Slovak News Outlet Publishes Serialized Book Examining Fico's Two Decades in Power

Slovak news website Aktuality has begun publishing a serialized book titled 'Fico – Obsessed with Revenge,' offering a critical examination of Prime Minister Robert Fico's political career as the 20th anniversary of his first election victory approaches. The fifth installment focuses on Fico's relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his alleged involvement in electoral affairs. Fico, the leader of Smer-SD — a left-nationalist party currently heading Slovakia's ruling coalition — first came to power in 2005 and is now serving as prime minister for a fourth time. The book, published in installments by Aktuality, aims to hold Fico accountable by reflecting back on his record, challenging what the outlet describes as his repeated insistence that he bears no responsibility for controversial developments during his tenures in office. The serialized publication comes at a politically charged moment in Slovakia. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May 2024, has steered the country toward a more pro-Russian foreign policy stance and has clashed repeatedly with the European Union and domestic opposition. Critical media coverage of his leadership has intensified as he consolidates his grip on government for a historic fourth term.