Miro Kern of Denník N argues that Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent moves reveal a calculated intent to entrench his power and sideline opposition parties from Slovakia’s parliament. According to Kern, these proposed electoral changes represent the most significant shift in the nation’s political landscape since Slovakia’s independence, posing a serious threat to democratic representation.
Kern contends that after a year in office, Fico’s strategy for maintaining control is now unmistakably clear. Over the weekend, Fico announced his intention to enact what Kern describes as “the most serious electoral system reforms since Slovakia’s independence.” According to Fico, the number of political parties in parliament must be reduced. “We must reduce the number of political parties represented in the National Council,” he stated on STVR, justifying his plans by pointing to Slovakia’s “around 100 parties” and suggesting that actions should be taken to curtail their number.
Fico’s first proposed step, Kern notes, is to increase the parliamentary threshold from 5% to 7%, a move Fico indicated with the rhetorical question, “I am not opposed to the idea of increasing the parliamentary threshold to 7%—why not?” Additionally, Fico plans to raise the election deposit from €17,000 to €500,000, a barrier that would likely prevent smaller parties from participating. While Fico claims that these changes would require “agreement with others” and would apply only to future electoral cycles, Kern questions whether these assurances should reassure those who fear for Slovakia’s democratic future.
Kern Warns of the Broader Implications for Slovak Democracy
Despite Fico’s language around consensus, Kern argues that these moves should be seen as a stark warning for Slovakia. Reflecting on Fico’s political history, Kern posits that the former coalition’s concerns about Smer’s long-term entrenchment of power were well-founded. To Kern, the coalition’s attempt to safeguard the proportional representation system by enshrining it in the constitution demonstrates that they anticipated the risk of a majority-based system favouring Fico’s party. Kern recalls Igor Matovič’s constitutional proposal, which was designed to require a supermajority of more than 90 parliamentary votes to make such a switch. “They sought to lock the door, but Fico has found a way to break a window,” Kern observes, suggesting that Fico’s proposed measures bypass the need for constitutional amendments, instead focusing on parliamentary vote thresholds.
A Calculated Move to Limit Opposition Access
Kern warns that Fico’s proposed changes have far-reaching implications. According to Kern, this shift in parliamentary entry requirements could lead to a dramatic reduction in opposition voices. Recent polling illustrates the stakes: under a 7% threshold, only a few parties would achieve representation, including Progressive Slovakia (22.6%), Smer (21.9%), Hlas (12.8%), and Republika (7.7%). Smaller parties, like KDH (6.9%) and SaS (6.2%), would be excluded. Kern points out that this would hand Smer and Hlas a parliamentary majority, potentially even without additional coalition partners. “With a few simple rule changes, Fico could effectively sideline his opposition and bolster his control,” Kern asserts.
The Role of Hlas and SNS in Supporting Fico’s Agenda
Kern believes that Fico will need the support of Hlas and SNS to enact these reforms, a backing they may be willing to provide. For SNS, polling below the 5% threshold, Fico’s support could ensure their parliamentary presence. Kern notes that a place on Smer’s electoral list or a coalition with Smer could offer SNS the lifeline it needs. As for Hlas, whose supporters largely favour coalition continuity, an alliance with Smer offers the best guarantee of sustained influence, according to Kern.
An Unexpected Response from President Pellegrini
In an unexpected twist, Kern points out that President Peter Pellegrini, a figure Fico likely considered an ally, has responded critically to these proposed reforms. Pellegrini urged Fico to prioritise “real problems,” advising the Prime Minister to focus on the urgent issues facing both Slovakia and Europe. “I would recommend that the Prime Minister refocus on real issues facing Slovakia and Europe,” the President remarked, casting doubt on Fico’s priorities and suggesting that electoral reform may be less pressing than Fico implies.
Slovakia’s Democratic Fabric at Risk
Kern contends that Fico’s proposals represent an alarming attempt to consolidate power at the expense of democratic diversity. “When Fico said he planned to ride into political battles ’on a big white horse,’ he likely didn’t expect to be poised for such a thorough consolidation of power so soon,” Kern concludes, adding that these electoral changes risk sidelining large segments of Slovakia’s electorate, diminishing the scope of parliamentary representation and tightening Fico’s grip on power.
Source: Miro Kern | Denník N
