Central Europe rocked by double resignation
Departure of Europhile Slovak and Slovenian leaders could spell trouble for the EU
The resignation of Slovakia’s prime minister just one day after his Slovenian counterpart stood down looks set to destabilise central Europe and could shift the balance of power against the EU.
Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is to resign amid a scandal over the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, who was investigating government corruption and links to the Italian mafia when he was killed. His fiancee was also murdered during the attack on their home last month.
The BBC says the killings have gripped Slovakia, “leading to calls for an investigation and anti-government protests in Bratislava on Friday which were thought to be the largest in the country since the fall of communism in 1989”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The growing scandal has already brought down interior minister Robert Kalinak, who resigned on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Slovakia’s President Andrej Kiska called for a “radical reconstruction” of the government or fresh elections, after all seven suspects arrested in connection with the murders, including one man who had done business deals with officials close to Fico, were released without charge.
The EU has urged Slovakia swiftly to investigate the murders which “raised fresh concern about media freedom and corruption both in Slovakia and more widely in Europe”, says The Guardian.
The murders came after the assassination last October of the investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who had denounced corruption in Malta.
“How far Fico’s exit as prime minister can calm public pressure is still to be seen,” says RTE. There are fears that the political fallout from the scandal could bring down the centre-left coalition and usher in a new more Eurosceptic government.
Fico, who has been in power for much of the past 12 years, has called Slovakia a “pro-European island” in central Europe and has sought to stand out from largely eurosceptic leaders in the region.
However, the timing of his resignation could not be worse for the EU.
On Wednesday, Slovenian Prime Minister, Miro Cerar, another Europhile liberal, announced that he was to step down after the country’s top court annulled last year’s referendum on a key government-backed railway project and ordered a new vote.
Cerar had faced the possibility of impeachment last year when he was accused of seeking to interfere with the judiciary after voicing support for a Syrian asylum seeker.
As in much of central Europe, immigration is the central political issue in Slovenia, and it is feared that, with Cerar gone, opposition rightwing Eurosceptics could make big gains in the elections in May.
Although unrelated, the loss of two of central Europe’s most pro-European leaders is an ominous sign for the EU, especially amid a rise in support across the continent for the far-right and a growing threat from Russia.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How can you save on homeowners insurance?
The Explainer With the rise in extreme weather, house protection is a non-negotiable
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Donald Trump is downplaying his position on abortion
The Explainer He says it's a state issue, but opponents have concerns
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
5 spellbinding new books to read in October. Witches and colonization tales included.
The Week Recommends Ta-Nehisi Coates shines a light on Palestine, and Louise Erdrich takes us to North Dakota
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published