Slovakia Holds Parliamentary Elections That Could Determine Its EU Course

Voting has begun in Slovakia's early parliamentary elections, and the outcome could shape the country's future course within the European Union and its support for Ukraine.

According to Aktuality, polling stations in Slovakia opened at 7 AM and will remain open until 10 PM. The Interior Ministry's Election Department reported that all 5,996 polling stations opened without any issues.

Twenty-five political parties are competing for voters' support.

Recent polls indicate that the populist and anti-Ukraine party Smer-SD, led by former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, continues to lead in popular sentiment.

According to the surveys, there is a high probability that Smer could secure the top spot, with approximately 22% of the vote, which would translate to just over 40 seats in parliament.

However, as previously reported by The Gaze, ahead of the upcoming elections in Slovakia, the opposition party Smer-SD lost its leadership position in polls for the first time.

According to the ratings by NMS Market Research, the political movement "Progressive Slovakia" could secure victory.

As The Gaze reported, the victory of a party led by journalist Michal Simečka would be considered favorable for Ukraine. This party attracts young, well-educated individuals and anti-corruption activists, aligns itself with Euro-Atlantic values, and strongly supports Ukraine.

"We will advocate for Ukraine's EU membership. No country in the last decade has sacrificed as much for European ideals as our eastern neighbor. Furthermore, its accession would significantly boost the economy of eastern Slovakia," the party's program states.

"Progressive Slovakia" believes in providing economic and military aid to Ukraine, as it concerns "the rules of the game in Europe, which are extremely beneficial to Slovakia."

This party also supports same-sex marriages, in contrast to most Slovak parties.

The "Voice" party, led by former Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (13.7%), currently holds the third position in the ratings and has seen a slight decline in support in recent polls. Nevertheless, it is expected to play a pivotal role in future coalitions.

Following that is OlaNO ("Ordinary People and Independent Personalities"; 8.2%), which has gained support.

Regardless of the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Slovakia, and whichever parliamentary coalition emerges, it is unlikely that Slovakia's position regarding Euro-Atlantic structures and Russia's aggression against Ukraine will undergo a radical change.