Pellegrini wins Slovak presidential election in boost for pro-Russian prime minister
NBCMar 31
Peter Pellegrini Wins Slovakia Presidential Elections
Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former Slovakian prime minister and current parliamentary Speaker Peter Pellegrini won the country's presidential election on Saturday, defeating former foreign minister Ivan Korčok in a second round of voting.
According to Slovakia's statistical office, Pellegrini received 53.1% of the vote compared to 46.9% in favor of Korčok. Pellegrini received the most votes in seven out of the country's eight regions.
The Spin
Right narrative
Pellegrini's win signifies support for Fico's people-first agenda and a rejection of the self-serving establishment elite. Slovakia has voted for change in a presidential election that was not about Ukraine but a fight between conservatism and liberalism. Albeit a mistake to call either Pellegrini or Fico pro-Russian politicians, and Slovakia remains a NATO member, the country must maintain its national sovereignty and prioritize peace in Eastern Europe above all.
Left narrative
Having used the fear of war as a central theme in his campaign — viciously spreading populist hatred and paranoia — Pellegrini's win in Slovakia's presidential election will only further undermine the country's democratic rule of law, cementing pro-Russian Prime Minister Fico's influence over the country. The sad reality is that, with Pellegrini as president, Slovakia no longer contains a single major figure in power who will stand up against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and fight for what is right.