Slovak parliament fires opposition leader from parliament position
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Loading... - Heather Carter
- 20 Sep 2024
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Slovakia's parliament dismissed opposition leader Michal Simecka from his role as deputy speaker on Tuesday, in a move seen by many as deepening the country's political divisions. Simecka, leader of the largest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, condemned the dismissal, calling it an attack on democratic standards and a distraction from the pressing needs of the nation.
The dismissal came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Prime Minister Robert Fico and the opposition. Fico's ruling coalition, which leans toward leftist-nationalist ideologies, has accused Simecka's family of misusing public funds through nongovernmental organizations, allegations that Simecka has denied as false. Fico also criticized Simecka for calling public protests last month after the Culture Ministry cut funding to organizations allegedly connected to him.
Fico defended the parliament's decision, stating that Simecka had "abused democratic institutions" by urging people to protest and asserting that there were "a million reasons" for his dismissal. He also noted that the deputy speaker post, traditionally reserved for the opposition, could be filled by another representative.
This move comes amid escalating tensions in Slovakia’s political landscape, with Fico accusing past governments of targeting him through fabricated criminal investigations, while the opposition contends that Fico is undermining the rule of law to cover up corruption. Fico, who returned to power in 2022 after adopting pro-Russian views on Ukraine and criticizing Western liberal values, has long targeted NGOs, associating them with the opposition.
