PM Robert Fico’s Smer Party Faces Isolation in European Parliament After Split from S&D Group
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Loading... - Dorothea Engel
- 16 Jul 2024
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The leftist Smer party, led by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, is set to remain isolated in the European Parliament following a significant split from the Socialist and Democrats (S&D) group. Fico criticized the European Socialists & Democrats, asserting that they “have nothing in common” with true left-wing politics and social democracy. This rift underscores a growing ideological divide between Smer and its former European allies.
Key Points
Fico's Criticism: In a YouTube video, Fico expressed his discontent with the S&D group, emphasizing a divergence in political ideologies. This statement came shortly after Monika Benova, a veteran Smer politician, declared she would cease negotiations with socialists regarding Smer’s alignment with their European Parliament faction.
PES Suspension: The Party of European Socialists (PES), which serves as an umbrella organization for Europe’s Socialist parties, suspended Smer and its coalition partner, the centre-left Hlas party. This suspension followed their coalition with the far-right SNS last October.
Smer’s Stance: Fico stipulated that for Smer to consider rejoining the Socialist grouping, there must be a “sovereign” approach on key issues, including the war in Ukraine, migration, EU veto powers, and ethical matters. The Smer-led coalition had previously ceased state military aid to Ukraine and maintained a strong anti-immigration stance.
Political Alignments: Speculation suggests that Smer may join the “Patriots for Europe” group, initiated by Hungarian leader Viktor Orban. This group includes Austrian far-right FPO party leader Herbert Kickl and Czech ex-PM Andrej Babis, both of whom share similar political ideologies with Fico.
Historical Context
Founded in the early 2000s by Fico, Smer initially positioned itself as a “third-way party.” Over time, it captured a significant portion of Slovakia’s socialist electorate while integrating nationalist and conservative messages. The party's rhetoric often includes nostalgic references to the pre-1989 communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
Following the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fico shifted Smer’s focus towards a base more inclined towards conspiracy theories and anti-Western sentiments. This shift marked a departure from attempts to appeal to pro-EU voters.
The isolation of Smer in the European Parliament highlights the increasing polarization within European politics, particularly between traditional socialist values and the rising tide of populist and nationalist sentiments. As Fico and his party navigate this landscape, their alignment with far-right groups and departure from socialist allies signal a significant shift in Slovakia’s political dynamics.
