Europe

Slovakia
Last reviewed: 5 December 2008

Country information

See entire profile

POLITICS

Recent Political Developments

National elections were held on 17 June 2006 and a new coalition government was formed, led by Robert Fico. The new coalition of SMER, LS-HZDS and SNS saw the return to government of the parties of former Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar and nationalist Jan Slota. Under the coalition agreement neither Meciar nor Slota hold office, though they are members of the coalition council.

While on the domestic front the new government has vowed to roll back some of the reforms of the past few years mainly in healthcare, social benefits and taxation, it has also pledged to uphold Slovakia’s EU, NATO and international obligations.

Ivan Gasparovic was elected President, replacing Rudolf Schuster, in April 2004. He was inaugurated on 15 June 2004. The President's term of office is 5 years.