Former Smer Deputy Chairman Reflects on Party's Historic 2006 Election Victory

Marek Maďarič, former deputy chairman of Smer-SD and head of the party's 2006 election campaign, reflected on the 20th anniversary of the elections that first brought the social-democratic party to power in Slovakia. Maďarič discussed the circumstances that led to Smer's victory and recalled how the party's campaign slogan "Smerom k ľuďom" (Towards the People) encapsulated everything they stood for at the time. The 2006 parliamentary elections marked a pivotal moment in Slovak politics, establishing Smer as a dominant political force under Robert Fico's leadership. The party has since become Slovakia's most successful political party, having led multiple governments over the past two decades, though it has also faced significant corruption scandals and challenges to its grip on power.