Frustration and Hope Slovakia After Kuciak’S Murder

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Frustration and hope Slovakia after Kuciak’s murder

Krzysztof Dębiec, Jakub Groszkowski NUMBER 75 WARSAW JULY 2019

Frustration and hope Slovakia after Kuciak’s murder

Krzysztof Dębiec, Jakub Groszkowski © Copyright by Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia / Centre for Eastern Studies

Content editor Mateusz Gniazdowski

Editor Katarzyna Kazimierska

Co-operation Anna Łabuszewska

Translation Jim Todd

Graphic design PARA-BUCH

DTP GroupMedia

Photograph on cover Mateusz Gniazdowski / OSW

Figures Wojciech Mańkowski

Publisher Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia Centre for Eastern Studies ul. Koszykowa 6a, Warsaw, Poland Phone: + 48 /22/ 525 80 00 Fax: + 48 /22/ 525 80 40 osw.waw.pl

ISBN 978-83-65827-39-5 Contents

Theses /5

Introduction /8

I. tHE crisis of confidence in the political class /10

II. Smer, or Slovakia’s ‘Little Stabilisation’ /15

III. The centre-right opposition and the new political forces: the struggle ‘for a decent Slovakia’ /21

IV. The ‘anti-system’: frustrated Slovakia /27

V. Prospects for change /34 2. 1. Theses finances, despite its lavish spending on social policy. social on spending despitelavish finances, its group it be proudthat can of good the within ofstate its public and eurozone, the joined and zone Schengen the country entered has the Smer: of rule the during achieved has Slovakia which successes tangible the also are There quo. status the of defender ofrole playthe to come has – democracy social pean and – by rejecting the ideas liberal in prevailing Western Euro questions, ideological uponplays skilfully also Smerrhetoric. use years his Ficoof with bolstered has strong anti-immigrant recent in which stability, social and economic of guarantor a been has Smer Slovaks many For predictability. and security of sense a for society of part large a of demand the meets it as elections, topsit dential the aboutpolls with still 20% support, However, despite the defeat for Robert Fico’s in party the presi of Smer. rule the pathology during country developed their has in which the of scale the see to Slovaks many allowed underground. This criminal the and business be politicians, links tween informal about reports of publication and closure dis the to investigationcontributed intoThe murder Kuciak’s agenda. acentrist with party political own his forming also is Kiska Andrej President outgoing The justice. of toration res the and state the of repair the for calling slogans waveof a on March in election presidential the won who Zu Čaputová zana by co-founded party, Slovakia Progressive the primarily agitation, social the from benefited have projects political New sections of perceivesociety the opposition leaders as unreliable. large as degree, small a only to protests the from forces benefited have opposition main the However, pressure. public under minister prime as resigned who Fico, Robert leader its and SD Smer- party the long-ruling affected mainly has This scene. cal politi the Slovak changes on brought about has significant that ancée in 2018February forthe became catalyst the civic outrage The murders ofthe investigative Ján and journalist Kuciak his fi ------

5 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 6 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 4. 3. almost a quarter of the votes cast in the first round. In next next In round. first the in cast votes the of quarter a received almost Kotleba, Marian and Harabin Štefan elections, tial presiden March in trend this of representatives main The lin. Krem the from coming narrative the with line in largely are demands policy foreign their however, fact, In sovereignty’. the slogan ofofunder a redefinition policy foreign ‘recovering demand and NATO, and EU the as well as institutions state’s the in confidence lation). undermine anti-system forces These popu Roma of exclusion the social the and regions, the tween isted for years (such as the invast differences developmentbe ex have which problems solutions to quick offering by voters frustrated most the mobilise effectively can and Slovakia, in popular are which internet), the on (mainly disinformation spreading outlets media use These forces. anti-system of rise the element: third a by affected been opposition has Slovakia and in parties governing the between division classic The formations. of creation scenenew due political the to political slowprocess, and is being accompanied by offragmentation the a the still is in this However, realise. are to leaders beginning the creasingly which strategy, pre-election a and on other agree each on attacks the with dispense least at should oppositionparties the that power, is Smerfrom ing therefore, remov for prerequisite A scandals. numerous by discredited by exploited Smer, effectively opposition depicts the which to unable as cooperate and been has friction internal This das. agen European varying their as well as questions, ideological and and economic disputes, both concerning differences personal policy significant fragmentation, its been have lems prob centre-right’smain Slovensko).however, the years, For Ku death ciak’s under the slogan ‘For a decent after Slovakia’ (Za slušné organised protests anti-government were the which by politics raised up clean to demands the upon draw to is willingness its and Smer of opposition criticism harsh very its by The united opposition. centre-right the of the been weakness has success Smer’s of sources the of one years For ------5. continue to be marginalised on the political scene. political on the continue marginalised be to itonKotleba’s whether and will powerits gets grows, as party support much how on depend largely will government future the of shape The account. to brought be to Smer under power of of abuses for guilty and state, those the need forthe healing stress will opposition the part, For its op threat. a poses the position opinion) their (in which to values traditional the as well as policies social generous its defend to fight a on based be will narrative Smer’scampaign that signs many are There reshuffled. being still are ranks however,their conclusion, as a foregone not is camps these economic of form final strong The country’sperformance. the despite growing is strength whose parties, anti-system the and party; Fico’s harsh of its criticism by exclusively almost united is which opposition, liberal and centre-right the nationalists; and democrats so cial conservative of numbers rising of consists which party, ruling the camps: political three the between clash a witness 2020 will spring for scheduled elections parliamentary The up 14% to support. of popular most ofelectorate, as shown this by opinion polls which give it Kotleba’s over elections, could win year’s party parliamentary - -

7 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 8 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 attitude. Most supporters of radical changes did not vote in the the in vote not did changes radical of supporters Most attitude. conservative ideologically an maintains and countries, Muslim from immigrants admitting opposed has it addition pro in grammes; social generous and growth because economic stable expectations guarantees those it meets Smer stability. social and ic econom political, value who people from mainly support round) gained second the in vote the of 42% under just won (but Smer by supported who was Šefčovič, Her opponent state. Maroš of the functioning the group’simproving of hopes this embody to come has she vote; the of 58% with elections presidential the won who Čaputová, Zuzana activist social and lawyer the by represented is society of group this of part moderate more The citizens’. its to networks, oligarchic and want new to politicians ‘restore Slovakia criminal- by state the of capture the of emanation an be to Smer consider moderate, and radical both changes, of proponents The policy. foreign and system political country’s the to change radical demanding are and elites the replace to want who those and es; chang major of afraid are and stability want primarily who those policy; foreign in majorchange any without improved,though be state the of functioning the that leave elites office and discredited can be divided into groups:main three those who demand that the society Slovak account, into this Taking sovereignty. its fending de of banner the under policy foreign state’s the redefine cally radi to seek who elites pro-Western the of opponents and tures struc Western into integration further Slovakia’s of supporters between split the by played being is role an However,important increasingly 2006. since Slovakia in power held interruption has (2010-12) brief one with which Fico, Robert Minister Prime former the by led Democracy], Social – [Direction demokracia na sociál – Smer – coalition ruling the in party strongest the wards to public’s attitude the is divisions these of so axis Slovak main the The ciety. within divisions of scale the and lines demonstrated battle the 2019 clearly March in elections presidential The In t roduc on ti ------founded), Kotleba’s Smer, party. Marian anti-system and co- Čaputová which Slovakia, Progressive (including parties tion opposi two new of coalition a by taken were places 2019.three top The May in elections Parliamentary European the during fast held sections three into division altogether.This structures these leave to even or NATO, and EU the in membership Slovakia’s of reformulation radical a for demands their to thanks votes, the of they supported whothe anti-system candidates won a oftotal 25% however, round, first the In 42 percent). (under turnout overall second round of the elections, presidential which resulted in a low -

9 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 10 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 minister Robert Fico, his close associate and interior minister minister interior of police, chief among others the and and Kaliňák, Robert associate close his Fico, Robert minister prime long-time of resignations the to leading in effective were demonstrations The politicians. leading of resignations the about bring and others, and Kuciak by uncovered been had which dals thus to establish reasons the for murders, the to resolve scan the 1989, since seen were had country biggestthe the protests, vakia’ Slodecent ‘For a the of demands main The courts. the and police the by untouched gone had years for which politi business, and between cians ties suspicious the concerned articles Kuciak’s of Most scene. political Slovak the on changes significant to led which fian outrage public his for and catalyst a 2018 became Kuciak February in Ján cée journalist investigative the of murder The I. 1 telligence services, whom he commissioned to spy on politicians politicians on spy to commissioned whomhe services, telligence in the of agents former with cooperation through obtained which he information, incriminating of source valuable a mainly was he but them, for partner business a as acted sometimes He others. and Penta, group financial influential the of owners the Marián politi important murder, in cians Smer, with key infigures the police and the contacts the prosecutor’s office, close ordering maintained had of Kočner, accused businessman The Smer’s up during world grown had rule. nal which crimi the and business politics, between links informal ofwork net enormous the revealing appear to began reports result, a As investiga to accelerate. Smer with started associated partners, tions into scandals the foreign Slovakia’s of expectations the and thesechanges, After under the influence ofstrong public pressure

poczatek-konca-rzadu-roberta-ficy. 2018, 14 March https://www.osw.waw.pl/pl/publikacje/analizy/2018-03-14/ Fico's government], Robert of end the of beginning [The Ficy’ końca K. rządu Dębiec, Roberta with ‘Początek in cooperation J. Groszkowski, The cr The class i s i s of conf i dence i n t he polhe 1 . Analizy OSW, Analizy iti cal cal ------

3 2 2012 since him from rented apartment an in living been had Fico that euro fraud; tax he also gained public notoriety when it transpired developer the was who action in 2018 Bašternák, Ladislav was convicted of a multimillion- of freedom great enjoyed long who figure Another contacts. his from protection to thanks murder Kuciak’s until unpunished Kočner had remained and journalists. traditionally support Smer to a greater degree Smer support agreater to traditionally residents whose Slovakia, of regions eastern the in also but opposi tion, current the favour to tend who Bratislava, of residents the displayedbeen has not only by distrust This Slovaks. the than ary judici their of independence the of view critical more a have ats Cro the only nations, EU the Among judiciary. the in confidence public on impact negative clear a had has environment business Smer’sof impunity the about belief common However,the time. long a for polls the in lead unchallenged an held has Fico’sparty extent. great any to party’s popularity ruling the damage not did they nevertheless but implicated, was party in which as the well as many other scandals Kočner & Bašternák, and politicians Smer between links the reported widely had dia

tice_scoreboard_2018_en.pdf; and the European Commission, Commission, European the and tice_scoreboard_2018_en.pdf; Scoreboard Justice of ited Cf. Commission, independence the Thejudiciary. European lim for the causes main the as groups interest other and business as well as politicians from pressure see Slovaks Croatia. EU, after the in second-worst op the the thought was opposite). result Slovakia’s the say 60% 58% independent, are courts the while independent, were 2019 in a (28% were in obtained study January believe results posite. Similar courts their thought Slovaks of Commission’s European formurder) the Kuciak’s before 2018 (just out in January carried survey The after a court decision to announce an auction of Bašternák’s properties which which properties Bašternák’s of came this auction an weeks’; few state. the by over taken announce been have next to the ‘in Prime decision former court a apartment the after this that of out move to reported was media local Minister the 2019, May of end the Towards eu/euodp/en/data/dataset/S2168_461_ENGhttp://data.europa. public’: general the Eurobarometer474:‘Flash and among EU the in systems justice al nation of the independence 461: Perceived the Eurobarometer ‘Flash 2018 for data: material source the also and files/justice_scoreboard_2019_en.pdf, Scoreboard Justice 2 . It is true that for many years the opposition and the me the and opposition the years many for that true is It . - 2018: ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/jus , Luxembourg , Luxembourg 2019: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/ 2019: Luxembourg , report shows that only 29% 29% only that shows report Scoreboard EU Justice 2018 3 . The 2019 The The2018

EU EU EU EU ------11 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 12 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 ogy of which it accuses the ruling camp. ruling the it of which accuses ogy it allows opposition to the suggest is that not pathol from the free of accounts the this Kiska); Andrej President in former the by co-owned company a fraud of reports example, (for information true contain usually they opponents, political which their compromise materials presents Smer When coalition. ruling the and opposition the both from nature of accusations a personal mutual to down boils largely Slovakia debatein public result, a As nents. oppo political its attack to been has business with its links opaque and corruption of accusations to response Smer’s years, For Slovakia’s ruling circles Slovakia’s in ruling impunity” and interest of conflict “corruption, of allegations expression of included an tion concern emerging which about the resolu a passed even Parliament European the elections, dential presi the of round second the before Twodays matters. these to for attention their it. turning EU are also increasingly institutions state ofbut wasaffairs, even atedcriminal jointlythis responsible toler only not Smer that disclosed evidence is investigations information these during the society, of part large a for However, proceedings. criminal from and obtained of property confiscation the imprisonment years’ five to sentenced been has Bašternák murder, Kuciak’s ordered while having and economic crimes ting commit of accused custody in is Kočner partially). (at least tions prosecutors and police the helped the Slovak people by to in recover the state trust institu their work intensive 2019, spring In 4

the resolution itself did not become the subject of public debate. did not any subject broader become the itself resolution the although process, political country’s in the as interference media Slovak the in interpreted was it elections, presidential of round second the before days two passed corruption was resolution 2019-0328+0+DOC+PDF+V0//EN. the that Given against fight and law of europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+TA+P8-TA-2019,http://www. rule 28 March of Slovakia’, and Malta in ‘Situation specifically EU, the in Parliament, European Cf. cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/86022. generalpublic’: http://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index. EU the among in the systems justice of national the independence Perceived 4 .

------42% of communal heads and mayors do not belong to any group group any to belong not do mayors and heads communal of 42% as many as elections, local recent the after politics: outside from peopleof popularity electoral rising the by shown also is politics such as in disillusionment growing society’s Slovak electorate. motivated strongly a has which Kotleba, Marian of(ĽSNS) vakia Slo Our – People’sParty anti-system the favour turnouts Lower recorded, at nearly 60 was percent. years twelve for figure (2016) oneshighest the last the in and out, turn regularly voters eligible of 50% than more good; relatively look elections parliamentary country’s the background, this Against 6 5 them in of confidence professlack a not in a much better situation: between 60 and 70% of respondents are parties opposition main the of leaders Yet the Slovaks. of 73% to up from rating negative a has whoFico, Robert is trusted least the leaders, party the Among class. political entire the in dence confi public of loss the is strategy defensive this of effect side A in the EU the in lowest the been it has nevertime each exceeded 23%, turnout and the Parliament European the to elections In history). in highest the 2017 was in 30% almost of result (the polls regional in so do do elections so (in 201848.7%),was figure the and 30% than fewer local in vote to eligible those of 50% than less Regularly history. in lowest the (41.8%) was elections presidential the of round ond theturnout in sec The participation. inelectoral is reflected class

parlemeter-2018-taking-up-the-challenge. parlemeter-2018-taking-up-the-challenge. www.europarl.europa.eu/at-your-service/en/be-heard/eurobarometer/ vote’,http:// actual to support (silent) From challenge: the up 2018–Taking ‘Parlemeter Parliament, European 48%).Cf. is average EU (the opposite the think 35% 27%),while EU-28 is the for figure average (the present than at does role it smaller a play should Parliament European the Slo of that 41% believe as vaks many as other, the On issues. European on mobilise electorate to their incapacity politicians’ Slovak to testifies this hand, one the On vybranym%20politikom_jun%202019.pdf. 2018, http://www.focus-research.sk/files/n252_Dovera_nedovera%20k%20 – 2019’,jún 9 May Focus, politikom Agentúra k vybraným ‘Dôvera/nedôvera 6 . 5 . This distrust .distrust Thisthe of political - - - - 13 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 14 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 the local business-party ties. business-party local the as ‘non-partystand government’ local in candidates fact maintain towns, however, In smaller activist. who politicians only formally new forefront; mayor the urban the and is a 40-year-old architect at Bratislava with cities, big the in elections).seen clearly be can previous trend This to compared points 4 percentage of rise (a 7 level contestnational since in elections the European 2004 party- purely a in losses first party’s the saw2019, May which in Smer elections the perceptible Parliament became after European within tensions rising The Court). Constitutional the of head the become to attempted unsuccessfully 2019 he in and success, out with elections presidential the in 2014 (instood he career litical po his of rest the spend to place for a for looking has been years several latter the party; the between heads Smer still who Fico, within and Pellegrini rising is tension Meanwhile, press. of the majority the with conflicts and language intemperate his for known been has who Fico, of behaviour the with contrasts atti tude His Slovaks. of half than more by trusted is who politician only leading he the is a result, As transparent. state of the tioning func the keeping on emphasis greater placed has and manner, consensual more a in operates he predecessor, his Unlike 2018. March in who Minister replaced to Fico PeterPrime as Pellegrini, part large in is due high level of Smer’scontinued This popularity of voters. of score 44%, a is still the leader with in won the polls, it with the support which of about elections, 20% 2012 parliamentary the since popularity its in decline marked a recording despiteSmer, II. elections scheduled for spring 2020. As the keystone of various various of keystone the As 2020. spring for scheduled elections the before especially unlikely, is change a such but voters, some of the party, his good ratings personal would help regain the party took control Minister Prime current the If itself. party the within membership and electorate the among popularity lose to caused both it have which suspicions the of ‘cleansed’ be should party the that and Smer, of head as resignation Fico’s demanded who Košice, in activists party from a letter in were expressed tensions

of the liberal party Progressive Slovakia and the centrist party Together Together party centrist of(Spolu), votes. 20% over the won just which and Slovakia Progressive party liberal the of up made coalition a behind second it placed 16% under just of result Smer's S mer, or S mer, lovak i a’s ‘ Litt le St le ab i l i sa ti 7 . These on’ - - - - 15 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 16 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 currency and EU membership EU and currency European thesingle of benefits convincedofSmer’s the rhetoric) still is to thanks (also population the of majority vast the and ter, Slovakia joined the eurozone and entered the Schengen area, minis prime was Fico When rule. its during enjoyed has vakia Slo successes the with party the associate Smer of Supporters control of Smer.full retains he that again and again proved has Fico groups, interest 9 8 presenting himself as the defender of the status quo. Contrary to to Contrary quo. status the of defender the as himself presenting tures that the Smer government will ensure security for the the for security ensure country will government Smer the that tures cul other from people with uncomfortable relatively public a convince to intended is which rhetoric, anti-immigrant strong eco of nomic stability. and guarantor social image This has been boosted the byFico’s been has Smer then, Slovaks, many For state’s the in history). budget 2018,lowestdeficit small (1.04%2017in GPDin of0.7%the GDP of and relatively a maintaining students while for pensioners), travel and train free and kindergartens, and schools in lunches free as (such packages social various of form the in around wealth the spread it improved, things when policy,and budgetary responsible a conducted governmentFico’s crisis, ic

According to the report report the to According veyDetail/instruments/SPECIAL/surveyKy/2077. ec.europa.eu/COMMFrontOffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSur 2015 in EU the in crimination the Czech Republic) with a Muslim (37%). (after 437-Dis lowest second Eurobarometer Cf.(51%),the Special and (49%),Buddhist (57%), a Jew a Asia from (48%), someone person black a with working comfortable feel would who of EU people the in lowest proportion the has Slovakia Commission, ropean euro-slovensko-deset-let-vyroci.A190117_152043_eko-zahranicni_svob. neměnilo’, to deseti iDnes.cz, z osm zvykli, si Lidé eurem. s dekáda ‘Slovenská pdf; sk/files/246_Suhlas%20s%20clenstvom%20SR%20v%20EU_april%202018. SR členstvom s http://www.focus-research. 2018; ‘Súhlas 9 May Focus, Cf. 2018’,Agentúra euro. EU–april the v use to ability the with 80% around satisfied and are membership, EU with ‘agree’ Slovaks of Three-quarters 9 . Fico has also skilfully played upon ideological issues, ideological upon played skilfully also has Fico . 17 aur 21, https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/zahranicni/ 2019, January prepared for the Eu the for prepared 2015 in EU the in Discrimination , the European Commission, October 2015,October http://Commission, , the European 8 . Moreover, during the econom the during Moreover, . ------not only liberal voters, but also many conservatives as well. as conservatives many voters, but also not liberal only for– attracted on focused Slovakia honest an struggle the fair and Čaputová a result As slogans – whose programme. campaign toral elec of her notwerepart and consensus, broad a require matters such in changes political that declaring importance, playedtheir down effectively she views, controversial her of secret no made Čaputová Although limitations. its has strategy this that showed was echoed by leading Smer However,activists. the election result accept her as (such ance of adoptionthe by of issues same-sex couples), children in which moral he on views liberal her for Čaputová attacked values’,and ‘traditional of defender a as himself sented pre Smer, by endorsed 2019.Šefčovič, in campaign election tial presiden role the in played important also an matters Ideological 11 10 children of adoption their or group) political Reformists and Conservatives European the of member a is paradoxically which party, SaS opposition the by proposed initially was same-sex project (the for couples partnerships civil introducing of possibility the of most will of the with cordance Slovak society), he rejected has ac in (but democracy social European in trends prevailing the relatively liberal relatively remained have regard this in which abortions, performing for options legal the limit to parliament in attempt an from stained ab MPs Smer’s of most however, time, same the At criticised. have groups conservative which coalition, centre-right previous the by signed Convention, Istanbul the ratify not will ernment

their civil partnerships. civil their against were 56% and sex, same the of persons between marriage to posed op were 69% of Slovaks survey, same the to According public. Slovak of the three-quarters of total a against’: ‘somewhat were 17% another and couples, adopted by being same-sex of children the possibility were against’ ‘strongly to a According by recent survey the Focus agency (from 2016), 58% of Slovaks In contrast to the Czech Republic, doctors in Slovakia have the right to refuse quo refuse to right abortion the the maintaining have (4748%) favour and Slovaks of percentages Slovakia in doctors to According a to or by in 2018perform abortions. Republic, assist survey Focus, similar Czech the to contrast In and limiting the possibility of conducting abortions. of conducting possibility the limiting and 10 . Moreover, he has announced that the Pellegrini gov Pellegrini the that announced Moreover, . has he 11 . status ------17 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 18 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 to 51% in 2019). The percentage of voters who completed who voters of percentage 2019).The in 51% 2012 to in 30% than more (from significantly risen pleoverpeo has aged 60 and of supporters party’s the among share the years, recent In councils. (2018) municipal and (2017) regional in positions and 2016 elections) the (in seats deputies’ fewer ever winning is and elections presidential two last the elections, European recent lost the now has it polls, the in leader that the still means is party base the although electoral narrowing its However, groups. cal politi the alone all of Smermost the level:far by 15,000 members, local than more has the at structures party extensive from Slovak-Polish- border Czech (the Kysuce the region). benefit also they areas, onIn those and country the of part eastern servative con more and poorer the in especially voters, older with cessful suc most are SNS the and Smer of manifestoes and rhetoric The Russia. with tions predations of foreign corporations and a proponent of strong rela the against interests Slovak ofdefender the as enjoysperforming and voters, of confidence the regain to working been has Danko However, party. to the a burden becoming thesis) are doctoral his in plagiarism the as (such controversies and flip-flops blunders, seats (currently tary it has about 6–7% parliamen support). no But his numerous had it over took he when party; the boost to lot a done has Danko, Andrej SNS, the of head The lobbying. vigorous conducted has SNS the behalf whose on industry, tourism the in Anton Siekel and the Slavia Capital Group. Theseare active figures like time, same millionaire the including business, with the links Smer,strong it has at but promises; welfare social its in Smer outbid to trying is SNS The support. electorate’s moderate more its losing(SNS), of cost the at Party even National Slovak ner,the voters,loyal out to and reach electorate ofto the part its coalition 2020.that to This means Smer intendsmobilise itsprimarily most spring for scheduled elections parliamentary the before strategy Smer’sofelement important an be also will her to ism’attributed ‘ultraliberal the against fight the that election presidential the in victory Čaputová’s to Fico’s reaction from appears However,it ------Source: 1. Figure voter its base. mobilising in faces Fico’s party limits the indicates which Bratislava, sition-oriented oppo the in than lower much was country the of east pro-Smer strongly the in turnout the that shown have elections European 19% 15% to lesstoday). than and presidential At the time, same the over (from dropped has education higher with those of share the now),while 43% to elections parliamentary two previous the in education secondary (fromrisen also without has 30%graduating 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 [%] Denník N Denník 30.7 March 2012 Changes in the age structure of Smer’s age electorate the structure in Changes (exit poll) Age 18-39 39.1 , based on data from the Focus agency Focus the from on data , based 30.2 19.6 March 2016 (exit poll) Age 40-59 35.5 44.9 11.7 (opinion poll) April 2019 Age 60+ 37.5 50.9 - 19 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 20 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 Figure 2. Source: 10 20 30 40 50 0 elementary [%] Denník N Denník 8.6 March 2012 Changes in the education levels the of in Smer’s Changes electorate (exit poll) 29.9 42.2 , based on data from the Focus agency Focus the from on data , based 19.3 without graduating high-school, 7.6 March 2016 (exit poll) 30,0 42.6 19.8 after graduation high-school, 9.5 (opinion poll) April 2019 42.8 33.1 higher 14.6 ties (OĽaNO, with about 6% support) has been criticised for his his for criticised Personali been has support) Independent 6% about with and (OĽaNO, ties People Ordinary in parliament, group opposition the biggest next the of head the Matovič, Igor murder. Kočner, Kuciak’s of ordering accused who currently is with General Attorney of position the for nominations discussed he party) coalition junior the of head the (whenwas he 7–9% of support in the polls). a that few claims years agoSmer still around which on count can (and integration European party further opposes liberal ideologically/culturally and economically isan (SaS) party Solidarity and Freedom group his 2019;2014 to from MEP an as seat his from parliament the in force opposition main the ran Sulík Richard scandals. by its many discredited and cooperation of incapable as opposition the portrays which Smer, by exploited effectively been has level, personal the at including 12 agendas European and ideological, ic, econom parties’ the concerning differences political significant and disputes, serious personal cohesion, from of lack suffered its including problems, has opposition the however, years, For 2018. of spring ‘For slogan in the began adecent which Slovakia’ under protests the during voiced demands the with side to ness of willing its Smer and criticism harsh very its in sition united is a whole. as state, but system the not political Therepair the oppo broader opposition, which to wants and change the establishment the for support of scale the of reflects (58.4%) round largely elections second the the in received Čaputová Zuzana support The III.

ated by the Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini (Sme Rodina). (Sme Rodina). Salvini Matteo minister prime deputy Italian the by ated SMK- Most-Híd, Spolu, (KDH, ECR (SaS), EPP theconservative liberal the ALDEwell); (PS) Democrat as and theparty new Kiska’s EuroscepticAndrej probably EAPNand group Christian OĽaNO, MKP, cre the families: political European various with identify groups opposition right-wing various The

t The cen The ‘for adecen he new pol new he t re-r t S iti i gh lovak cal forces:cal t t oppos i a’ 12 iti . This internal friction, friction, internal This . on and on and he s he t ruggle - - - - - 21 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 22 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 turn of 2018; these two ran as a coalition in the May elections to to elections May Europeanthe Parliamentthe in coalition a as ran two these 2018; of turn the at (Spolu),established Together both centrist the (PS), and kia Slova Progressive are time this succeed to likely most parties The situation is this likely to be repeated in the in elections spring 2020. and seats, won has group new one 2010 least since at election tary parliamen every In entities. political new support to willing are Slovaks that means opposition parliamentary the of weakness The Movement, –seebelow). KDH Democratic (with exception the of Christian the structures gional in 2018 OĽaNO had members) only example, 13 party and poorly (fordeveloped re op bases the membership SNS, small the have groups partner position coalition its and Smer to contrast In beholden. are politicians” whom to “standard the oligarchs” and migrants the against Slovaks the “defend to order in politics into entered he that declared has 9 women).Kollár (10 from children numerous about his he talks tabloid which in press the in articles through himself promoted primarily has and underworld, slava Brati the of leader former the with contacts close had ago years support), 6–7% Rodina, (Sme who grouping Kollár, Family Are Boris We the businessman leads and celebrity the part, his For activity. work business with parliamentary in politics took a parency hit when he fined was his for combining trans and honesty for fighter a as credibility His group. own his of members by even U-turns, sudden and statements scandalous 13 ties is that key positions in them are occupied by people in their their in people by occupied are them in positions key that is ties par both of characteristic A formations. centre-right other from to businessmen linked the IT industry, whereas Spoluare was founded by politicians PS of leaders and creators The polls. the in port

in parliament, and PS one. one. PS and parliament, in sixseats has currently Spolu affiliation, party their changing some deputies to due but elections, parliamentary in competed yet not have parties These 13 and together gained about 15–16% sup15–16%about gained together and ------14 seats parliamentary its all lost (KDH), ment Move Democratic Christian the grouping, Democratic traditional Christian Slovakia’s 2016, in elections the After values. tional tradi upon drawing increasingly are who representatives, tem’ by Fico, and on the other the growing popularity declared as of president’s the new the ‘anti-sys‘ultraliberalism’ against fight the is hand, one the on them, for challenge The voters. conservative seeking groups the among recently occurred also have Changes attacks. political serious for target easier even an be will Kiska immunity, presidential of a plot of in land his native Poprad, as offences.well as tax Stripped of acquisition murky the Smer,concerning from accusations ous numer with struggled Kiska presidency, his During politics. in face new a as himself present cannot Kiska former, though, the to ing voters from the mainly PS-Spolu coalition and SaS. In contrast 6–11%,attract about at polling currently is and profile, centrist has a grouping His term. presidential his of Andrej twilight by the in announced Kiska ľudí) (Za People For is election next the in parliament entering of chance a stands which party Another measures. protection environmental as well as citizens, for all opportunities equal on emphasis strong a with business for tives range the of to its expand demand it incen linked has its manifesto group, in classification. and ALDE liberal joined the level, has PS European At the easy avoiding consciously is Slovakia Progressive whereas party, centre-right a as itself presents Spolu state. fective ef and fair a create help to intended is which institutions, public voters greater transparency in the functioning of government promised have They andelections. presidential the in victory her after party ofthe membership from resigned she Čaputová,although na Zuza included also group this recently Until or experience. business expert with often Bratislava, from mostly forties, and thirties

In parliament the KDH is currently represented by one deputy who was was who list. deputy group’s one party adifferent from by elected represented currently is KDH the parliament In 14 , but most surveys surveys most but , ------23 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 24 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 has has been values Christian upon drawing parties the among shake-up The (which got 5.3%). only OĽaNO from votes taking primarily electorate, conservative the seats), any not win did (andhowever thus did splitting succeedin vote the of 3.8% got which party, new The demands. ideological their implementing in passivity of parties old their OĽaNO accused who and KDH from defectors by created was group this ion; Un Christian founded newly the from competition despite vote, to the of elections 10% nearly received they May where Parliament, the European the during results good achieved elec They year’s next tions. in them of some regain will they that indicate 15 in the first round of the presidential elections Čaputová won the won Čaputová elections polls, presidential the of to round first the According in candidates. ‘ultra-liberal’ for support aged discour strongly Orosch, Ján position, this in successor his but Bezák, Róbert diocese Trnava of ordinary former the from port as deputy paigning head of she Progressive Slovakia received sup cam was she While Catholics. Slovak many of sympathy the has people vulnerable power of abuses against fight to butwhosewill teachings, Church’s the to contrary run issues some on views eral Čaputová,whoselib to respond to howof dilemma the faces also hierarchy Catholic networks).The social via example (forlouder getting been have forces anti-system the to sympathetic are who voices the meanwhile, of priests weakening; been has Hlina Alojz of chairmanship the under KDH the bishops and between eration relations between and the hierarchy Coopchurch the politicians. Christian denominations Christian cline in the number of believers to attachment declaring the major

ally increasing (from 9.8% in 1991, and 13% in 2001). in 13% 1991, 9.8% and (from in increasing ally gradu is atheists of percentage 6.2%).The was Lutherans of percentage the in 4.1%),1991 (60.4 than did better and 3.4%; but denominations Catholic both (68.9,10 previously years than churches 6.9 and formajor Christian the three Catholic Roman Greek 13.4% represent are Theseofare worseresults atheists the population. Catholics; 3.8% declare and Church, Lutheran Slovaks of largest 62% the to 2011), belong (of 5.9% religion, census last the to According accompanied since of by century the beginning this a de 15 . This has coincided with new trends in trends with newcoincidedhas . This ------tial elections it declared its support for support its Čaputová. it declared elections tial presidenof secondround Smer, the butbefore with coalition ing rul of Most-Híd the threshold. part vergewas electoral ofthe the on is Most-Hídwhich group Hungarian/Slovak the of leadership since the parliament 2012.also decisions lie Difficult ahead for the repre outside SMK-KMP, remained minority, but has which Hungarian the senting the and KDH the with coalition a discussing is OĽaNO while proceeding, are Kiska President former of party the and bloc this between cooperation possible on Smer.Talks to now, are projects strongest a opponentsas the coalition, marginal hitherto these 2019, and February in Spolu and PS between tion the of joining bycoali This formations. initiated forces was litical po new of creation the to due scene party the of fragmentation the with parallel in occurring is slowly, however, only and taking place is process This realise. to beginning increasingly are ers lead political Slovak the which strategy, pre-election a on agree up opened However, need the parties atand least to attacks mutual halt their has power. from it years remove to opposition right-wing recent the for chance a in Smer for support Decreasing second round). the in 58% respectively and 57% won(and Protestants of 42% and Catholics of36% of support ------25 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 26 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 Figure 3. Figure Source: Council. National 150-seat the in seats of the number show bars The 10 20 30 40 50 0

Smer-SD Authors’ own calculations own Authors’ Possible changes in Slovak parliament after 2020 elections after parliament Slovak Possible in changes

SaS 2016 election

OĽaNO

SNS Current ﬁgure (Mid 2019) ĽSNS

Sme rodina

Most-Híd Predictions fromopinionpoll by Focus, June2019 #SIEŤ

Independents

PS/Spolu coalition

KDH

Za ľudí [%] (Kiska's party) system system for years, was a more convincing option Kotleba, whothan corrupt the fighting been competentwhohad a lawyer as himself presenting extent) Harabin, them lesser For Rodina. a Sme (togroup opposition the and parties SNS and Smer ruling the of ers support of mix unstable an is constituency His education. college no with voters poorer and older of groups among support of deal great a found he elections presidential the In interests. nation’s the political betraying and whole corruption of the sides all criticised almost accusing scene, sharply has he years several for held posts in the country’s most important institutions,has Harabin 1990s the although (2006–9). government Since Fico’sfirst in he minister held andjustice office party minister as deputyprime ofMečiar’s nominee the as and Mečiar; far,named he so Slovakia whothe campaign he thought had of been the best Minister Prime 16 NATO and EU the into gration Slovakia’sdelayed inte rule strong-man whose Mečiar, Vladimír Minister Prime with closely worked he 1990s the judge.In Court Thebetter result (14.3%) wentto Harabin, a controversial Supreme vote. of the aquarter whoKotleba, received together almost Marian and Harabin Štefan were elections presidential March’s in trend this of representatives main The forces. anti-system for of newpopularity growing people in politics, is the rise in support the and turnout voter in drop the to society,next Slovak in elites political with disillusionment growing the of consequence One I V.

to the construction of oligarchic structures. People affiliated with the regime regime the with Jaroslav media. affiliated public and of the head the Reznik, himself, People Harabin as such bodies, state structures. important occupy still oligarchic of construction the to Kováč's son), ofled process Michal abduction President and the privatisation state. Slovak the ofcase the in (as opponents political his to fight the used were forces special independent violated; an repeatedly of were standards creation democratic the rule Mečiar’s thus During and Czechoslovakia, of sion Czech the Prime Minister Václavwith Klaus, he was onetogether of the1990s, architects of main the divi early the In 1994). in break nine-month a from 1993 to (b. 1998 (with Mečiar 1942) Minister Prime was Slovak Vladimír

The ‘an ti -sys tem’: frus 16 . When Harabin was asked during during asked was WhenHarabin . tra ted S lovak i a - - - 27 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 28 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 its consent to the transfer of some national competences to the EU. the competences to national someof transfer revoke the to consent its may Bratislava moment any at that and issues, economic to actions its limit to EU the get should Slovakia that electorate his ready in or soon will arrive in Slovakia. He has also tried to convince al are migrants” of “thousands that rumours spread has sels”.He Brus of “diktat the accepts government the that and “shameful”, is position Slovak the that claims but EU, the leave simply should could join NATO someday. has not Harabin demanded that Slovakia disappear Russia over that time”, not suggesting from preventedwill has him that that relic “a as NATO to referred has he Although service). health the of favour in spending, defence Slovakia’s of tion de the militarisationand Russia of Central against Europeansanctions countriesEU of (includinglifting the reducimmediate the include demands Harabin’s Ukraine). occupied over aircraft sian of and Crimea of Russia’s in participation shooting down the Malay the ‘fascist’ government in Ukraine, and denials of theof annexation criticism (including narrative Kremlin’s the with line in largely are politics international onHarabin’snow views also so interests, Moscow’s with line in were employed Mečiar slogans the then as jected jected Bratislava’s to aspirations join NATO and the EU in 1995 re Slovakia, in standards con democratic ofviolation the in with nection West, the after policy foreign his of failure the cover and try to rhetoric such used Mečiar fact, In models. Western of tation imi blind the rejecting and of transformation, path own its choose to Slovakia’s right 1990s:defending the in upon drawn had Mečiar which emotions the to appealed he way this In Russia. and NATO should and pursue a ‘multi-vector’East, policy,the or that is, Westdevelop cooperation the with both either in anchored clearly be to not does need Slovakia rhetoric ofthat sovereignty. his Hestressed was voters attract to tried campaign Harabin’s which in way One previously. afewjust years as a had been youngat radical forefrontthe of anti-Roma marches 17

- pers zmeny’ a rokov pektivy šiestich bilancia – politika zahraničná ‘Slovenská Duleba, A. 1999, vztahy, no. pp. 1, 36–54. vol. 34, , Mezinárodní 17 . Just Just . ------of the Slovak State and Tiso and 9% of Slovaks respectively 19% have, the Kotleba, like a positive camps. opinion death the to including population crimes Jewish for Slovakia’s of deportation responsible jointly was who Tiso, Jozef ther 45), which was subordinate to the Third Reich,and of its leader Fa 1939- Republic, Slovak (or State Slovak First of the society of Slovak ĽSNS fromthebenefits also positive consistently image among part by Roma. committed [Roma] crimes the and settlements’ from parasites ‘the against fight a declared openly party his tions 2016 elec the during and there, government regional 2017 the Kotleba headed Until ĽSNS. of cradle the became which region this was it and 1990s, the of transformation economic the by hit hardest were which region Bystrica Banská the of areas the in numerous mands led to the General Prosecutor’sled to General mands filing anthe Office in application 19 18 general) in society Slovak in 68% to (compared 25% only is rate employment the which among garia), Bul (after EU the in population Roma of (9%) percentage highest second the has country. Slovakia the in subject controversial a ties, communi Roma and Slovak his the of and coexistence Kotleba the include of party success political the to contributing factor A 30), less-educated voters. youngeramong (under especially popular is which ofsupporters, is base made up of ĽSNS voters, a stable well-motivatedand group he won elections 10.4%presidential ofvote. the Kotleba’s electoral and evennationalism neo-Nazi In traditions. the firstround ofthe Slovak upon drawing groups extreme in lie roots (ĽSNS),whose Kotleba Marian is of the the chairman People’s Slovakia Party-Our

‘Osudové osmičky v historickém vědomí české a slovenské veřejnosti: událos veřejnosti: com_form2content/documents/c2/a4645/f9/pd180612.pdf. slovenské a české https://cvvm.soc.cas.cz/media/ 2018; June 12 vědomí CVVM, osobnosti’, období, ti, historickém v osmičky ‘Osudové ic-surveys-slovak-republic-2019_eco_surveys-svk-2019-en#page2. surveys-svk-2019-en#page2read.oecd-ilibrary.org/economics/oecd-econom ilibrary.org/economics/oecd-economic-surveys-slovak-republic-2019_eco_ 2019 Republic Slovak Surveys: Economic OCED 19 . The radicalism of some of ĽSNS’s de of some of radicalism The . 18 . The Roma are particularly particularly are Roma The . , OCED, Paris 2019; read.oecd- 2019; Paris OCED, , ------29 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 30 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 bin, although it is not yet certain whether such a party will be formed. be will a party such whether it not is yet although certain bin, (and to also Smer, to some degree) may come from a group led by Hara field ‘anti-system’ the in Kotleba’s party to threat main The elections. elections, and its result of parliamentary 12.1% is its best yet in national May’sEuropean in third came 4).Kotleba’s party Figure (see country ie t 11.5–14% to risen has 8%)got(when it elections 2016 for parliamentary the since support party the Regardless, party). ‘fascist’ a called commonly is (ĽSNS party the of marginalisation and ostracism me political coverageand the dia despite firm, remained has Kotleba for support of level The Court definitively rejected this applicationthis rejected definitively Court Supreme 2019 the April of end the towards tendencies’,but scistic ‘fa and extremism its of grounds the on party the 2017dissolve to 22 21 20 its votes) and atheists (31% votes)its atheists and of votes) its of(24% Catholics practicing both reach to managing is time party the same the At Kotleba. of distrustful been hitherto had who women, and elderly the among growing also is ĽSNS for Support month). €1200 per exceed earnings net whose (those Slovaks er leba Kot to second helped place among unemployed this voters, but rich with also elections presidential of round first the during and traditions’. hasThis to helpedthe broaden party itselectorate; interests national of ‘defence the on instead focusing slogans, ma anti-Ro and rhetoric its softening been has ĽSNS longtime Fora centre. the toward positions extremist its from away move ally gradu to it helped also has butscene, political the leba’son party Kot of presence the legitimised only not has court in success The

https://www.postoj.sk/43367/kotleba-je-uz-uprostred-nas-a-len-tak-lahko-odide. M. Hanus, ‘Kotleba je už uprostred nás a len tak ľahko neodíde’, ľahko tak len a nás uprostred už je ‘Kotleba Hanus, M. stitute grounds for the proscription of their structures. of their proscription for the grounds stitute did not con documents official in the wording the that to ensuring portance im greater even attach to begun have circles extremist then, Since Party). In 2006, the Supreme Court dissolved the previous group led by Marian Marian by ( led Kotleba group previous the dissolved Court Supreme the 2006, In The party gotThe13.9% party in ainpoll May by AKO, andinthe12.5% Junepoll by Focus. Slovenská pospolitosť–Národná strana pospolitosť–Národná Slovenská 22 , usually making it the third political force in the the in force political third the it making usually , 21 . , Slovak Community-National Community-National Slovak , 20 . Postoj, 14 2019, May ------23 Group Visegrád of the countries the among result worst the far by is economic negatively, which state’s situation the assess Slovaks of third 2018 a in polling to euros). billion According a half at estimated receivedsupport has 2018, autumn in work started which Nitra, in plant Rover Land investors to foreign granted incentivesJaguar (the significant the of legitimacy the challenged has Kotleba’s forexample, my: party econo country’s the draining is capital foreign that believe They globalisation. with of associated afraid changes and the economicare transformation ofthe victims are voterswhoofthey Slovak feel part large a tract the Kremlin’s (seenarrative Box); they help to atthese politicians fit views which and theories conspiracy spread often media these affairs, foreign discussing When media. mainstream the to tives alterna as position their up building are which media in ances appear their to popularity their owe Kotleba and Harabin Both Source: 4. Figure 12 15 0 3 6 9

in the Czech Republic 44% to 15%, and in Poland 57% to 29% the negative: in to 7%.Hungary outweighed 20%, number the positive region See ‘Hodnocení the in countries other all In bad. very or bad it as saw 34% good and good, very orwas situation economic country’s the felt Slovaks of 28% poll, the In [%] II 2015 Authors’ own compilation based on data from Focus agency Focus from on data based compilation own Authors’ V 2015 Support for 2015–19 in ĽSNS VIII 2015

XI 2015

II 2016

V 2016

VIII 2016

XI 2016

II 2017 23

. IV 2017

IX 2017

XI 2017

I 2018

IV 2018

VIII 2018

XI 2018

III 2019

IV 2019

VI 2019 - - - - 31 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 32 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 a small extent. a small to situation population’s local the improve which only costly, exports, often are that means this 73%); is Poland’s example, (for OECD the in lowest the (55%) is the exports in time, value added same domestic the At exports. Slovak of 10% for responsible is alone VW factory, and Jaguar ofthe launch worldthe beforeeven producercars of largest the was Slovakia dustry: in of branch one on dependence growing and large econ very omy’s national the with associated risks the to attention drawn have economists Slovak debate. mainstream the of part greater ever an becoming thus are which problems, these of exponents vocal most the are development country’s the of course current the criticised harshly most have who politicians and media The ular Internet radio station Slobodný vysielač is important for important is vysielač Slobodný station radio Internet ular websitecontent.associated publish Thealso pro-Kremlin pop on its vakia Czech webpage. The left-wing weekly Slovo andits Slo on section a has agency Sputnik Russian The party). ODS right-wing the of group Senate the of member (a Valenta Ivo Senator Czech the by owned is – counterpart Czech its like – 170,000about (with readers), which listy Parlamentné is vice ser pro-Russian popular Another Russians. Kremlin-linked to ties has board editorial its range a that demonstrating evidence of revealed have media liberal The website. news ited vis most third the is and month, per readers 1 million about has it daily’; ‘conservative a as itself describes which správy, Hlavné is these of followed widely most The Kremlin. the of that to close is which perspective a present they and popular, relatively are media mainstream the to alternatives pendent inde as presentthemselves which services media Slovakia In Slovakia in disinformation Media form2content/documents/c2/a4566/f9/ev180328.pdf. srovnání – leden 2018’,srovnání 28 středoevropském CVVM, v podanek životních materiálních a situace ekonomické

March 2018; March cvvm.soc.cas.cz/media/com_ per capita per in the the in ------the past – would appear unreliable, and too much a part of the the of part criticising. been he has which system a much too and unreliable, appear would – past the in Treaty Lisbon the and eurozone the of membership supported who politician a as – latter the because risky, be would Harabin with electorate,cooperation of onleavingNATO.the part For this referendum a organising proposed now has he failed, initiative this after EU; the leaving Slovakia on referendum a hold to posal pro a for signatures collected party His solution. radical more a voters and Kotleba Washington. both Brussels whoattracts prefer against sovereignty its defend must Slovakia that argue society of part anti-system the of leaders two world.The Western liberal the in dispersed and absorbed be would Slovaks million five the values traditional of defenders as themselves topics,presenting ofideological use heavy make Both distrust. mutual and ambitions political man’s each by effectively impeded be would them between alliance any although mon, com in features many have manifestoes Kotleba’s and Harabin in spring 2018; up to 35% of respondents believed that the the that believed abroad. controlled from were being demonstrations respondents of 35% to up 2018; spring in protests anti-government the concerning poll a of results the ries propagated in above-mentionedthe media is evidenced by theo conspiracy and misinformation to ofthe Slovaks tibility Mar suscep The station. on the guest afrequent also Kotlebais ian figures. anti-system leading the of one as Harabin Štefan promote helped has it as media, pro-Kremlin alternative, the and outlining a vision wherein wherein vision a outlining and - - - - - 33 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 34 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019 Kotleba’s party. This possibility was indicated by the cooperation cooperation the by indicated was possibility Kotleba’sThis party. of support the government with minority a optionof establishing the examine also could however,he Rodina); Sme as (such Smer with coalition a into entering out ruled definitively nothavewho groups those with talks in concessions far-reaching Fico make power, could in stay and scenario a such against himself protect to order In Smer. in positions leadership their from Kaliňák and pro-European Fico of a removal the be probablywould coalition such pro-Atlantic and of establishment the for pre-condition a However,Smer. with cooperation possible consider would sition oppo the of elements some success, great achieves group)bin’s Hara also possibly(and it If potential. coalition zero has present by Kotleba’s of gained seats number the be at which party, will tic in post-electionthe arithme Crucial turbulence. posed to regular ex be would diverse coalition such any very means which platforms, political with groups four least at of alliance broad a quire re probably will However,this government. future ofthe forming chance good a parties liberal and centre-right the give tions, elec parliamentary the before year a than less polls, opinion The of of Smer. abuses power under accountable guilty of those They,thestress will needin turn, forthe state andhealing holding opposition. liberal and centre-right the by threatened are Smer) of values policieswhich its (according social and the traditional to defencein offighting campaign election the into ducenarrative a intro to their try will Smer within that signs are reshuffles There continue. and will ranks conclusion, foregone a not still is coun the despite camps these of form final The try’s economic strong performance. strength in growing are who forces, anti-system the and Fico’sparty; of criticism harsh its by exclusively almost together bound is which opposition, liberal and centre-right the nationalists; and democrats social conservative increasingly of up made camp, ruling the camps: political three between clash a see 2020 will spring for scheduled elections parliamentary The V.

P rospec t s for change ------ht t s ul al t mbls ad hold and mobilise protests. to mass able fully is it 2018 that society, in Slovak showed of which majority the from resistance face parties, would and democratic social European other with problems have would Smer partners, European its from criticism serious ceive re would Slovakia high: be would alliance an such for price the However parliament. in votes some in ĽSNS and Smer between Krzy s Dębiec, ztof Ja k Gro ub s z k ow sk i - 35 POINT OF VIEW 07/2019