Slovak PM Fico Accused of Buying Votes with Transport Discounts Ahead of Elections

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has returned to promising cheaper public transport fares after 12 years, drawing criticism that he is attempting to buy votes ahead of upcoming elections. Richard Rybníček, president of the Union of Slovak Towns, accused Fico of using transport discounts to purchase public support, stating that "people are not stupid, they know that Robert Fico is buying them with discounts on trains and buses." Rybníček noted that Fico is already in election campaign mode, making this the second warning from social partners about the government's pre-election influence. Earlier, Rastislav Machunka, another social partner representative, similarly criticized the ruling government for taking steps a year and a half before elections that could sway the campaign. The criticism reflects growing concerns about the government's use of populist measures to secure electoral advantage.