Slovakia's ruling parties align with far right ahead of regional polls

Slovakia’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer party alongside Hlas and the SNS, has established political alliances with the far-right Republika movement ahead of upcoming regional elections. The agreement marks the first open political partnership between the governing parties and Republika, which currently holds third place in voter opinion polls. Concurrently, reports highlighted controversy surrounding Republika’s youth wing over derogatory options in its membership application form.

Meanwhile, Fico’s cabinet approved a constitutional amendment that would allow public referendums to trigger early parliamentary elections in future legislative terms, though the coalition currently lacks the parliamentary votes needed to enact the measure. In parliament, President Peter Pellegrini urged the governing alliance to resolve internal disputes privately, while opposition leader Igor Matovič continues a national tour confronting government supporters.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Denník N, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy