Robert Fico (Slovak:[ˈrɔbertˈfitsɔ]; born 15 September 1964) is a Slovak politician and lawyer who has served as theprime minister ofSlovakia since 2023. Fico holds the distinction as the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history. His collective time in power spans over 12 years across four distinct mandates (2006–2010, 2012–2016, 2016–2018, and the current one since 2023). He founded the left-wing political partyDirection – Social Democracy in 1999 and has led the party since. His political positions have been described aspopulist,left-wing andconservative.
Fico began his third term as prime minister after Direction – Social Democracy won a plurality of the vote in the2016 parliamentary election, securing 28.28% of the vote and 49 seats, subsequentlyforming a coalition government. In March 2018, owing to the political crisis following themurder of Ján Kuciak, Fico delivered his resignation to President Kiska, who then charged Deputy Prime MinisterPeter Pellegrini with the formation of anew government. In the2020 parliamentary election, his party finished second with 18.29% of the vote and 38 seats. Fico served in opposition from 2020 to 2023, a period marked by a significant split of his party, and a subsequent shift toward a populist platform. Following the2023 parliamentary election, Fico's party emerged as the largest with 22.95% of the vote and 42 seats, which led to him forming hisfourth Cabinet and returning as prime minister.
Fico was born on 15 September 1964 in the town ofTopoľčany, northwesternNitra Region inCzechoslovak Socialist Republic. His father, Ľudovit Fico, was a forklift operator, and his mother, Emilie Ficová, worked in a shoe store. He has two siblings. His brother Ladislav is a construction entrepreneur, and his sister Lucia Chabadová, who is fourteen years younger, is a prosecutor.[1][2] Fico grew up and lived with his family in the village ofHrušovany, until the age of six, when they moved to the nearby town of Topoľčany.[2]
Fico has described his childhood ambitions as wanting to become either a politician, a sports reporter, or an archaeologist.[3] After completing elementary school, he enrolled in the localgymnasium of Topoľčany, graduating in the summer of 1982. Later the same year, he enrolled in the Law Faculty of theComenius University inBratislava. His teachers were impressed with him, and one of his teachers from university, the future prime ministerJozef Moravčík, described him as "ambitious, very confident, and very involved in discussions." He graduated as ajuris doctor in 1986, specializing in criminal law.[4]
After graduating from university, Fico completed his mandatory military service as an assistant military investigator, stationed in the now-Czech town ofJanovice, between 1986 and 1987. He later worked for the Institute of State and Law of theSlovak Academy of Sciences, as well as with the Justice Ministry until 1992.[5] During this period, he wrote and completed hisPhD degree, with a thesis on "The death penalty in Czechoslovakia". In the early 1990s, he undertook studies at theSchool of Slavonic and East European Studies inLondon under a Masaryk scholarship.[6] In 2002, he completed his postgraduate study, earning him the title ofassociate professor.[7]
Fico joined theCommunist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1986, having applied in 1984. After theVelvet Revolution of 1989, and the collapse of theCommunist regime in Czechoslovakia, Fico joined theParty of the Democratic Left (SDĽ), a successor of the Communist Party of Slovakia. He was first elected as a member of parliament in 1992. From 1994 to 2000 Fico represented Slovakia as its legal counsel at theEuropean Court of Human Rights but lost all 14 cases which he handled.[8] In 1998, he was elected deputy chairman of the party. Later in 1998, Fico ran for the post of general prosecutor; his party endorsed another candidate instead, arguing that Fico was too young.[9]
In the 1998 elections that saw the fall of the government ofVladimír Mečiar, Fico received the biggest number of preferential votes among his party colleagues. A year later, when support for the SDĽ dropped below the threshold required to get into parliament, he left the party, saying he was disappointed with the way the government worked.[9] As early as the autumn of 1998, a four-person group consisting of Fico, his associate Frantisek Határ, political strategistFedor Flašík, and media executiveMonika Flašíková-Beňová had begun to discuss and lay plans for launching a new political party. These plans were driven by the falling popularity of the existing parties and the rising popularity of Fico.[3][10]
Almost immediately after leaving SDĽ, the group foundedDirection (SMER), which Fico first labelled a party of the third way, with himself as leader. Fico established himself as an opposition politician, criticizing the unpopular reforms of the right-wing government ofMikuláš Dzurinda.[9] To keep SMER from repeating the fate of his previous party, Fico introduced a strict set of regulations for his new party, called the "clean hands" policy. The rules stipulated that no one with ties to the previous Communist regime or people who had a background with other political parties was allowed to hold party office. This created a new generation of politicians uninvolved in previous corruption scandals; among them was Monika Flašíková-Beňová,Robert Kaliňák, andPavol Paška.[3] Another rule was that all party chapters on the regional and local levels were to be 100% financially self-sufficient, and all financial donations were to be made public to the media.[10]
Between 2002 and 2006, Direction – Social Democracy was the main opposition party in the Slovak parliament. In 2004, it merged with nearly all the leftist parties active on the Slovak political scene, including its parent party SDĽ, becoming the single most dominant political party in Slovakia.[9]
Fico with Serbian prime ministerMirko Cvetkovic, during official visit ofSerbia, October 2008
In the 2006 Slovak parliamentary election, the Direction – Social Democracy party secured a victory, winning 50 seats and 29.1% of the vote. A significant factor in this success was Fico's criticism of the previous right-wing government's economic, tax, social, pension, and legislative reforms. These reforms had been endorsed by international bodies, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the OECD.[11][12] Fico promised to reverse several deeply unpopular austerity measures that had been implemented in the healthcare and education sectors under the previous administration, specifically associated with ministersRudolf Zajac andMartin Fronc.[13]
The inclusion of SNS immediately created strain in Slovakia's international relations. During this period, relations with neighboring Hungary deteriorated. A series of scheduled meetings between the Slovak and Hungarian prime ministers were cancelled or postponed, and those that did occur yielded minimal progress in improving the bilateral relationship.[15][16][12]
On 10 April 2007, the deputy director of the Slovak Land Fund and HZDS nominee Branislav Bríza signed a contract based on which restitutors from eastern Slovakia became the owners of lucrative land in the Tatra village of Veľký Slavkov. These restitutors then quickly sold the land to the company GVM for 13 millionSlovak crowns (Slovak currency beforeeuro). The figurehead of the company was a friend of Mečiar, Milan Bališ. Bríza did so while his boss Hideghéty was on vacation. 10 April was the last day when Bríza had full power acting on behalf of his boss in the absence of his boss. This was the seventh suspicious contract he had signed up for at that point.[17][18]
Such practices were previously criticized by Fico as they were common during the tenure of his Coalition partner, HDZS leader Mečiar. This scandal almost led to the collapse of the Coalition. It led to the Minister of Agriculture for HDZS, Miroslav Jureňa, resigning. Fico demanded that Bríza resign. The estimated damage to the state was half a billion Slovak crowns. Justice was delivered on 8 September 2015 when Bríza was deemed guilty and sentenced to 2 years' probation.[17][18]
Slovakia joined theSchengen Area, which abolished checks at internal borders with fellow member states, on 21 December 2007.
The successful accession was seen as a major achievement of the country's post-communist integration into European structures. At the time, Fico and his government strongly insisted on the planned 2007 accession date, pushing back against suggestions from some older EU members to delay the enlargement until 2008 or 2009.[19] Fico celebrated the event, declaring that Slovakia had achieved a key strategic goal alongside EU membership and likened Schengen accession to the significance of the year 1989.[20][21]
In 2015, Fico was a vocal proponent of strengthening the Schengen Area's external borders, particularly during the European migrant crisis. He criticized the reintroduction of internal border controls as a potential threat to the EU's free movement principle.[22]
The party's provisional membership was restored on 14 February 2008, after Direction–Social Democracy and the Slovak National Party signed a letter committing themselves to respect minority rights and European values.[24] Fico achieved full membership in the PES on 8 December 2009, at the European Socialist Congress inPrague.[25]
Slovakia was affected by the2008 financial crisis and theGreat Recession due to its highly open and export-dependent economy. The main impact came not from a domestic banking crisis, but from the collapse of foreign demand for its industrial products, particularly cars and electronics.[26] After enjoying exceptionally high GDP growth in the preceding years, the country experienced a dramatic contraction in 2009, suffering one of the steepest economic declines among developed nations.[27][28] This immediate and sharp downturn was a direct result of the plunging export volumes to key trading partners, especially Germany.[29][30]
In response, the Fico cabinet announced several crisis packages in early 2009, including a commitment of funds to support businesses and the introduction of more flexible labor legislation, while aiming to avoid significantly increasing the budget deficit. Fico's focus during this time was on preserving employment and maintaining economic stability amid the global recession.[31]
A crucial mitigating factor was the country's successful entry into the Eurozone on 1 January 2009. This provided a stable currency anchor, shielding Slovakia from the severe exchange rate volatility and financial panic that affected non-Eurozone neighbors like Hungary and Poland.[32] Despite this stability, the real economy saw mass lay-offs and a severe slowdown in its major production sectors. In essence, while the financial system was protected by joining the euro, the industrial economy was severely battered by the collapse in global trade.[33][34]
During the2008 financial crisis, Fico led the government's most significant achievement: successfully bringing the country into theEurozone on 1 January 2009, becoming the 16th member of the Eurozone.[35][36] This move was the completion of a process that had been started by the previous administration.[37]
Slovakia's successful adherence to theMaastricht criteria—resulting in a relatively balanced budget and low public debt—is widely credited with helping the country withstand the initial shock better than many neighbors.[38][39] However, as a small, highly open, and export-dependent economy, Slovakia was still severely impacted by a sharp drop in foreign demand, forcing the government to repeatedly slash its GDP growth forecasts.[40]
Fico publicly championed theeuro, viewing it as a vital strategic move to solidify the country's economic stability. He often emphasized that joining the Eurozone would be a major advantage, especially since it occurred during the height of the global financial crisis, arguing the euro would serve as a "protective shield".[41]
On the day of the changeover from theSlovak koruna, Fico made a symbolic withdrawal of euros from an ATM. He was quoted as stating: "We are very happy in Slovakia because we believe that Europe will be a big success for Slovakia. Of course, we are also happy because we are going to introduce the euro at a time of deep economic crisis and Europe can be very helpful for us". He stated that the euro would "attract investors to Slovakia" and "stabilize Slovakia as a whole". He added, "The euro has come to Slovakia on New Year's Day 2009 as the best talisman one can imagine”.[42][35] The introduction of the euro under Fico's premiership was seen as a key step in integration into the core of theEuropean Union.
The2009 Russia-Ukraine gas dispute created a severe energy crisis for Slovakia. When all Russian gas flow throughUkraine was stopped on 7 January 2009, Slovakia, along with other Central and Eastern European nations, was among the most heavily affected, forcing the Slovak government to immediately declare a state of emergency.[43][44]
Faced with dwindling domestic reserves that could only cover industrial and household needs for a short period, Fico personally traveled toKyiv to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart,Yulia Tymoshenko, to demand an immediate resolution.[45] Fico later visited Moscow where he said Ukraine was "losing the trust of European partners because of its behaviour".[46]
As a desperate measure, Fico suggested that the government might need to resort to the "non-standard solution" of restarting the decommissioned second block of theJaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant to generate necessary electricity.[47][48] The crisis was resolved on 18 January and Slovakia ended its state of emergency on 20 January.[49]
In January 2010, Fico's government faced large-scale protests and a blockade of major cities by truckers, organized primarily by the Union of Road Transporters (UNAS). The protests were a strong demonstration of public opposition against the new electronic highway toll collection system launched on 1 January 2010. Truckers blockaded thoroughfares, demanding that fuel prices be lowered to offset the impact of the new tolls.[50]
Fico initially refused to negotiate, stating he would not be "blackmailed," and constitutional officials, including Fico, condemned the media and opposition for allegedly supporting the law-breaking activities. Ultimately, after massive pressure, Fico yielded to the truckers' demands on 11 January, promising to lower the excise tax on diesel fuel.[51]
Shortly before the 2010 general election a voice recording, allegedly featuring a voice highly resembling Fico's, was published by the newspaperSme on its website. In the recording, the speaker discussed potentially securing several million euros in undeclared funds for the 2002 election campaign and suggested establishing a "parallel financial structure" to support Direction – Social Democracy's future election endeavors.[52]
Slovak media outlets covered the recording and its implications. Fico officially dismissed the recording, stating it was a forgery. Fico's reaction to the media outlets publishing this information was expressed in vulgar terms, stating: "The fact that you're all going to masturbate over this now—I hope you have a pleasant sexual experience".[53]
The newspaper Sme later wrote that Fico had been questioned by the police concerning the matter.[54] Former Minister of JusticeDaniel Lipšic informed the press that he had officially submitted the recording to the General Attorney's Office for review.[55]
In the 2010 Slovak parliamentary election, Fico's Direction – Social Democracy finished as the strongest party, securing a significant victory with 34.8% of the vote and 62 seats—an increase of 12 seats from the previous election. Despite this plurality, Fico faced a substantial setback in his ability to govern. Fico's coalition partners suffered crippling losses; thePeople's Party – Movement for a Democratic Slovakia failed to cross the 5% threshold, being shut out of parliament entirely, while theSlovak National Party was reduced to just nine seats. This decimation meant that Fico's coalition could no longer command a majority in the 150-seat National Council, reaching only 71 seats.[56]
Although PresidentIvan Gašparovič initially tasked Fico with forming the new cabinet as the leader of the largest party, he was unable to secure a parliamentary majority due to the firm refusal of all other parties to join a government with him.[57] Consequently, the government formation mandate passed to the centre-right, which coalesced around a four-party agreement.[58] Fico said he "respects the election result" and expressed his desire to lead a resolute opposition.[59]
Fico with Prime Minister of LatviaValdis Dombrovskis in Bratislava, October 2012
Following the fall of the centre-right coalition government, Fico'sDirection – Social Democracy party returned to power in the 2012 parliamentary election.
Direction – Social Democracy secured 44.42% of the popular vote, which resulted in 83 out of 150 seats in theNational Council. This outcome marked a significant electoral event, as Direction – Social Democracy became the first single party since the breakup of Czechoslovakia to win an absolute majority of seats.[60]
Fico initially sought to form a national unity government with parties such asSDKÚ-DS orKDH. When these coalition efforts were unsuccessful, Direction – Social Democracy proceeded to form the first one-party government in Slovakia since 1993.[61]
Fico with UK Prime MinisterDavid Cameron in London, February 2016
On 18 December 2013, Fico officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2014 presidential election.[62] He said: "I understand my candidacy as a service to Slovakia." He argued that he did not see his candidacy as an adventure, an escape, or an attempt to culminate his political career. His campaign ran under the motto "Ready for Slovakia".[9] On 9 January 2014, the Slovak Parliament, under Speaker Pavol Paška, officially approved the candidatures of Fico and 14 other candidates.[63] Fico was defeated by the independent candidateAndrej Kiska, whose support from the Slovak right wing led him to victory by a wide margin (approximately 59%–41%) in the second round of voting on 29 March 2014.[64][65]
The2015 European migrant crisis fundamentally shaped Fico's political platform, driving him to adopt an explicit, hardlineanti-immigration stance.[66] He opposed the EU's mandatory quota mechanism designed to redistribute 120,000 asylum seekers across member states fromGreece andItaly.[67] Fico described the EU's migration policy as a "ritual suicide" for the bloc and said that Slovakia would "never" accept the quotas.[68] His government filed a lawsuit against the European Union at theEuropean Court of Justice in December 2015, challenging the legality of the quota decision.[69]
Fico described the crisis as a major security threat, stating that his government was "monitoring" the Muslim community after theNovember 2015 Paris attacks.[70] He said that Slovakia would prefer to accept only Christian refugees and that it would be impossible to integrate Muslim communities into Slovakia's predominantly Catholic society.[71] His strong focus on border protection and his nationalist, anti-immigrant campaign was highly effective, helping his Direction – Social Democracy party secure a victory in the March 2016 general election.[72]
Fico with prime minister of PolandBeata Szydło inWarsaw, during official visit ofPoland, May 2017
Following the 2016 parliamentary elections, Fico's party, Direction – Social Democracy, secured aplurality, obtaining 49 seats and 28.3% of the vote, though it did not achieve a majority.[73]
Fico was tasked with forming a viable governing coalition, a process he concluded on 17 March with the announcement of a four-party government.[74] The composition of this coalition was particularly notable due to the inclusion of two groups previously regarded as ideological antagonists: the nationalistSlovak National Party andMost–Híd, a party focused on cooperation with the ethnic Hungarian minority.
The resulting four-party government coalition, composed of Direction – Social Democracy, the Slovak National Party, Most–Híd, andNetwork, was sworn into office on 23 March 2016.[75]
Fico led Slovakia during its first-everPresidency of the Council of the European Union, which spanned the second half of 2016 following theBrexit referendum. In his address, Fico said that EU citizens must be at the heart of the Union's future agenda and called for the EU to be less "elitist", framing the bloc's future in terms of "openness, honesty, and simplicity".[76]
The presidency's biggest event was the informal Bratislava Summit of the EU-27, first major meeting of EU leaders without the United Kingdom following the Brexit referendum. Its purpose was to diagnose the EU's challenges together and begin the political process of defining its future.[77]
The Slovak Presidency was generally seen by EU officials as a successful and well-managed one, efficiently delivering on a heavy legislative agenda. Among the tangible achievements under Fico's leadership were the launch of theEuropean Border and Coast Guard (Frontex), the finalization of theEU-Canada trade deal (CETA), and the adoption of the 2017 EU budget.[78]
Based on its opposition to mandatory refugee quotas, the Slovak Presidency's main success in the migration debate was the successful introduction of "effective solidarity" at the Bratislava Summit. This concept was championed by Fico to offer a flexible alternative to relocation, allowing EU member states to contribute to migration management through financial aid, equipment, or border assistance—a diplomatic victory that helped shift the EU focus toward strengthening external border control.[79][80]
Fico stated that Brexit would be painful for Britain. He said that the European Union must emerge more successful from the negotiations to prevent Brexit from becoming an example for other countries to follow.[81] In an interview, he said, "It will be very difficult for the UK, very difficult". He said the EU's strategy was to "take this opportunity to show the public: 'listen guys, now you will see why it is important to stay in the EU.' This will be the position".[82]
Fico dismissed the UK's confidence in the negotiations as a "bluff".[82] He said that the EU will not allow Britain to "cherry-pick" benefits like the Single Market without accepting the corresponding obligations, including the treatment of EU workers and the free movement of people.[82][83] In November 2016, Fico stated that the United Kingdom "must suffer" more than the 27 countries that would remain in the bloc.[84][82]
One of the protests inBratislava, which resulted in the resignation of Fico and his government, March 2018
The murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in February 2018 sent shockwaves through Slovakia and immediately ignited a political crisis for the government led by Fico.[85] Kuciak's final, posthumously published article detailed alleged links between high-ranking Slovak state officials and Italian businessmen with ties to organized crime, including the Italian mafia'Ndrangheta.[86][87] The article mentionedMária Trošková, an assistant to Fico, and Viliam Jasaň, Secretary of the National Security Council, as having connections to one of the Italian businessmen.[88] Kuciak alleged that Slovakian businessmen, who had links to the Calabrian mafia, were embezzling EU structural funds.[89]
Fico responded by offering €1 million for information leading to the murderers, displaying packs of cash during a press conference with the Interior Minister and Police President. He also warned against the "political abuse of a tragedy".[89] The investigation into the murder later led to the accusation that prominent businessmanMarián Kočner—a frequent subject of Kuciak's investigative work and a figure reported to have links to Fico's Direction – Social Democracy party—had ordered the hit.[90] The revelations, combined with the public's view that the government was failing to tackle corruption, triggered the largest anti-government street protests in Slovakia since the 1989Velvet Revolution, demanding Fico's resignation, eventually forcing him and his entire cabinet to step down in March 2018.[91][92]
George Soros, financier and philanthropist who Robert Fico has repeatedly and publicly accused of orchestrating political instability and influencing the media in Slovakia[93]
In March 2018, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and the resulting mass anti-government protests, Fico publicly accused PresidentAndrej Kiska of colluding with American-Hungarian financier and philanthropistGeorge Soros to destabilize Slovakia and bring down his administration.[94]
Fico cited a private meeting between Kiska and Soros inNew York in September 2017 as evidence that the President's subsequent call for government reconstruction or early elections was driven by foreign influence. Soros'sOpen Society Foundations rejected the claims, stating that the meeting with President Kiska had been focused on humanitarian topics such as the integration of the Roma community and that Soros played no role in the protests or political crisis.[95]
At a press conference on 5 March 2018, Fico said, "I want to pose a simple question to Mr. President. On 20 September 2017 in New York, on 5th Avenue, I am asking, why the Head of State would pay a visit on private soil to a person, who has questionable reputation and this person's name is George Soros".[96]
Fico asked why Kiska did not take a representative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the meeting, suggesting this proved the meeting was nefarious. Fico then directly linked the meeting to the political fallout, stating that "What happened after the murder of the journalists suggest that there is an attempt in this country for a total destabilisation," thereby accusing Soros of attempting to overthrow his democratically elected government.[94]
Fico's accusation mirrored that of Hungarian Prime MinisterViktor Orbán, who had accused Soros of interfering in Hungarian politics. Fico said Kiska's call for government changes was not "written in Slovakia," but was guided by Soros, suggesting a coup was being plotted against him.[97][98]
On 14 March 2018, Fico publicly stated that he was ready to tender his resignation as prime minister in order to avoid asnap election, as well as to "solve the political crisis" involving the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak.[99]
Fico's announcement came after a meeting with President Kiska. In that meeting, Fico laid out several specific conditions that needed to be met by the president for him to resign.[100] Those conditions were, amongst others, that the result of the2016 Slovak parliamentary election be respected, that the current ruling government coalition must continue, and that Direction – Social Democracy, as the largest party currently in parliament, name the next prime minister. Fico stated that he already had a candidate in mind. Slovak media widely reported that the next prime minister would be Deputy Prime MinisterPeter Pellegrini.[100][101][102] On 15 March, President Kiska formally accepted the resignation of prime minister Fico and his cabinet, and thereby tasked Pellegrini with forming a new government.[103]
Upon tendering his resignation, Fico declared, “I told the president: 'You can relax, I'm not leaving politics, I want to be an active party leader.'" He also stated, “I'm sure that a decision to create a new government is the right step. An early election would not bring any stability.” This maneuver allowed the existing three-party ruling coalition to remain in power.[104][105]
Following his 2018 resignation, Fico entered the political wilderness for several years.[106][107] Despite stepping down as prime minister, he maintained an active role as leader of his party.
Fico's failed attempt to become aConstitutional Court judge took place in early 2019, less than a year after his resignation as prime minister.[108] He was among the candidates nominated to replace nine outgoing judges, with reports suggesting he aspired to chair the Court. His candidacy faced significant opposition, particularly concerning his legal experience, as critics questioned whether he met the required 15 years of practice.[109] Fico withdrew his candidacy after his coalition partner, theMost-Hid political party, refused to support him.[110]
Direction – Social Democracy remained in power until the2020 parliamentary elections, where they finished second with 18.29% of the vote and 38 seats, consequently losing the ability to form a government.[111]
Fico moved into the opposition. During his time out of power, Fico actively prepared for a return, often using aggressive and polarizing rhetoric against his opponents. Amidst this political turmoil, he issued the statement, “God – we will drive them out (…) not even an oily spot will remain (after them),” promising retribution against those he considered political enemies.[112]
The split of the Direction – Social Democracy party in 2020 was a consequence of internal power struggles and a significant electoral defeat underPeter Pellegrini's parliamentary leadership in the2020 election that sent the party back into opposition. In the 2020 parliamentary election, Pellegrini secured approximately 170,000 more personal preferential votes than Fico, emboldening his ambition to challenge Fico for the party's chair.[113]
Fico resisted calls to resign the chair, condemning the rising disloyalty with the statement: "The nation always likes betrayal, but hates traitors".[114] In June 2020, Pellegrini and several key allies resigned to form a new party,Voice – Social Democracy.[115][116] This major split decimated Direction – Social Democracy's support, forcing Fico to reorient the party's ideological focus towards a more nationalist, populist, and conservative.[117]
The new government's mismanagement of theCOVID-19 pandemic response led to a crisis, culminating in early 2021 when Slovakia recorded one of the highest hospitalization and death rates per million inhabitants across European countries.[118] In December 2021, Fico was detained by police for organizing an anti-government rally that breached Slovakia's lockdown rules.[119][120] Fico justified his anti-COVID stance by vocally opposing mandatory vaccinations as a "disgusting fascist idea" and claiming that influenza posed a greater danger than the virus.[104]
In July 2022, the think tank Visegrad Insight described Fico as one of the "most important individual disseminators of politically motivated disinformation and conspiratorial content".[121]
According to media outlet VSquare, Fico capitalised on the political chaos and mismanagement of the government between 2020 and 2023. His uncompromising opposition to the pandemic response proved to be a key element in the resuscitation of his political support, ultimately paving the way for his party's victory in the 2023 parliamentary elections.[104]
In April 2022, the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) launched "Operation Súmrak (Twilight)", charging opposition leader and former prime minister Robert Fico.[122]
The charges leveled against Fico and his former Interior Minister,Robert Kaliňák, were severe, alleging they had established and led a criminal group while in power, in addition to abuse of authority and improperly handling confidential tax information.[123][124]
Fico said the charges were a "political vendetta" and an act of "fascism".[122]
As a sitting Member of Parliament, Fico was protected by constitutional immunity from detention, necessitating a formal police request to the National Council to waive this privilege. Despite the government's anti-corruption mandate, the parliament's vote in May 2022 failed to gather the requisite 76 votes (a constitutional majority) to waive Fico's parliamentary immunity. Kaliňák, who did not enjoy MP privileges, had already been taken into custody.[125] On 13 May 2022, theSupreme Court of the Slovak Republic ruled to release Kaliňák from pre-trial custody.[126]
The charges against both Fico and Kaliňák were nullified in November 2022 by the General Prosecutor's Office under Article 363 of the Criminal Procedure Code, citing various procedural and legal errors in the original investigation.[127]
Fico's rhetoric against Slovak presidentZuzana Čaputová became a defining feature of Slovakia's deeply polarized political landscape, particularly as he sought to return to power. The attacks centered on attempts to delegitimize her mandate and pro-Western stance by consistently labeling her as a "US puppet," an "American agent," or an accomplice of the foreign financierGeorge Soros, entirely without evidence.[128] Fico and his Direction – Social Democracy allies aimed to portray the progressive, liberal president as disloyal to national interests and controlled by external forces.[129][130]
While Fico himself used slightly less vulgar terms in public addresses, his political environment—including high-profile party members—openly embraced and incited crowds to use far more extreme, misogynistic insults, such as the highly offensive phrase "americká kurva" (American whore) at rallies. The constant and aggressive nature of this verbal abuse, which included death threats directed at Čaputová and her family, significantly contributed to the toxic political atmosphere in Slovakia. Ultimately, Čaputová cited the escalating hatred and threats as a primary reason for her 2023 decision not to seek a second term as president.[131][132]
During theRussian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while serving in opposition from 2022 to his return to power in October 2023, Fico adopted an increasingly strong pro-Russian and anti-Ukraine aid position.[133] A central part of his campaign platform was the pledge to immediately halt the provision of further military aid from Slovak army stocks to Ukraine, declaring that Slovakia would not send "a single round of ammunition".[134]
Fico repeatedRussian propaganda narratives, that the war started in 2014 when "Ukrainian Nazis and fascists started to murder the Russian citizens inDonbas andLuhansk".[135] He repeatedly criticized the EU and NATO's strategy, arguing that sanctions against Russia were ineffective and only harmed the Slovak economy.[136]
Fico had previously compared the German army to the Nazi-eraWehrmacht when discussing the possibility that German troops would be deployed in Slovakia as part of NATO collective defense.[137] He advocated for a diplomatic resolution, though he acknowledged that Ukraine would likely have to cede some territory to Russia to achieve peace.[138][139] The issue of support for Ukraine became a highly polarizing topic in the lead-up to the snap parliamentary election.[140][141]
Following the parliamentary election, Fico'sDirection – Social Democracy secured 22.95% of the vote and 42 seats, establishing itself as the largest political party.[142]
Fico then formed a governing coalition by reaching an agreement with theVoice – Social Democracy (Hlas), a party founded in 2020, led byPeter Pellegrini and other dissidents of Fico's Smer, and the nationalistSlovak National Party (SNS), led byAndrej Danko, thereby bringing the SNS back into government after a three-year absence from theNational Council of Slovakia. This coalition formalized Fico's return to the premiership, and his Fourth Cabinet was officially sworn into power on 25 October 2023.[143]
In late 2023, the government began its campaign by publicly labeling several leading independent outlets as "hostile media" and threatened to restrict their access to government offices.[144] The government cut the public broadcaster's budget at the start of 2024.[145] In March 2024, the government's announced a plan to replace the public broadcasterRadio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS). This was condemned as an attack onpress freedom and sparked protests.Noel Curran, theEuropean Broadcasting Union (EBU) director general, said in a statement that "This appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to turn the Slovak public service broadcaster intostate-controlled media".[146] Critics, including PresidentZuzana Čaputová, local journalists, the opposition, international media groups, and theEuropean Commission, warned the move gave the government full control of Slovak public television and radio.[147]
In mid-2024 the government passed a law that dissolved RTVS and replaced it with a new entity,Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), controlled by a government-appointed council.[148] TheInternational Press Institute (IPI) said the move allowed the ruling coalition to install its own leadership and exert greater political control over public media content.[149] The Democratic Erosion Consortium said in April 2025 that the replacement of RTVS has drawn international criticism and raised concerns about democratic backsliding and media freedom in the country.[150]
A report by IPI in June 2025, said pressure was applied to most popular private televisionMarkíza, leading to staff changes and fears of editorial self-censorship.[145]
Fico's ruling coalition passed a law that shut down the Special Prosecutor's Office, which had dealt with serious corruption. Investigations by the office had led to many high-profile corruption cases and convictions, many of them involving Fico's MPs, party members, and business partners. The changes also include a reduction in punishment for corruption. The ruling coalition fast-tracked the amendments through parliament, limiting the time for debate and preventing the draft law from being reviewed by experts and others usually involved in the process. The changes were opposed by the Slovak president and opposition, and sparked large protests in Slovakia.[147][151]
In 2024, Fico's coalition passed an Amendment to the Criminal Code. This amendment reduced sentences andstatutes of limitations for numerous criminal acts, among thembribery,tax fraud,fraud,embezzlement and robbery.[152] This reform stopped the prosecution of some corruption cases involving politicians and businessmen, some of whom were close to Fico. Among them were: former minister of financeJán Počiatek;[153] Oligarch Jozef Výboh, suspected of taking a bribe of 150,000 €, intended forPeter Pellegrini;[154] and acting speaker of the National CouncilPeter Žiga, suspected of an attempt to bribe a Supreme Court judge with 100,000 €.[155]
On 15 May 2024, around 14:30 (2:30 PM), Fico was injured in a shooting inHandlová,Slovakia, in front of the city'sHouse of Culture after a government meeting,[156][157] and was subsequently hospitalized at theF.D. Roosevelt Hospital inBanská Bystrica.[158] A 71-year-old poet named Juraj Cintula was immediately detained by police as a primary suspect.[156] Fico was reportedly in a "life-threatening" condition following the attack, having suffered wounds to his stomach, arms, and legs, but was stabilized following emergency surgery, and was expected to recover according to deputy prime ministerTomáš Taraba.[159][160] Cintula stated that he was motivated by what he perceived as Fico's anti-EU stance and by the wish for Slovakia to provide "military assistance" to Ukraine.[161]
On 30 May, Fico was discharged from the hospital and was allowed to continue his recovery at home.[162]
On 5 June 2024, Fico made his first comments on the attack, saying that he forgave the attacker as he is only the "messenger of evil" of the opposition. Fico asked the "anti-government media", especially those linked to George Soros, foreign-funded NGO's and the opposition, not to downplay the reasons for the attack. He described his attacker as a "messenger of the evil and political hatred" created by the "unsuccessful and frustrated" opposition.[163] He added that he expected to return to work later that month or in July.[164]
Senior politicians from Fico's ruling coalition blamed independent media and the opposition for the assassination attempt, alleging that they influenced the shooter. Slovak journalists and opposition leaders feared that the government would use the assassination attempt to crack down on them.[165] The shooting was unanimously condemned by the National Council.[166]
On 21 October 2025, Cintula was convicted and sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment by the Specialised Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica.[167]
At the end of 2024, the government faced a doctors' strike for better conditions. More than 3,300 doctors submitted their resignations. The government passed a bill according to which, when an emergency is declared, doctors can face up to one year in prison or a 1,500€ fine for refusing to work, and up to five years if a patient is harmed as a consequence of their departure. Minister of HealthKamil Šaško considered using emergency measures in districts with the highest resignation rates. Ultimately, the government signed an agreement with the doctors' union with many concessions.[168][169]
About 60,000 Slovaks gathered in the central square of Bratislava, to protest against the pro-Russian policy of Robert Fico, January 2025
Fico traveled to Russia on 22 December 2024 to meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss primarily the transfer of Russian gas to Slovakia, becoming the third Western leader to do so since the war started.[170] The meeting violated the terms of the EU'sCommon Security and Defence Policy.[170]
Due to Fico's continued vocal support for Russia and opposition to Ukraine,tens of thousands of people protested throughout Slovakia.[171] Fico had protested Ukraine closing thebrotherhood pipeline and attempted to pressure the Ukrainian government into continuing the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia, by stating he would block energy supply to Ukraine.[172] In response the Polish government announced that they would allow the transit of emergency natural gas instead.[173][174]
During the January protests, Fico's coalition partners, the SNS, withdrew from his governing coalition, opening the possibility for avote of no confidence to oust Fico.[175][176] Fico said the protest organisers and the opposition were colluding with a group of foreigners to bring about a coup in Slovakia. He said the group would occupy government buildings, block roads, organise a nationwide strike, and provoke clashes with police forces as part of their plan. In support of the accusation, he presented to parliament a secret report from Slovakia's security service.[171]
The Slovak–Ukraine gas dispute began on 1 January 2025, when Ukraine did not renew the transit contract with Russia'sGazprom, halting the primary flow of Russian natural gas to Central European nations, including Slovakia. Fico vehemently criticized Ukraine's "unilateral decision," arguing that it caused significant economic harm to Slovakia, which stood to lose an estimated €500 million annually in transit fees.[177][178]
Fico said he was "fed up with" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of "roaming Europe begging and blackmailing others, asking for money." Fico tied his statement to the Slovak-Ukraine gas dispute, and described Ukraine as an unreliable partner.[179]
In direct response, Fico's government threatened to retaliate by cutting electricity supplies and reducing support for Ukrainian refugees. Ukraine, in turn, accused Fico of prioritizing Moscow's interests and offered to help secure alternative, non-Russian energy supplies for Slovakia.[180][181] However, by 1 February, Slovakia's state gas supplier began receiving Russian gas via a new southern route—theTurkStream pipeline through Turkey and Hungary—partially mitigating the immediate supply crisis, though at higher prices and with reduced volumes, forcing Slovakia to seek further diversification.[182]
In January 2025, over 150 Slovak psychiatrists and psychologists signed an open letter to Fico, expressing profound concern about the country's political direction and the state of society. The letter, penned by professors Jozef Hašto and Anton Heretik, accused Fico of being authoritarian, manipulating facts, and "aggressive and emotionally explosive" public speeches, which they suggested worsened after the May 2024 assassination attempt.[183][184]
The professionals wrote that Fico was fostering a negative atmosphere and polarising the public. Fico said the psychiatrists had "long been public opponents of [his] government" and described the appeal as "a disgraceful abuse of your titles for political purposes".[185]
In March 2025, Croatian media alleged Fico had purchased land in the coastal village ofRažanj and was planning to build a summer house there. Fico dismissed the allegation and said he would readily admit the claim if it were true since "hundreds of Slovak politicians, whether at the national, regional, or local level, own property there".[186]
In July,The Slovak Spectator wrote that a luxury two-story villa inCroatia, with a pool, sea view and reportedly valued over one million euros, was linked to Fico. The property is not registered under Fico's name in the Croatian land registry. The property was initially registered to two young Slovak businessmen, Matej Gocník and Matúš Moravčík, both with tangential ties to Fico's political circle. Opposition leader and former Slovak prime ministerIgor Matovič alleged that these individuals were "front men" for Fico and that Fico stayed there in 2024. In March, Slovak media had reported that Fico had telephoned the "real owner" to apologise for the "media circus" and to arrange a rental of the villa for his summer holiday. Local authorities reportedly confirmed that the property was not registered for legal rental.[187][188]
In July 2025, Fico accused theUnited Kingdom of "deliberate, intentional" interference in the2023 Slovak parliamentary election. Fico alleged that theUK's Foreign Office, through a London-based media agency, secretly funded a campaign to pay influencers and activists. He claimed the campaign aimed to sway young voters in favour of the liberal opposition party,Progressive Slovakia (PS), and undermine his own party, Direction – Social Democracy.[189][190]
The allegations, stemming from an investigative report, resulted in theSlovak Foreign Ministry summoning the British Ambassador for an explanation. The UK government firmly rejected the accusation, asserting its activity was non-partisan and only intended to encourage democratic participation among young people.[191]
In September 2025, the Slovak government successfully passed aconstitutional amendment that cemented a number of deeply conservative social policies.[192] This amendment strictly recognizedonly male and female as genders, limited adoption exclusively to married heterosexual couples, and introduced a nationwide ban onsurrogacy. Furthermore, it mandated that school curricula must comply with the constitutional ethics, reinforcing the existing 2014 amendment defining marriage solely between a man and a woman. Crucially, the amendment declared that Slovak laws concerning cultural and ethical issues would override conflicting European Union laws. The governing party, Direction – Social Democracy, celebrated the measure as "a dam against progressivism" necessary to preserve the nation's "traditions and spiritual heritage".[193]
Prior to the vote, the Council of Europe'sVenice Commission issued a warning, expressing concern that the clauses asserting the primacy of Slovak law on "cultural and ethical issues" must not be used to violate the country's international obligations under EU law and theEuropean Convention on Human Rights, and also recommended removing the strict binary gender wording to prevent future discrimination.[194]
Following the reform's passage, theEuropean Commission officially launched aninfringement proceeding against Slovakia in November 2025 over the constitutional amendments' conflict with EU law. Fico stated, "We look forward to this conflict".[195][196]
TheParty of European Socialists (PES) officially expelled Fico's party,Direction – Social Democracy, at its congress in October 2025 in Amsterdam.[197] The decision, which was unanimous, followed the party's suspension in October 2023 for forming a government coalition with the far-rightSlovak National Party and for a "clear divergence from the values of the PES family".[198] PES did not give specific reasons for the expulsion but said the party had taken positions that contradict "severely and deeply the values and principles our family stands for".[199]
Fico responded to the expulsion with defiance, taking to social media to state he was "proud of this exclusion" if it was due to his party's defense of the constitutional definition of marriage, which in Slovakia enshrines the union as exclusively between a man and a woman, or his participation in the celebration of victory over fascism inRussia andChina. He said the PES' action demonstrated intolerance toward his government's social conservatism, and he also stated that "The Party of European Socialists should be renamed the Party of European Homosexuals and Warmongers".[200][201]
Fico opposes sanctions onRussia and has described the EU's policy of ending Russian energy imports as "imbecilic". Slovakia depends heavily on the import of Russian energy and has asked for an exemption from the EU's Russian import policy and requested that Slovakia keep its current contract with Russian gas companyGazprom until it expires in 2034.[202] He said he would not support sanctions against Russia which would hurt Slovakia.[203][204] The adoption of the 18th package of sanctions was delayed six times until Fico withdrew his opposition in July 2025, after securing written assurances and guarantees from theEuropean Commission regarding energy prices and supply security.[205][206][207]
In October 2025, Fico invoked his veto power again to block the 19th package of sanctions, which targets Russian LNG, oil infrastructure, and frozen assets—demanding that EU leaders first provide concrete instructions to address the crisis in the automotive industry and high energy costs.[208][209] Fico's strategy of linking support for sanctions to domestic economic concerns has positioned Slovakia, alongside Hungary, as an obstacle to European unity on policy towards Russia.[210][211]
In a speech delivered in theNational Council of Slovakia, Fico dismissed the objective to "bring Russia to its knees," and stated that the world knows "Russians only get on their knees to tie their shoelaces".[204]
In November 2025, Fico has stated that Slovakia will not support the European Union's plan to usefrozen Russian assets to finance military costs in Ukraine.[212] Fico called the EU initiative controversial, warning that seizing the assets for military aid would only prolong the war, and argued that the focus should be on a peace plan.[213] He emphasized that Slovakia would not participate in any legal or financial schemes directed at using the frozen funds for Ukrainian military spending and stated, "This piece of Russian cheese smells extremely tempting to the European raven".[214]
One of the chalk protest signs inPrešov that says "Enough of Fico"
The "Chalk November Wave (Kriedová novembrová vlna)", also called the "Chalk Revolution (Kriedová revolúcia)", was a grassroots protest movement that swept across Slovakia in November 2025. It began after a 19-year-old student, nicknamed "Muro", was taken from his classroom by police for questioning after he used chalk to write anti-government slogans outside his school inPoprad on 7 November 2025. The incident occurred shortly before a scheduled official visit by Fico to the school.[215] The student was released without charge in the same day.[216]
A few days later, during a talk at another high school in Poprad, Fico said the European Union plans to spend €140 billion "to prolong the war" in Ukraine, resulting in a backlash from the students. In response, Fico said "If you're such heroes, go and fight in Ukraine".[217]
In a display of solidarity with students, thousands of chalk signs and messages, ranging from "Enough of Fico" to pro-European and pro-Ukraine symbols, appeared on sidewalks, squares, and in front of government buildings in dozens of cities across Slovakia.[218][219][220]
The protests reached their peak on November 17, 2025, when tens of thousands of people gathered in Bratislava and other cities to mark the anniversary of theVelvet Revolution and to demand Fico's resignation.[221] The rallies were organised by opposition parties and civic group.[216] "Muro" and opposition leaders spoke at the rally in Bratislava.[222][223] However, due to deteriorating weather conditions, the "Chalk November Wave" concluded shortly thereafter, as the outdoor elements, specifically rain and snow, made continued chalk-based demonstrations impractical.
In the correspondence released in November 2025, Epstein referred to Lajčák as "Miro" and discussed his potential advancement to top roles in the UN or NATO. In a March 15, 2018, email toSteve Bannon, Epstein said Lajčák was the person who would lead a "European project" and predicted the fall of the Slovak government "as planned", an event that occurred days later following themurder of Ján Kuciak. Lajčák said he only had social contact with Epstein as part as part his diplomatic duties.[225][226][227]
Opposition parties and Fico's coalition partner, theSlovak National Party called on Fico to dismiss Lajčák.[228] Fico characterized Lajčák as an "excellent diplomat" and stated he would not "execute" a colleague based on social meetings without evidence of moral or legal failure.[229][230]
A photograph released in December 2025, showed Lajčák and Epstein together at the Slovak diplomatic residence inVienna.[231]
In January 2026, the new records allegedly show Lajčák asking Jeffrey Epstein to introduce him to "young girls" and boasting that Epstein had not yet seen him "in action". In these exchanges, Lajčák reportedly requested an invitation to participate in Epstein’s private "games".[232][233]
According to the publicized records, Lajčák suggested a meeting between Fico and American far-right strategistSteve Bannon. Epstein wanted to establish a network of far-right political groups with Bannon in Europe and Lajčák said Fico could "play Steve’s game".[234]
On 31 January 2026, following a joint statement from opposition politicians calling for his departure and mounting pressure from the media, Lajčák submitted his resignation. Fico accepted the resignation, marking the end of Lajčák's tenure as a key advisor. Fico described Lajčák as a victim of media pressure and said the country had lost a source of experience in diplomacy and foreign policy.[235]
In February 2026, Fico said that he had never met Steve Bannon.[236]
Fico has stated thatWestern liberal democracy has "completely collapsed" and is "terribly ineffective". He praised the governance models ofone-party statesChina andVietnam for their economic effectiveness and stability which he contrasted with Slovakia's system under which "Every four years, a new government scraps everything and starts over".[240][241]
Economically, his party champions a leftist platform, advocating for strongsocial welfare spending and state intervention to support theworking class, often by reversing market-oriented and austerity reforms implemented by previous governments.[242]
In foreign policy, he pursues the concept of the "politics of the four corners of the world," which advocates for an autonomous, sovereign approach that balances Slovakia'sEU/NATO membership with intensified relations with non-EU partners, including theBRICS bloc.[245][246][247] In line with this doctrine he holdspro-Russian views, valuing a friendly relationship withRussia and often sympathising with Russia's geopolitical interests, marking a significant departure from Slovakia's long-standing Western ties.[248][249][250]
Fico initially defined Direction – Social Democracy as the "third way" party, which recognised the role of themarket and business as well as the role ofgovernment and a strongstate. His ideology has undergone transformations over his long career, consistently prioritizing his domestic political goals and emphasizing Slovak national interests.[251] Fico is critical of the Western model of the left, which he calls "the Brussels left".[252]
Fico meeting Russian president Vladimir Putin inBeijing,China, 2 September 2025
Fico selectively praises a diverse range ofhistorical Slovak figures to build a broad political narrative rooted innational identity and socialist history. He hailedĽudovít Štúr, a key figure in the Slovak national revival, stressing that Štúr was guided by the motto that "the most beautiful words are deeds".[253] He expressed respect forGustáv Husák, the last Communist president of Czechoslovakia, stating Husák "prevented repressions in the normalisation 70s" and deserves "respect and humility".[254] He also invokesAlexander Dubček of thePrague Spring, stating that his own political party is dedicated to providing a "human face to modern society", following Dubček's vision of a "socialism with a human face".[255] Fico also honorsMilan Rastislav Štefánik, a co-founder of Czechoslovakia, by calling him a "lasting symbol of inspiration and national pride".[256] He honoredVladimír Clementis, a Communist diplomat and victim of Stalinist purges, by stating his praise and later unveiling a sculpture of him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2007.[257] Fico has also embraced the legacy of the influential writer and intellectual Vladimír Mináč, attending the unveiling of his bust in 2022 and emphasizing that he represents qualities absent in modern Slovakia.[258]
Despite Western pressure to isolate Moscow, both Fico and Brazilian PresidentLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva maintained and even expanded ties with Russia
Fico has actively courted and praised Catholic figures like CardinalJán Chryzostom Korec, who, in turn, expressed support for him, saying Fico "has all the qualities of a good president" during his 2014 presidential campaign.[259][260][261]
Fico has publicly expressed a positive affinity for several international figures, including Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vučić, whom he has called a "friend".[262][263] He also considers Hungarian prime ministerViktor Orbán a close ally and a leader who does not fear to openly defend the interests of his people.[264][265] He holds a positive view of Russian PresidentVladimir Putin.[266]
Fico is a member of theSlovak Matica and supports Slovak Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters.[267]
Fico rejectedEuropean Commission's plan to distribute refugees and economic migrants from theMiddle East andAfrica among EU member states, saying: "As long as I am prime minister, mandatory quotas will not be implemented on Slovak territory."[270] He stated that "thousands of terrorists and Islamic State fighters are entering Europe with migrants,[271] and added: "We monitor every single Muslim in Slovakia."[272]
In May 2016, Fico stated that Slovakia would not accept "one single Muslim" migrant into the country, weeks before the country was scheduled to take over thePresidency of the Council of the EU. He further stated: "When I say something now, maybe it will seem strange, but I'm sorry, Islam has no place in Slovakia. I think it is the duty of politicians to talk about these things very clearly and openly. I do not wish there were tens of thousands of Muslims".[273]
On 30 November 2016, the Slovak Parliament, under the government led by Fico, passed a bill significantly increasing the minimum threshold for a religious movement or organization to achieve state recognition. The required number of verified practicing members was raised from 20,000 to 50,000. This legislation has been widely viewed as an explicit measure to prevent Islam from gaining state-recognized status in Slovakia.Islam is not an official religion in Slovakia and there are no officially recognizedmosques.[274]
Fico strongly opposed the EU'sAsylum and Migration Pact finalized in 2024, particularly the solidarity mechanism.[275] He stated that Slovakia will not implement the rule that requires member states to either accept a share of asylum seekers or pay a financial contribution of €20,000 per person if they refuse, calling this a "dictate" rather than genuine solidarity and saying that out of "100% of illegal migrants who arrive in Europe, 80% stay there, and only 20% we manage to get back".[276][277]
Fico's gender policy is highly conservative and centered on restricting the rights and recognition ofLGBTQ+ individuals under the banner of upholding traditional values and national identity against "gender ideology".[278]
Fico and his political allies have used derogatory rhetoric when speaking about the transgender community, with Fico himself reportedly stating he did not want people "who will claim to be women and have a 20cm dick between their legs."[279]
This political stance was formally enacted as law by a September 2025 constitutional amendment, passed by his government, which recognizes only male and female as genders, severely limits adoption to married heterosexual couples, and asserts the primacy of Slovak law over EU law on such "cultural-ethical issues".[281]
Fico's political career has been characterized by a resolute opposition to theprivatization of key state assets and public services, a stance that has significantly influenced his policies on the economy and healthcare. Fico has consistently positioned himself against the sale of strategic state enterprises, often labeling the privatizations carried out by previous center-right governments as corrupt and a form of "theft".[282][283][284]
One of his very first and most decisive actions upon coming to power in 2006 was the cancellation of theBratislava Airport sale to the TwoOne consortium, which was led byVienna Airport and included the Czech-Slovak groupPenta Investments.[285] Fico's government officially scrapped the deal, stating that the airport was a strategic company that the state must retain control of it for economic and security reasons.[286]
This anti-privatization drive also extended into the healthcare system and his pursuit of a single state-run health insurance company.[287] A central policy of his first government was to ban private health insurance companies from distributing profits (dividends) to their shareholders, stating that public funds intended for treatment should not be privatized. This policy led to an international arbitration case, which the Slovak Republic ultimately lost, resulting in theInternational Court of Arbitration awarding damages of €22 million toAchmea, the Dutch owner of the health insurance company Union.[288] The ban on distributing profits was later ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Fico's subsequent governments pushed for the expropriation or buyout of the remaining private health insurers, in order to establish a single state insurer to "stop the inflow of funds to private provider," a goal he has yet to fully achieve.[289]
In 2008, Fico threatened the foreign owners of energy monopolies such asSPP (the FrenchGaz de France and the GermanE.ON) with thenationalization and seizure of their ownership shares if they "make policies that go against state policy, against the interests of this state and its people".[290][291] This aggressive stance was taken during a heated dispute over domestic retail gas prices, underscoring his willingness to assert direct state influence over key utilities.
Fico's anti-privatization stance extended to the strategicGabčíkovo Dam, whose lucrative hydroelectric plant operation had been leased to the privatized utility, majority-owned by Italy'sEnel. Stating the 2006 lease was illegal and against national interest, Fico's government launched a lengthy legal and political campaign. This culminated in the state successfully taking back full operational control of the power plant in 2015, which Fico presented as reclaiming a critical national asset from foreign private ownership.[292]
Fico's domestic social policy is fundamentally built onsocial populism, prioritizing tangible benefits for key electoral demographics, specifically older and lower-income citizens.[293] A cornerstone of this policy is the "thirteenth pension," an annual payment designed to provide crucial financial support topensioners, positioning himself as a guardian of the elderly's financial security.[294][295]
His governments have consistently aimed to reverse austerity measures imposed by center-right cabinets, increasing other social benefits and intervening to limit the rise in costs for essential services like utilities and prescription medications.[296] Furthermore, his administration introduced free rail transport for large demographic groups, including students up to age 26 and pensioners, a measure intended to lower living costs and solidify a perceived social safety net.[297]
Fico has made the continual and significant increase of the nationalminimum wage, often boasting about its multi-fold rise since his first government and arguing that it is essential to ensure that "it is not possible for someone who works to live under the poverty limit".[298][299] Fico's government implemented a significant increase in night shift bonuses, as well as bonuses for weekend and public holiday work, to directly improve the wages of lower-income workers.[300][301]
Fico also advocated for a four-day working week to be introduced, initially as an experiment where business conditions allow for agreement between employers and unions.[302] He stated at theWorld Economic Forum inDavos in 2024 that Slovakia could soon be among the countries adopting this measure.[303] The four-day working week has not been implemented during his time in office.[304]
He has promised a "return to the values of a social state," often criticizing the prior "right-wing reforms" by saying they were "for the rich" and vowing to continue reforms but "not on the backs of the people".[305][306] This policy boosted the living standards of his base through subsidies and generous state spending. Critics say it is fiscally irresponsible, potentially jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of public finances in favor of short-term political gains.[307][308][309]
Fico's stance on foreign wars has been characterized by a notable shift over his multiple tenures as Slovakia's prime minister.
During his first government, which began in 2006, Fico fulfilled a campaign promise by withdrawing Slovak troops from theIraq War in early 2007, describing the US-led invasion as "unbelievably unjust and wrong".[310] Fico said that the security situation there was "catastrophic", that "to speak about any democracy in Iraq is a fantasy," and that the entry of foreign armies had only caused immense tension.[311] He said the Iraq commitment was a reckless "adventure", contrasting it with the NATO mission in Afghanistan, which he said "conforms to international law" and which he subsequently increased.[312]
His governments maintained Slovakia's participation in the NATO-ledWar in Afghanistan for many years. Slovak soldiers, includingSpecial Operations Forces, served in Afghanistan in non-combat roles such as training, advisory, and base security throughout Fico's first three terms (2006–2010, 2012–2016 and 2016–2018).[313][314][315]
In 2023, Fico's foreign policy turned toward non-involvement in theRusso-Ukrainian war. Fico said that "some European leaders are tired of 80 years of peace" and want to escalate tensions with Russia.[316] He said that "I will never be a wartime prime minister" and criticized the European Union, stating, "If the EU spent as much energy on peace as it does on supporting the war in Ukraine, the war could have been over long ago".[317] After taking office in 2023, his government fulfilled an election promise by terminating all military aid to Kyiv while continuing to send humanitarian aid. His government has since refused to participate in any EU scheme to finance military aid to Ukraine, stating that the conflict cannot be solved on the battlefield.[318][319]
In January 2026, Fico criticizedU.S. intervention in Venezuela, characterizing it as a violation of international law and reflecting the broader decline of the post-World War II global order. He emphasized his strong opposition, stating that he "resolutely rejects" such violations of international norms. Fico drew parallels to his earlier positions on the2003 invasion of Iraq and Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.[320][321]
Fico at a press press conference in Bratislava, June 2016
During his press conferences, Robert Fico often verbally attacks, belittles, and taunts the present journalists, often accusing them of bias and attacking his government. On several occasions he has openly and on record used profanities against specific journalists, such as "idiots", "pricks", "prostitutes", "snakes", and "hyenas".[322][323] He has also been recorded ridiculing journalists' physical appearance.[324]
Robert Fico meeting Slovak reporters at the Bratislava Summit during Slovakia's EU presidency, September 2016
In 2009, Fico repeatedly described theSlovak press as a "new opposition force" that was biased and was harming national and state interests. Fico also accused the press of failing to "stand behind thecommon people."[325]
In July 2012, Fico declared "Eternal Peace" between him and the Slovak press. He also stated his desire to change his attitude towards the media, saying "I think it is enough" and that he does not plan any further lawsuits against media outlets except in extraordinary situations. Fico further said: "You have to spend an incredible amount of energy on it [lawsuits], it means several years of conflict, one conflict takes usually five or six years [to resolve]." He added that lawsuits involve "legal fees, paying a lawyer, everything around that".[326]
In November 2016, Fico termed journalists questioning him about allegations of public procurement rules during Slovakia's EU presidency as "dirty, anti-Slovak prostitutes". He also stated the accusations were a targeted attack to smear the country's presidency of the EU.[327]
In November 2021, Fico described journalists as "Soros' corrupt gang of swines for whom water is already boiling."[328] He says that the media is "obsessed" with him and his party; they want to "destroy" it and are "waging a jihad against it."[329]
In 2022, Fico repeatedly stated that journalists were an "organized criminal group with the aim of breaking Slovak statehood" and called on theSlovak Police Force to investigate them.[330]
In July 2009, Fico faced genuinecervical spine problems (neck and back pain).[331] This inspired a cartoon by Martin Šútovec (Shooty) in the dailySme, which controversially depicted Fico's X-ray showing "no spine" and his pain as merely "phantom". Fico strongly objected, filing a lawsuit for €33,000, arguing the cartoon made fun of his serious health condition.[332]
The court ruled against Fico in 2010, upholding the cartoon as protected political satire and exaggeration.[333] After losing at the lower courts and having the case returned by the Supreme Court on a technicality, Fico ultimately withdrew the lawsuit in March 2013, ending the protracted legal battle.[334]
In August 2024, Fico initiated a high-profile lawsuit against theeditor-in-chief of the news websiteAktuality.sk, Peter Bárdy, and the publisherRingier Slovak Media, over the unauthorized use of his photograph chosen for the cover of Bárdy's 2023 book,Fico – Obsessed with Power (Fico – Posadnutý mocou).[335]
Fico objected not to the book's critical content, but strictly to the image, with his lawyers claiming that Fico "has the right to decide how his photograph is used" and demanding an apology and €100,000 in damages from each party. The lawsuit argued that the image used on the cover "did not reflect his personal and professional dignity".[336]
Condemning the lawsuit, theEuropean Centre for Press and Media Freedom and its Media Freedom Rapid Response partners released a statement characterizing the action as a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), designed to intimidate journalists and halt investigative reporting.[337]
In October 2025, Fico was included on theReporters Without Borders (RSF)2025 list of Press Freedom Predators under the "Social" category. The RSF placed Slovakia 38th out of 180 countries in its 2025 press freedom rankings.[338] According to RSF, "social" predators "smear media and promote mistrust of journalists".[339][340] In its assessment, the RSF cited various terms that Fico had used to describe journalists. It also mentioned political control of public broadcasting.[341] The full list of those named as2025 Press Freedom Predators in the "social" category includedElon Musk,Honest reporting,Margarita Simonyan,OpIndia andJavier Milei.[339]
In January 2026, a report byPolitico claimed Fico had privately expressed concerns about U.S. PresidentDonald Trump's mental health. The original report, citing anonymous European diplomats, alleged that Fico described Trump as "dangerous" and "out of his mind" following their January 17 meeting atMar-a-Lago. Fico said he "strongly reject the lies of the Politico portal".[342][343]
Fico dismissed the claims as "boundless media lies" and "fabrications," stating that he did not make the remarks. The White House supported Fico’s position, with a spokesperson labeling the story "total fake news" and characterizing the meeting in Florida as positive and productive.[344]
In a statement addressing the controversy, Fico characterizedPolitico as a "sad look at the liberal and progressive political and media world”.[345]
Fico has two siblings, younger sister Lucia and older brother Ladislav.[346][347]
Fico is married to Svetlana Ficová (née Svobodová), a lawyer andassociate professor fromŽilina.[348][349][350] They were classmates while they both studied law at the Comenius University in Bratislava, and they married in 1988.[348][351] They have one son together, Michal (b. 1994), who studied at theUniversity of Economics in Bratislava.[352] Despite his marriage, Fico hasn't lived with his wife since 2019, and doesn't attend any official events with her.[353] At least since 2020, Fico has practiced anopen relationship with Katarína Szalayová; they have been seen together in public on many occasions.[354][355][356]
Fico became a grandfather for the first time in 2022, as his son Michal Fico and his wife welcomed a baby girl Pavlína.[357]
Fico's property situation has drawn significant public and media scrutiny over the years. At the beginning of his political career, Fico and his family lived in Bratislava'sDlhé diely, in an ordinary apartment in a panel house.[358] In 2008, Fico moved into a residentialApartment complex Čmelovec located in Bratislava's Old Town, nearBratislava Castle, which belongs to the Diplomatic Services Bureau.[359]
Since 2012, he has been known for renting luxury properties rather than owning them. Notably, he lived in a large apartment within theBonaparte complex, located in Bratislava'sOld Town, which was a 377-square-meter luxurious residence.[360] He rented this apartment starting in 2012 from businessman Ladislav Bašternák, who was later convicted of tax fraud.[361] This arrangement, which cost €2,850 monthly, became a source of criticism and was cited in political controversies.[362]
After leaving theBonaparte complex in 2019, Fico stayed in various temporary residences.[363][364] In January 2021, Fico moved into a luxury apartment in theSokolská Residence, which he rented from his party colleague Dušan Muňko in a highly desirable and lucrative part ofBratislava.[365] This residence is located in the Old Town district, specifically in the prestigious diplomatic quarter under theSlavín memorial, which is known for its high-end residential character. In 2023, Fico purchased a 135-square-meter apartment in the residence for €509,000, securing it at a price significantly below the expert-estimated market value of €750,000 to €1 million.[366][367]
In 2002, Fico purchased an 820-square-metervineyard plot in Bratislava'sNew Town for a notably low price of approximately €1,850 (less than 37,000SKK).[368] In 2007, opposition leaderMikuláš Dzurinda accused Fico of a speculative purchase, claiming the land's subsequent reclassification for construction had inflated its value to approximately €180,000 (SKK 6 million). Fico vehemently denied the claims of speculation, stating, "I'm not an idiot to ruin my reputation for 800 square meters of vineyard", and subsequently retaliated against Dzurinda by labeling him a "liar" and filing a criminal charge, stating that he possessed official documents proving the property was registered strictly as a vineyard.[369][370][371]
His income largely stems from his political office. As the prime minister of Slovakia, his salary is substantial. Reports from 2025 indicate his annual salary is approximately €144,000 (or roughly 8 times the national average).[372] In June 2024, a law was passed that grants a lifetime salary to former prime ministers who have served more than two full electoral cycles. As the longest-serving prime minister, Fico is currently the only politician who qualifies for this retirement benefit.[373]
In July 2009, Fico faced genuinecervical spine problems (neck and back pain) severe enough to disrupt his official schedule.[331]
In February 2014, Fico seriously injured his left foot during a football match inKošice, which was part of his campaign before thepresidential election. His injury required emergency surgery at the Kramáre Hospital in Bratislava. In the hospital, he was diagnosed with a tornAchilles tendon.[374]
Fico experienced a recurrence of his serious spinal health issues in April 2014, five years after his first reported incident. These health problems, involving his neck and back, were significant enough to force him to cancel a portion of his official public schedule.[375]
In April 2016, Fico underwent coronary triplebypass surgery in the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Bratislava.[376]
In summer 2021, while on vacation inGreece, Fico passed out during breakfast. A German cardiologist from the next table helped him, thinking he had a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors found out that it wasCOVID-19, which, combined with fever and low blood pressure, had caused him to pass out. Over the next few days inCrete, Fico stayed in quarantine.[378]
On 15 May 2024, Fico was shot several times in anassassination attempt and was subsequently hospitalized at the F.D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banská Bystrica.[379] Fico was reportedly in a "life-threatening" condition after the attack, having suffered wounds to his stomach, arms, and legs, but was stabilized following emergency surgery.
Fico's recovery from the assassination attempt continued throughout late 2024 and into 2025, marked by ongoing health complications.[380] He frequently canceled or cut short public engagements, often attributing this to vague health issues, though he hinted that the problems were linked to digestion as a result of the shooting.[381] These persistent issues led to more significant disruptions, such as the cancellation of a summit trip in October 2025, which he officially excused due to "worsened health problems still related to last year's attack".[382][383]
Fico has rarely discussed his religious life in public. In his application to join theCommunist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1984, Fico stated that he was "strictlyatheistic", as was required to be accepted. According to the testimonial from college added to the application, he held a "scientificMarxist-Leninist worldview" and "no problems concerning religion."[384]
In a promotional video duringpresidential election campaign in 2014, Fico said he grew up in aCatholic family and that he considers himself a Catholic. He discussed hisbaptism,Holy Communion,Confirmation and how the Catholic faith had impacted his childhood.[385] He stated: "Perhaps if I did my profile in relation to the Catholic Church, I would end up better off than any MP of theKDH." He also described growing up with his grandfather, a man who "very strictly respected the rules of standard Christian life", stating that it profoundly impacted him.[386] Patrik Dubovský, a historian and former researcher of theNational Memory Institute, considers it to be an attempt to manipulate public opinion because "confirmation was in direct conflict with Communist Party membership, whose political programme was based on atheism." During the Communist period, religiously active people were severely persecuted, especially after the repression ofCharter 77.[384]
During a televised debate, Fico refused to answer a television presenter's question about whether he is a Christian or an atheist, and said that he considered it a private matter.[387] Regarding the sacraments, Fico said that he was baptised as an infant and the Holy Communion with Confirmation followed afterwards, as he said it was with every child who grew up in his home village.[388]
In April 2025, Fico released a statement on social media following the death ofPope Francis, where he called himself "a man of deep faith".[389]
In August 2010, Fico was photographed at night in downtown Bratislava together with a woman, who was later revealed to be 25-year-old Jana Halászová, a secretary at the Direction – Social Democracy party headquarters. It was later revealed that Halászová had been given extensive privileges, including her own parking space in the Parliament car park, without being a member.[390][391] In addition, both her sister and step-mother had recently been given jobs within various ministries.[392] In August 2013, Fico was photographed while embracing and kissing his now-secretary Halászová, after taking her for a private dinner at a chateau inČereňany, 160 kilometres from Bratislava.[393] The photos created another round of speculation about the true nature of their relationship, as well as whether or not he had used public funds to pay for the dinner.[394][395][396]
^Fico was appointed during a brief window in 1993 when a body referenced as the "Czechoslovak delegation" or its immediate successor was still active at the PACE, representing the interests of the newly independent republics before their full, separate membership was formalized.
^Balogová, Beáta (13 January 2014)."The president's speech".The Slovak Spectator.Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved19 January 2014.
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