Slovakia's Opposition Progressives Focus on Housing and Economic Issues Ahead of Elections

Progresívne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia), the country's largest opposition party, outlined its political priorities at a weekend party congress, focusing on economic policy, poverty reduction, and housing accessibility. The party appears to be taking inspiration from recent electoral success in the Netherlands, where housing issues helped progressive parties win elections. The housing theme has previously been attempted in Slovak politics by Boris Kollár, leader of the populist Sme Rodina (We Are Family) party. However, political scientist Pavol Hardoš suggests that housing as a campaign issue may be more symbolic than substantive in the Slovak context. Progressive Slovakia, which positions itself as a liberal pro-European alternative to the ruling Smer-SD party, is preparing its platform ahead of the next parliamentary elections.