Slovak PM Robert Fico denounces EU rule‑of‑law report, media bias and festival controversy

Prime Minister Robert Fico sharply rejected the European Commission’s latest rule‑of‑law report on Slovakia, calling its conclusions politically motivated and an unjust pressure on the country. He attacked the Commission’s assessment of media freedom and anti‑corruption efforts, accusing Brussels of using “objective‑less” ratings for political purposes. Fico also criticised domestic media, alleging a “double standard” in coverage of politicians’ traffic accidents, and defended his government’s economic record, citing more than 140,000 vacant jobs and a fall in inflation to 3.5 %. He condemned the appearance of a Georgian legion commander at the Pohoda festival, questioning the guest’s past involvement in Ukraine.

In parallel, Smer‑SD deputy chairman and interior minister Robert Kaliňák said there is no need to discuss a successor to Fico, asserting that the premier is “in full force” and will continue to lead the party. Kaliňák promoted a vision of a strong Slovak social democracy, welcomed the party Republika as a possible coalition partner, and outlined upcoming legislation to modernise local government, unify rules for municipalities, and fund reforms through future EU‑fund allocations.

Fico also accused the head of the Supreme Audit Office, Ľubomír Andrassy, of political activism and pledged to defend the government against what he described as partisan attacks.