In the September 30th election, Robert Fico, leader of the socially conservative SMER-SSD party, which is pro-Russian, emerged victorious. His election campaign included promises to end military aid to Ukraine, make foreign policy independent of the European Union (EU), and restrict sanctions against Russia.
However, to form a government, he needed to form partnerships with two other parties – the centre-left HLAS (Voice) party (a splinter group from SMER) and the far-right, pro-Russian Slovak National Party (SNS).
Fico expressed his desire to have his cabinet in place before the upcoming EU summit, scheduled for October 26th-27th.
Slovakia’s President Zuzana Čaputová, a pro-European liberal, has rejected the nomination of Rudolf Huliak, a climate change denialist and member of the SNS party, as the new Environmental Minister. Huliak is known for his verbal attacks on environmental campaigners as well. President Caputova’s office has stated that she will only appoint a cabinet led by Fico if he chooses a different candidate for the environment ministry post.
The President’s spokesman stated that the finalisation of the appointment of the new government would only happen once a new proposal for the environment minister position is received.
SNS and Fico have refused to change the nomination, and Fico expects to appoint his cabinet with the environment portfolio vacant for now.
This decision could result in a delay in the formation of the cabinet beyond the middle of next week.
