Slovakia’s President has sworn in Samuel Migaľ as Minister of Investments and Regional Development, completing a government reshuffle. This appointment stemmed from an agreement between three coalition parties, boosting the power of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer (Direction) party.
Under the agreement, the coalition’s junior partners, Hlas (Voice) and the Slovak National Party (SNS), relinquished control of one ministry each, enhancing Smer’s influence over the government.
Smer Strengthens Control Over Key Ministries
The new arrangement grants Smer control over nine ministries, while Hlas oversees six, and the Slovak National Party controls two. The agreement resolved a crisis that had threatened the coalition’s parliamentary majority. Originally, the coalition held 79 seats in the 150-member National Council before four lawmakers, including Migaľ and three others, broke away from their factions.
These lawmakers did not join the opposition but sought government positions in exchange for their support. Their demands complicated the government’s ability to implement policies.
Another Hlas dissenter, Radomír Šalitroš, will serve as a state secretary under Migaľ. Meanwhile, Rudolf Huliak, an SNS member, has already assumed the role of Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Political Shifts and Public Protests
Former Investment Minister Richard Raši resigned and is expected to become parliamentary speaker, replacing Peter Pellegrini, who won the presidential election last year.
Robert Fico remains a divisive figure in Slovak politics, with many citizens opposing his perceived pro-Russia stance. Since taking office in 2023, Fico has cut financial and military aid to Ukraine and pledged to block its NATO membership.
His policies have sparked widespread protests across Slovakia, as many citizens express dissatisfaction with his foreign policy direction.