New findings revealed that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stayed in a €1400-per-night ocean-view suite at the JW Marriott resort on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island as early as 27 December, following his secretive visit to Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This adds to prior revelations of his €5470-per-night stay at Hanoi’s Capella Hotel, raising serious concerns about how these extravagant expenses—far exceeding his official monthly salary of €11,200—were financed. Despite eyewitness accounts confirming his presence with his partner until at least 1 January, the Slovak government has remained silent, intensifying speculation about undisclosed income or external sponsorship and fuelling broader criticism of Fico’s lack of transparency and accountability.
Recent investigations have confirmed that one of Fico’s video broadcasts following his meeting with Vladimir Putin was filmed in a suite at the JW Marriott resort on Phu Quoc island, Vietnam. The suite, identified through its distinctive furnishings—including a chair, lamp, curtains, and a specific style of stool—offers ocean views and costs €1400 per night outside holiday periods. Eyewitnesses report seeing Fico at the resort with his partner as late as 1 January 2025.
This follows earlier revelations that Fico had stayed in the Grand Opera Madam Butterfly suite at the Capella Hanoi hotel, which costs €5470 per night. The Hanoi location was linked to a video released on 2 January, but the newly identified Phu Quoc setting dates back to an earlier period, suggesting Fico’s extended absence from Slovakia included multiple luxury stops.
Fico’s Spending Fuels Growing Concerns
Fico’s penchant for opulent accommodations stands in stark contrast to his official monthly salary of €11,200, raising serious questions about the source of his funds. Concerns persist that such expenses may have been covered by undisclosed income or external sponsors, such as business interests or lobbying groups, who could seek political favour in return.
Critics argue that Fico’s long-standing association with luxury lifestyles underscores a broader pattern of questionable accountability. This most recent discovery, coupled with the government’s continued refusal to provide transparency about Fico’s travels, has deepened concerns about governance in Slovakia. These issues highlight the urgent need for greater public accountability and a robust system to ensure that public officials are not compromised by external influences or conflicts of interest.
