Progresivne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia, PS), the liberal party that received the second-highest number of votes in a Slovak parliamentary election, believes it still has a chance to form a ruling coalition, according to its leader Michal Simecka. Simecka stated this after the election on Saturday and expressed PS’s intention to prevent the winning party SMER-SSD from creating a government. SMER-SSD, led by former prime minister Robert Fico, who campaigned on the promise to end military aid to Ukraine, obtained 22.94% of the vote with results from 99.98% of voting districts counted on Sunday. PS secured second place with 17.96% of the vote, while five other parties also won seats.
Simecka acknowledged the victory of SMER-SSD, stating, “SMER-SSD won the election, we, of course, respect that.” However, he expressed concerns about this outcome, stating, “But at the same time, we believe that this is very bad news for Slovakia. And it would be even worse news if Robert Fico succeeds in forming a government.” Simecka emphasized that his party would do everything in its power to ensure that Robert Fico does not rule in Slovakia.
He announced his intention to communicate with other party leaders to discuss the way forward, acknowledging the significance of HLAS (Voice), the leftist party that secured third place. Simecka outlined two possible coalitions: one led by SMER and the other comprising Progressive Slovakia and other partners. HLAS has kept its options open following the election results. SMER-SSD has scheduled a news conference at 1:00 p.m. (1100 GMT) to discuss the election results.
Jan Lopatka reports; Kirsten Donovan edits.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
