Slovak premier Fico under fire as opposition pushes for his dismissal

Slovakia's opposition parties have officially submitted a motion to dismiss Prime Minister Robert Fico, citing a series of mounting issues including coalition instability, rising costs of living, the collapse of the healthcare system, and economic stagnation.

The motion, filed on December 13, highlights what the opposition claims is Fico’s failure to address critical domestic challenges, Caliber.Az reports, referencing Slovak media.

Michal Šimečka, a leading opposition figure, criticized the prime minister for prioritizing foreign affairs over pressing national issues.

"Instead of tackling the problems facing Slovak citizens, Robert Fico is globe trotting, fawning over dictators, and indulging in luxury," Šimečka said in a statement.

Under parliamentary procedures, the Speaker of Parliament has seven days to convene an extraordinary session where the motion will be discussed. Prime Minister Fico has already signalled his intent for the session to proceed.

In a defiant statement, Fico referenced a famous remark by a military leader: “As one renowned marshal said before a battle: ‘And there will be chaos!’"

The opposition had previously signalled their intent to seek Fico’s removal earlier this week. This marks the first time in Slovak history that all opposition parties, including the extra-parliamentary Democratic party, have united in a single effort to challenge the government.

By Aghakazim Guliyev