-broadcaster-to-end-in-current-form-before-summer.html|website=The Slovak Spectator|publisher=Petit Press|access-date=23 June 2024}}
In June 2024, the Parliament of Slovakia voted in favor of the media laws. The Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) was dissolved and replaced by a new media Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).{{Cite web|title=Slovakian parliament approves plan to revamp RTVS|url=https://www.dw.com/en/slovakian-parliament-approves-plan-to-revamp-rtvs/a-69433774|website=Deutsche Welle|date=21 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}{{Cite news|title=Slovak parliament approves government's contested public broadcaster revamp |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovak-parliament-approves-governments-contested-public-broadcaster-revamp-2024-06-20/|website=Reuters|date=20 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}{{Cite news|first=Nicholas|last=Watson|title=Critics Slam Passing of Slovak Government Bill to Dissolve Public Broadcaster |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2024/06/21/critics-slam-passing-of-slovak-government-bill-to-dissolve-public-broadcaster/|website=Balkan Insight|date=21 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}
==Constitutional amendments==
On 27 January 2025, Prime Minister: Fico announced plans for constitutional amendments to the Constitution of Slovakia. One would place the constitution higher than international treaties and agreements, another would formally recognize only two genders (Male and female), restrict "gender transition" and prohibit the adoption of children by same-sex couples.{{cite web | url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/fico-shuns-mounting-political-crisis-unveils-plans-to-change-constitution/ | title=Fico shuns mounting political crisis, unveils plans to change constitution - Euractiv }}{{cite web | url=https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/stop-this-nonsense-slovakia-bids-to-enshrine-two-genders-in-constitution/ | title="Stop This Nonsense": Slovakia Bids to Enshrine Two Genders in Constitution | date=27 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://rmx.news/article/slovak-pm-fico-calls-for-constitutional-amendment-to-protect-cultural-principles-from-brussels-sphere-of-influence/ | title=Slovak PM Fico calls for constitutional amendment to protect cultural principles from Brussels' sphere of influence | date=28 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/premier-prijima-navrhy-podnety-a-pri/852497-clanok.html?utm_source=teraz&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=click&utm_content=.%253BsSlovensko | title=Premiér prijíma návrhy, podnety a pripomienky k návrhu zmeny Ústavy SR | date=28 January 2025 }}
On 9 April 2025, The Parliament of Slovakia passed the government's constitutional amendment into the second reading. Of the 143 deputies who voted, 81 supported it (Smer-Hlas-SNS), 40 were against and 22 abstained. In addition to the government deputies, the proposal was also supported by opposition deputies Christian Union.[https://www.hlavnespravy.sk/vladna-novela-ustavy-presla-do-2-citania/3890856][https://hungarytoday.hu/man-and-woman-slovakia-follows-hungarys-example-in-constitutional-amendment/][https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/nrsr-vladna-novela-ustavy-sr-presla/870114-clanok.html]
= Foreign policy =
== Ukraine ==
{{Further|Russian invasion of Ukraine|Slovakia–Ukraine relations|Foreign involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
Fico is widely seen as pro-Russian,{{Cite news|first=Jon|last=Henley|title=Robert Fico doubles down on pro-Russia stance after Slovakia election win|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/robert-fico-doubles-down-on-pro-russia-stance-after-slovakia-election-win|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 October 2023|access-date=16 December 2023|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|first=Jan|last=Lopatka|title=Robert Fico, pro-Russian Slovak political heavyweight wins another election|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/robert-fico-pro-russian-slovak-political-heavyweight-wins-another-election-2023-10-01/|website=Reuters|date=1 October 2023}}{{Cite news|title=The Guardian view on Slovakia's election: an ominous signal from central Europe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/03/the-guardian-view-on-slovakia-election-an-ominous-signal-from-central-europe|newspaper=The Guardian|date=3 October 2023|access-date=16 December 2023|issn=0261-3077}} and his government has stopped militarily supporting Ukraine, saying he "will not send one bullet" to Ukraine.{{Cite web|title=Slovakia's Fico announces halt of military aid to Ukraine|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/slovakia-robert-fico-announce-halt-military-aid-ukraine/|website=Politico|date=26 October 2023|access-date=16 December 2023}}{{Cite news|first=Jason|last=Hovet|title=Slovakia's Fico will not support more military aid to Ukraine at EU summit -Slovak media|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakias-fico-will-not-support-more-military-aid-ukraine-eu-summit-slovak-media-2023-10-26/|website=Reuters|date=26 October 2023}}{{Cite web|first=Tim|last=Gosling|title=Nationalist, populist, far-right parties eye rising support across Europe|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/9/20/nationalist-populist-far-right-parties-eye-rising-support-across-europe|website=Al Jazeera|date=2 February 2024}} Fico has been opposing sanctions against Russia, with his standpoint on Ukraine being compared to that of Viktor Orbán. In an RTVS interview, Fico questioned Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, claiming that Ukraine is just a US puppet, sparking outrage in both Slovakia and Ukraine. He has also stated that Slovakia will veto Ukraine's NATO membership, and has pushed for a peace deal, even if Ukraine suffers territorial losses. His words regarding Ukraine have been described as "heartless", "vulgar" and "disgraceful".{{Cite news|title=Slovak PM claims Ukraine is not a sovereign country |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/slovak-pm-says-ukraine-is-not-a-sovereign-country/|website=Euractiv|date=21 January 2024|access-date=1 February 2024}}{{Cite news|title=Fico questions aid for Ukraine and its sovereignty ahead of Uzhhorod meeting|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/23272539/slovak-pm-questions-ukraine-sovereignty-ahead-of-uzhhorod-meeting.html|website=The Slovak Spectator|publisher=Petit Press|date=23 January 2024|access-date=1 February 2024}}
Upon taking office, Fico officially ended Slovakia's arms supplies to Ukraine. However, he has since taken a somewhat different line on Ukraine in office than during his election campaign. During a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in January 2024, Fico promised not to block private Slovak arms companies from selling to Ukraine, not to block EU financial support for Ukraine, and to support the accession of Ukraine to the European Union. He described Slovakia's political differences with Ukraine as "minor" and claimed to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.{{Cite news|first1=Raphael|last1=Minder|first2=Roman|last2=Olearchyk|title=Slovakia's prime minister U-turns on Ukraine support during visit|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d033d429-d6d5-4c45-ae17-8169356d51dc|website=Financial Times|date=24 January 2024}}{{Cite web|title=Slovak PM reaffirms support for Ukraine's EU membership bid|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovak-pm-reaffirms-support-ukraines-eu-membership-bid-2024-01-24/|website=Reuters|date=24 January 2024}}
File:PM of Slovakia Robert Fico meeting President Putin.jpg in Moscow, 22 December 2024]]
Fico met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in December 2024 in Moscow to discuss primarily the transfer of Russian gas to Slovakia.{{cite web|work=The New York Times|date=23 December 2024|first=Andrew|last=Higgins|title=Slovak Leader Visits Putin, Breaking With E.U.'s Policy of Isolation|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/world/europe/slovak-leader-visits-putin.html|access-date=24 December 2024|archive-date=24 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224095616/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/world/europe/slovak-leader-visits-putin.html|url-status=live}} He become the third Western leader to do so since the war started.{{cite web |last1=Mackintosh |first1=Thomas |title=Slovak PM meets Putin in unannounced Moscow visit |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0rn85v5kjo |website=BBC |access-date=27 January 2025}}
In 2025 February, The Slovak National Party criticised Fico for his support for United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/7, suggesting that Slovakia should have opposed the resolution in line with Hungary's position.{{cite news|work=Kyiv Independent|title=Slovak National Party calls on Fico to apologize after Slovakia backs UN resolution condemning Russian aggression|date=26 February 2025|url=https://kyivindependent.com/media-slovak-national-party-calls-on-fico-to-apologize-after-slovakia-backs-un-resolution-condemning-russian-aggression/}}[https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/news-digest-slovakia-backs-un-resolutions-on-ukraine]
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Cabinets of Slovakia}}
{{EU governments}}
Category:2023 establishments in Slovakia
Category:Cabinets established in 2023
Category:Current governments in Europe