Robert Fico, a prominent figure in Slovakian politics, has been a central figure in the country’s political landscape since its independence in 1993. Fico, 59, has served as prime minister longer than any other leader in Slovakia’s history.
Slovakia gained independence following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, a series of peaceful protests against the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia. Fico, who was a member of the Communist Party during its rule, founded the Smer party in the late 1990s. He first became prime minister in 2006 and has served three terms in office.
However, Fico’s leadership has not been without controversy. He resigned as prime minister in 2018 following mass protests over the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, who were investigating government corruption. The demonstrations, the largest since the Velvet Revolution, called for the government’s resignation and new elections.
Fico’s political stance has also drawn attention, with his party shifting towards right-wing views on immigration and cultural issues. He has been criticized for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as well as his opposition to the European Union.
After winning a parliamentary election last fall, Fico began his third term as prime minister but faced health issues shortly after. He formed a coalition government and campaigned against sanctions on Russia, drawing concern from EU leaders about Slovakia’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
In April, Fico’s ally Peter Pellegrini was elected as Slovakia’s president, further solidifying political forces friendly to Russia in Central Europe. Fico, born into a working-class family, has a background in law and human rights, and has studied in various countries around the world.
Despite his long tenure in Slovakian politics, Fico’s leadership continues to be a topic of debate and scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
