Slovak Prime Minister Fico receives reprimand from president over flirtation with Russia: 'The West is most important'

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has received an unexpected reprimand from President Peter Pellegrini. In a speech to parliament, the president stated that 'the West is not just one of four directions for foreign policy' but 'the most important direction' for Slovakia's national interests. 'I must publicly remind everyone that the West must not disappear from our foreign policy,' the president emphasized.

Pellegrini's remarks—primarily holding a ceremonial role—come as Fico gradually shifts towards Russia. Fico frequently criticizes policies formulated by the EU and NATO and opposes Western support for Ukraine. Slovakia has ceased providing aid to Ukraine, and Fico has repeatedly expressed skepticism about Western sanctions against Russia.

Fico is also one of the few EU and NATO leaders to have met Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine. He attended a Russian victory celebration in Moscow earlier this month.

While Pellegrini did not challenge the government's ambition to pursue a sovereign policy aimed at 'all four directions,' he stressed that relations with the EU and NATO remain most crucial.

Fico dismissed Pellegrini's comments, questioning any perceived shift away from EU and NATO membership. 'Such a thing does not exist,' he asserted, acknowledging the importance of these alliances for Slovakia.