Slovak PM Robert Fico commemorates WWII in Normandy and defends Slovak sovereignty

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico travelled to France in early June to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings. He met the mayor of Dunkirk, Patrice Vergriet, laid wreaths at the war memorial and honored the Czech‑Slovak armored brigade, noting that 167 Czechoslovak soldiers fell there. In his remarks Fico highlighted the role of the Red Army and Romanian forces in liberating Slovakia and stressed that “we respect historical truth” regarding World War II.

During the same period Fico responded to recent statements by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who said Hungary “borders itself” and referred to Slovakia as a “half‑island.” Fico posted on social media that Slovakia is a “proud country with proud Slovaks,” condemning such rhetoric as empty and inflammatory. The visit and the diplomatic exchange underscored Slovakia’s effort to commemorate wartime sacrifices while asserting its national dignity in relations with neighbouring Hungary.