The newly elected president, Pellegrini:
- has won 53% while his opponent secured 47%
- would be replacing liberal Caputova
- emphasized on ‘national interest’
Slovak nationalist-left government candidate Peter Pellegrini won the country’s presidential election ahead of liberal, pro-western opposition candidate Ivan Korcok, cementing the grip of pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico over the country.
Slovaks chose a new president on Saturday from two candidates: Peter Pellegrini, who stands for the nationalist left coalition in power, and Ivan Korcok, who represents anti-Western and the opposition candidate. The contest for the primarily ceremonial position was close, according to final opinion polls in the 5.4-million-people nation. The outcome indicated that opposition-backed Korcok had received 47% of the vote, compared to former prime minister Pellegrini’s 53%. A potentially shifted orientation toward Moscow and away from Western allies may result from Pellegrini’s triumph, which signifies a turning point in the nation’s political landscape.
Slovakia chooses Pellegrini in a rematch
“It is a huge satisfaction,” Pellegrini said in Bratislava, vowing “to ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war.” Pellegrini will take over from outgoing President Zuzana Caputova, who is strongly pro-Ukraine like Korcok.
Pellegrini’s triumph represents not only a personal achievement but also an expression of support for the government’s trajectory, specifically its foreign policy position and doubt toward Western influence, as exemplified by the Ukraine conflict. The victory guarantees a sustained trajectory for Slovakia’s politics, which may result in increased relations with Russia and a greater divergence from the European Union and NATO alliances (notwithstanding Pellegrini’s pledges to maintain robust membership in both organizations).
Pellegrini, 48 is close to prime minister Robert Fico who preaches pro-Russian views. Pellegrini leads the left-wing Hlas (Voice) party, which finished third in parliamentary elections last year. His political party formed a governing coalition alongside the ultranationalist Slovak National Party and Fico’s left-wing Smer (Direction).
Last month, no candidate received 50% of the vote in the initial round, necessitating a second round of voting. Last month, Korcok emerged victorious in the initial round of voting with 42.5 percent of the total ballots cast, with Pellegrini securing the runner-up position with 37 percent. A decisive second round ensued between the two, as neither player achieved a minimum of 50 percent at that moment.
Prior to assuming the position of foreign minister of Slovakia in 2020-2022, Korcok, 60, held the positions of ambassador to the United States and Germany. He additionally represented the nation as its envoy to the European Union and NATO. Korcok strongly advocated for the EU and NATO memberships of Slovakia.
Korčok said he was ‘disappointed’ but he respected the result.
“I want to express my belief that Peter Pellegrini will be independent and will act according to his own convictions and without orders,” the 60-year-old added.
The election’s implications for Slovak foreign policy
The result of the presidential election might signal a significant shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine. With the suspension of military aid to Ukraine, the coalition of Pellegrini and Fico has signaled a reduced desire to engage in conflicts that are seen as being directed by the West. Moving from supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia to a more nationalistic and friendly stance toward Russia is what this decision means.
Together with his emphasis on ‘national interests’ and support for a Brussels- and Washington-independent Slovakia, Pellegrini shows the first signs of strong Euroscepticism and a policy turn towards Moscow. He vowed not to allow the country to be ‘dragged into war’ and foreign entanglements. Relations between the Slovaks inside the EU and NATO would be deeply affected if realignment was to come to pass in such a way that it would dilute solidarity within the bloc in standing against Russia and would pressure Slovakia by its allies.
Impact on rule of law, democracy, and regional stability
Pellegrini is set to be sworn in on June 15th, 2024. Although the post is of a ceremonial nature, he has the power to veto legislation emanating from the National Council, which has quite some impact on the trajectory of public policy discourse. Other than appointing the very best judges, the power that comes with the office of the president includes the power to make treaties with other countries. The office also comes with the power to be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Critics warned that coupling Pellegrini’s presidency with Fico’s government might pose a threat to democratic institutions in Slovakia, and in such a case, the rule of law could be weakened. The government’s steps to regulate media and changes in penal legislation have been looked at as some sort of reflection of patterns that are bound to reflect worrying trends. Notice of the same is being given in some other countries where the surge of populist regimes has seriously hurt democratic values.
However, Slovakia has institutional and legal frameworks that ensure democratic processes and guard against power concentration. In this regard, therefore, the concern that there has been some form of erosion of checks and balances can best be said to be speculative. It has not been possible to decide without evidence that the elections actually undermined democracy.
Pellegrini has presented himself as a more moderate figure.
Moreover, critics warn that Slovakia could become like Viktor Orban’s Hungary, characterized by authoritarianism and nationalistic populism. However, the discussions comparing the political path of Slovakia and Hungary are speculative, and the political dynamics are not the same. The involvement of Slovakia with the EU and the adaptation of Slovak citizens to democratic values suggests a deeper game between the national and regional levels.
Political profile of the newly elected president of Slovakia at a glance
Date of birth: October 6, 1975
Place of birth: Banská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia)
Education: Matej Bel University Faculty of Economics, Technical University of Košice
Focus of study: Banking, Investments, Finance
Political career highlights:
- Prime Minister of Slovakia: 2018-2020
- Minister of Health: December 2019 – March 2020
- Deputy Prime Minister: 2016-2018
- Minister for Education and Science: 2014
- Speaker of the National Council: 2014-2016, 2023-Present
- Founding of Voice – Social Democracy: June 2020
Early political involvement:
- Elected to the National Council for Direction – Social Democracy in 2006, 2010, and 2012.
- Served as State Secretary for Finance (2012 – 2014).
- Brief tenure as Minister for Education and Science.
Key achievements:
- Digital Champion of Slovakia: Appointed in 2015 to promote an inclusive digital society.
- Response to Crisis: Assumed leadership in the wake of journalist Ján Kuciak’s murder, becoming Prime Minister.
