The governing coalition parties, Smer-SD, Hlas-SD, and SNS, have agreed to amend their coalition agreement. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) announced this on Wednesday, February 19, on social media. The change comes as the membership of the Hlas and SNS parties has decreased, prompting the party leaders to sign an addendum to the coalition agreement. As a result, the government composition has shifted, with Smer-SD gaining additional influence, including control of the Ministry of Investments and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. "Smer-SD will use this political influence to stabilize the coalition and regain a majority in the Parliament," Fico wrote on Facebook. The prime minister emphasized that the agreement would allow him to proceed in line with the coalition agreement, particularly when proposing cooperation with members of Parliament who left SNS and Hlas-SD.
Fico also highlighted the importance of the negotiation process occurring behind closed doors, stating, "I have the tremendous advantage of relying on a strong and stable party, such as Smer." He further assured that the government continues to function smoothly. In response, Hlas-SD sees the transfer of the Ministry of Investments to Smer-SD as a constructive solution that could pave the way for broader political agreements. Hlas leader Matúš Šutaj Eštok emphasized that, after stabilizing the situation and securing majority support for the government, Hlas expects the immediate election of their nominee as the President of Parliament.
Eštok also reiterated that early elections would not be a viable solution, citing that they would undermine promises made to voters and open the door to the return of "destructive and anti-social right-wing political groups." He argued that the only solution is guaranteeing the government's majority support in Parliament. Meanwhile, Andrej Danko, leader of SNS, explained that the shift in government positions was necessary to keep the government functioning, stating that SNS made a significant political sacrifice by giving up the Ministry of Sports and Tourism. He expressed hope that the new leadership would further develop these ministries.
Despite the efforts of the coalition to stabilize, opposition leader Branislav Gröhling from SaS remarked that the coalition's days are numbered, arguing that the government's continued existence merely delays the inevitable collapse. Gröhling insisted that early elections are the best solution for Slovakia, asserting that the coalition "no longer even pretends to care about the country" and is driven only by power struggles. As of now, the coalition's agreement has been adjusted, with Smer-SD gaining control of additional ministries, including Investments, Regional Development, and Informatization.
Source: STVR, TASR
