Slovaks Want the West, Fear Russia, Trust NATO—But Demand Neutrality
A recent public opinion survey exposes deep contradictions in Slovak society: 63.5% of respondents want Slovakia to align with the West, yet 50% simultaneously call for neutrality. While 51.5% see Russia as a security threat, a striking 38.6% do not. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s foreign policy finds support among only 32.6% of respondents, while a clear majority of 55% disapprove. Although NATO membership enjoys strong backing at 70.6%, half the country resists increasing defence spending, and only 12% would support military assistance if a neighbouring country, such as Poland, were attacked. Slovakia’s public opinion on security is defined by hesitation, paradox, and reluctance to commit.
The survey indicates that 63.5% of Slovaks prefer Slovakia to align with the West, while 19.2% favour an orientation toward the East. Vašečka describes this as an overwhelmingly pro-Western result but cautions that nearly one-fifth of the population seeking closer ties with the East remains a significant figure. This divide extends to attitudes toward the government’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s approach finds support among 32.6% of respondents, but a clear majority of 55% express dissatisfaction. Vašečka notes that while some may debate whether this is a glass-half-full or half-empty scenario, the figures show that critics of Fico’s foreign policy outnumber his supporters by a wide margin.
Slovaks are similarly split on broader questions of international engagement. The concept of a “coalition of the willing,” referring to Slovakia’s potential participation in international security initiatives, is backed by 54.4% of respondents, while 31% oppose it. Vašečka highlights that those against such involvement remain in the minority. However, despite majority support for Slovakia’s active role in global security matters, the perception of threats remains inconsistent. 51.5% of respondents consider Russia a security threat, while 38.6% do not. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine, Vašečka finds it striking that nearly 40% reject the idea of Russia posing a danger.
These inconsistencies extend to attitudes on military spending. Half of the population (50%) opposes increasing defence expenditure, with only 27% supporting a moderate rise to 2.5% of GDP and a mere 10% advocating for an increase to 3% or more. Vašečka remarks that those willing to boost defence spending significantly form a small and isolated group. A similar contradiction emerges in Slovakia’s stance toward NATO. While 70.6% support NATO membership, 50% simultaneously believe Slovakia should be neutral. Vašečka points out the paradox of wanting to be in a military alliance while aspiring to neutrality, suggesting that many Slovaks may not fully grasp the implications of these positions.
The survey also reveals limited willingness to provide military assistance in case of conflict in a neighbouring country. Nearly 50% of respondents say Slovakia should offer only humanitarian aid, 30% advocate for full neutrality, and just 12% support military involvement in accordance with international law. Vašečka notes that if Slovakia were faced with a scenario in which a neighbouring country, such as Poland, were attacked, the majority of Slovaks would avoid military engagement, with only a small fraction willing to take a more active role.
Ultimately, the survey underscores a deep ambivalence within Slovak society. While NATO membership and Western alignment enjoy strong majority support, public opinion on defence spending, Russia, and international military involvement reflects uncertainty, contradictions, and a preference for minimal commitment. Vašečka highlights these paradoxes as a defining characteristic of Slovakia’s current political mindset.
Source: Michal Vašečka | Ako zachrániť demokraciu | Denník N
