Commentary: Can Slovak PM Fico Break Free from His Pro-Orbán Image in Europe?

A key question hanging over Slovak politics heading into the new year is whether Prime Minister Robert Fico can repair his damaged standing among European Union partners, following his controversial alignment with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Fico, who leads Smer-SD — the ruling left-nationalist party that returned to power in 2023 — has drawn sharp criticism from EU allies for echoing Orbán's eurosceptic and pro-Moscow positions, straining Slovakia's relationships within the bloc. Political commentator Peter Weiss argues that while some shift in Fico's behaviour may be underway, the coming year will be the true test of whether any change is genuine or merely tactical. Fico built close ties with Orbán, whose Fidesz party has repeatedly clashed with EU institutions over democratic backsliding and rule-of-law concerns, making the Slovak prime minister a polarising figure in Brussels. Whether Fico can distance himself from that association — and restore credibility with European partners — remains deeply uncertain.