Peter Pellegrini wins Slovak Presidential elections | Here are 5 key impacts of his victory

Peter Pellegrini, the nationalist-left government candidate, has won the Slovak Presidential elections. He garnered 53.26 per cent of the vote against the pro-West opposition candidate Ivan Korcok, results from 99.66% of voting districts showed.

Here’s a look at five key impacts of Pellegrini’s electoral victory:

1. Strengthening Fico’s grip on power: Pellegrini’s victory has emboldened incumbent Prime Minister Robert Fico’s grip on power. Fico, known for his controversial reforms and a more Russia-aligned foreign policy, finds in Pellegrini a presidential ally. The victory is likely to ensure a smoother implementation of Fico’s legislative agenda. Pellegrini’s victory shows the electorate’s endorsement of Fico’s leadership despite concerns over the rule of law and media freedom.

2. Presidential powers: The role of the Slovak president is largely ceremonial. However, Pellegrini has the authority to veto legislation and nominate constitutional court judges. Pellegrini’s decisions could influence the trajectory of Fico’s contested reforms.

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3. Solidifying stance on Ukraine: Until recently, Slovakia was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing it with air defence and fighter jets. However, Fico’s coalition government, which includes a party headed by Pellegrini, halted arms shipments to Ukraine. Pellegrini advocates for a position of peace, distancing Slovakia from active involvement in the conflict. His emphasis on non-engagement positions Slovakia on a path divergent from some of its European Union (EU) and North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies.

4. Moderate approach compared to Fico: Despite his allegiance to Fico, Pellegrini is perceived as a moderate force, particularly in matters of foreign policy. He has reiterated his commitment to maintaining Slovakia’s strong ties with the EU and NATO. Pellegrini’s moderate stance, contrasting with Fico’s more pronounced pro-Russian orientation, signals a potential for nuanced policy-making.

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5. Reaction from the opposition: Ivan Korcok’s post-election comments highlight another aspect of Pellegrini’s politics. Korcok accused Pellegrini of spreading fear to secure victory. “The decisive factor was high turnout, I respect that, but it was fear that decided…spreading fear and hatred,” Korcok said.

His statement points to a shift in the Slovak electorate’s mindset regarding the war. They seem to have concerns about Slovak troops getting involved.

With inputs from agencies