Prime Minister Robert Fico’s proposal to raise the electoral threshold from five to seven percent is viewed as a calculated step to consolidate his party’s dominance. According to SME analysis, if enacted, the measure would likely prevent Fico’s main opposition, Progressive Slovakia, from forming a coalition government in the next elections in 2027—making it highly probable that Fico’s party, Smer, would continue to lead the government.
A Power-Consolidating Vision Ahead of 2027
Fico argues that this proposed threshold increase would streamline governance by reducing smaller parties in parliament, but analysts see it as a tactical move to secure his political future. The SME analysis indicates that under a seven percent threshold, recent election results suggest only a limited number of parties—most notably Fico’s Smer and its potential allies—would be able to meet the criteria, granting them a clear path to dominate future legislative outcomes.
This would directly impact Fico’s primary rival, Progressive Slovakia, by making it far more challenging to form a coalition government. By effectively sidelining his main opposition in this way, Fico’s party would face fewer obstacles, creating a strong likelihood of Smer retaining control after 2027.
An Outlier in the European Union
If enacted, Slovakia’s seven percent entry threshold would be the highest in the EU, where five percent is the maximum threshold in most countries. Larger European nations adhere to this lower standard to allow diverse representation. Fico’s proposal would place Slovakia in a category with few others, such as Lichtenstein, where higher thresholds are applied for unique demographic reasons rather than as standard democratic practice. Observers suggest that Slovakia’s democratic inclusivity and balance would be undermined by a threshold that limits parliamentary access for smaller, emerging parties.
Democratic Implications: Reduced Competition, Limited Opposition
The SME analysis underscores that, under Fico’s envisioned system, parliament would likely see fewer parties in future elections, specifically disadvantaging opposition forces like Progressive Slovakia. With Progressive Slovakia unable to form a coalition under such rules, competition would be stifled, and Fico’s continued leadership after 2027 would become more probable. Critics argue that these changes would reduce voters’ options and weaken Slovakia’s democratic foundations by narrowing the political playing field to favour established powers.
Additionally, the proposal to raise registration fees from €17,000 to €500,000 for parties would further limit competition by discouraging smaller parties from participating in the electoral process.
Though still an idea, Fico’s proposal signals a potential shift in Slovakia’s democratic landscape. If advanced, it could serve as a precedent in the EU, raising questions about democratic inclusivity and Slovakia’s commitment to balanced representation.
Source: Michal Katuška, Martin Vančo | SME
