One of Slovakia’s Hungarian-minority politicians, György Gyimesi, has expressed his support for Robert Fico’s political embargo on left-wing progressive media in Slovakia, citing the previous government’s policies towards Ukraine and the need to cut off Slovakia from Russian oil and gas.
Gyimesi criticised the previous government’s policies towards Ukraine, stating that cheap Russian gas is being imported to Slovakia in minimal quantities and Slovnaft’s exemption to sell products made from Russian oil to the Czech Republic is coming to an end at the beginning of December.
The situation in Slovakia is difficult to predict, as investment in Central European news outlets by political activist oligarchs like George Soros and Zdenek Bakala has not brought about any positive change in people’s trust in the media or translated into electoral victory for political forces they all openly supported. In Slovakia, despite overwhelmingly positive press in the mainstream media, over 60% of respondents believe that liberal President Zuzana Caputová serves foreign interests. The situation is expected to impact the Slovak media landscape and the country’s economy.
Slovakia’s Russophilia, or a favorable attitude towards Russia, is perceived as problematic by other countries in the region, particularly in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The NATO and EU member states in Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovakia’s neighbors, generally share concerns about Russian aggression and its potential implications for regional stability.
These neighbouring states are now worried about a lack of alignment in Bratislava since the new government came to power with broader European and transatlantic perspectives on security issues, creating tensions within the EU and NATO. Unity among these alliances is crucial for deterrence against potential aggression and ensuring a coordinated response to security challenges.
A divergence in views on Russia’s actions hinders joint efforts to address security threats and uphold democratic values in the region. The new government’s Russophilia is complicating efforts to implement sanctions or joint measures against Russia. Cohesive international action is essential to convey a unified stance against violations of international law and aggression.
It is important for countries in Central Eastern Europe to continue engaging with Slovakia through careful diplomacy and dialogue within the EU and NATO frameworks. It is to address concerns and ensure a unified response in the face of potential security challenges in the region.
