Peter Pellegrini, a former premier and member of Fico’s ruling coalition, secured 53.1 per cent of the vote, beating Ivan Korcok, a pro-European Union diplomat
Peter Pellegrini gives a speach to the members of media after winning the presidential election in Bratislava, Slovakia. Photograph: Zuzana Gogova/Getty Images Russia -friendly prime minister Robert Fico, a staunch opponent of military aid to Ukraine, has cemented his grip on power after his ally won the presidential election in Slovakia.
Since returning to power last year, Fico has triggered public criticism and scrutiny from the European Union for his decisions to curb the fight against corruption, suppress independent media and challenge EU and Nato allies over support for Ukraine. The presidential victory would ease his path to approving legislation and appointments of key public officials.
As a parliament speaker, Pellegrini has also played a crucial role in pushing through Fico’s contested judicial overhaul, which has raised alarm in the European Union. He signalled on Sunday his support for the prime minister will continue. Zuzana Caputova, the current officeholder and standard-bearer of Slovakia’s anti-corruption movement, moved to stop some of Fico’s more controversial proposals. She submitted his contentious criminal-law overhaul in February to the country’s top court, which has yet to issue a ruling.
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Ukraine-sceptic Peter Pellegrini wins Slovakia's presidential electionPeter Pellegrini, a Ukraine-sceptic government ally, has won Slovakia's presidential election against pro-Western diplomat Ivan Korcok. Pellegrini received 53 percent of the vote, while Korcok received 47 percent. The election was dominated by divisions over the Ukraine war, with Pellegrini advocating peace talks with Russia and Korcok opposing giving up territory for peace.
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