The Facts
Parliament Speaker Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico, emerged victorious in the Slovakia presidential elections on Saturday.
With 98% of the votes counted, Pellegrini had 53.85% of the vote against 46.14% for opposition-backed pro-Western former Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok.
The Spin
Pellegrini used the fear of war as a campaign topic, spread hatred, and viciously malign the opposition. Unfortunately, his win in the country's presidential election will cement pro-Russian PM Robert Fico's influence over Slovakia, eroding the rule of law. With Pellegrini as president, no high-profile Slovak would be in the corridors of power unequivocally backing Ukraine's right to defend its territory.
It's an oversight to call Fico or Pellegrini pro-Russian politicians. Slovakia has voted for change in a presidential election that wasn't about Ukraine but a fight between conservatism and liberalism. Pellegrini's win signifies support for Fico's populist agenda and a rejection of an opportunistic opposition power center. Though it's a NATO member, Slovakia must maintain its national sovereignty and peace in the region.
