Slovakia government faces confidence vote after debt‑brake breach

Slovakia’s Constitutional Court ruled that the Fico cabinet must ask the National Council for a vote of confidence without delay after the public debt surpassed the 50 % of GDP threshold – Eurostat data showed debt at about 60 % of GDP. The court’s interpretation of the constitutional debt‑brake law states the government must act “without unnecessary postponement” and that parliament must consider the request promptly.

Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged the ruling, said the government will submit the request, and scheduled the parliamentary debate for Thursday. The coalition holds a majority of 78 seats in the 150‑member chamber, so victory is expected. Earlier, the parliament had already expressed confidence in the government (78‑54) following the court decision.

The debt increase is tied to higher spending during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which raised energy costs. Fico also warned that early elections are not planned and that the next regular parliamentary election will take place in 2027.