Slovakia experienced significant political instability, with three governments and three nationwide elections. After early parliamentary elections in 2023, Robert Fico returned to power, leading a coalition that weakened parliamentary procedures and intensified political polarization. Amendments to the criminal code, the abolition of the Special Prosecution Office and frequent use of fast-track legislation undermined the rule of law and marginalized the opposition, independent media and civil society.
The consensus on the market economy eroded further. Public finances deteriorated due to rising expenditures linked to the pandemic, the energy crisis and expansive social policies. While previous family-related measures were abolished, new spending commitments, including a 13th pension, increased fiscal pressure. Eurozone membership remained the key stabilizing factor.
Governance capacity weakened as policymaking became increasingly erratic. The practice of expedited procedures excluded experts and subnational actors, reducing policy coherence. Foreign policy shifted toward a more confrontational stance vis-à-vis the EU, reduced support for Ukraine and a more Russia-friendly orientation, making Slovakia a less predictable partner in the EU and NATO.
