Former Slovak Presidential Candidate Says PM Fico Has Lost European Influence

Former Slovak presidential candidate and diplomat Ivan Korčok has criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico's diminished influence within European Union circles, claiming no European leader will stand behind Fico due to his behavior. Korčok, who recently became deputy chairman of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, argued that Fico can no longer push through any initiatives, including placing Slovak representatives in EU delegations overseeing Ukrainian oil pipeline controls. The former foreign minister also commented on the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that uncertainty around Donald Trump's intentions makes it unclear how or when the conflict will end, while noting that Russia benefits most from the continued fighting. Korčok's appointment to a leadership role in Progressive Slovakia, the country's main liberal opposition party, marks a significant political development as the conservative-leaning diplomat joins forces with the party that has positioned itself as Fico's primary challenger.