Professional-EU ex-minister beats Slovak PM Fico’s ally to arrange run-off presidential vote By Reuters
© Reuters. Election?posters present Slovak presidential candidates Peter Pellegrini and Ivan Korcok forward of the presidential election, in Trencin, Slovakia, March 22, 2024. The posters learn: “Let’s give Slovakia peace, delight and dignity” (Peter Pellegrini) and “To ser
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By Radovan Stoklasa and Jason Hovet
BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -A professional-EU former Slovak international minister was on target to win a shock victory within the first spherical of a presidential election on Saturday, organising a run-off vote with a key ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Slovakia’s presidential election is an opportunity for Fico, whose views on Ukraine have angered critics for veering too near Russia, to strengthen his grip on energy.
The conflict in Ukraine, excessive inflation and chaotic governance underneath an opposition-led coalition from 2020-2023 have polarised debate within the NATO and European Union member state.
The federal government’s makes an attempt to revamp the nation’s felony legal guidelines and limit media freedoms have additionally led to a collection of protests and criticism from President Zuzana Caputova, 50, who has been a fierce opponent of Fico however didn’t search a brand new time period.
Ivan Korcok, 59, who was international minister in a previous authorities, had 41.2% of first-round votes after 94% of districts had reported, statistics workplace knowledge confirmed.
Information web site Dennik N projections confirmed Korcok advancing to a run-off vote on April 6 towards Peter Pellegrini, 48, the parliament speaker who heads junior authorities get together Hlas (Voice). Pellegrini had 37.9% of the unfinished vote depend.
A Russian-leaning former Supreme Courtroom chief, Stefan Harabin, held the third most votes at slightly below 12%, after gaining assist from a nationalist get together that can also be within the authorities coalition. His voters may give Pellegrini a lift within the run-off.
Fico and his ruling leftist Smer get together gained a parliamentary election final September with pledges to halt army support to Ukraine and keep assist for folks hit by value surges.
Pellegrini, a former prime minister and ex-member of Smer, was a key determine in forming the coalition.
Korcok is searching for to stop the federal government from gaining the seat of the president, a place that doesn’t wield many government powers however has a task in authorities and judicial appointments, vetoing legal guidelines and shaping public debate because the liberal Caputova has typically accomplished.
Voters prior to now have typically rejected giving ruling events each the federal government and presidential workplaces. Caputova gained the final presidential election in 2019, driving an anti-corruption wave aimed toward Fico’s get together, which was in energy then.
“This election will present whether or not mass protests which have taken place in Bratislava and different main cities in latest weeks are additionally supported by individuals who normally categorical their disapproval on the polling stations,” stated Radoslav Stefancik, a political analyst on the College of Economics in Bratislava, the capital.
SPLIT VIEWS ON UKRAINE
Opinion polls earlier than Saturday confirmed Pellegrini because the seemingly winner in a run-off with Korcok.
“(Folks) know what I signify… It’s their resolution now,” Korcok stated after casting his vote on Saturday.
Fico has abruptly shifted components of Slovakia’s international coverage, ending state army provides to Ukraine – whereas nonetheless permitting business provide offers – and opening dialogue with Moscow even because the EU isolates the Russian regime.
Pellegrini has stated Slovakia will stay anchored within the EU and NATO however, like Fico, says the battle in Ukraine doesn’t have a army answer and helps peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow – a stance Korcok and different critics say is capitulation when components of Ukraine are occupied.
Fico’s coalition authorities has pushed felony regulation modifications that critics say weaken the struggle towards corruption. Caputova, as president, has challenged the modifications on the Constitutional Courtroom.
The federal government’s resolution to close a devoted state graft prosecution unit was closely criticised by the European Fee this week.
Fico’s administration is planning modifications that can give it extra management over public broadcaster RTVS, elevating concern amongst advocates for press freedom. Korcok has criticised the federal government’s push for extra energy.
