Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico has resigned in a remarkable turn of events set off by the murder of an investigative journalist just two weeks ago. Fico had been confident in the initial days following the horrific murder, but suspicion mounted that the journalist’s demise was connected with his work on the connection of Italian organized crime groups and highly placed political figures. This cost first the interior minister’s job but Fico’s position began to deteriorate quickly after a massive wave of demonstrations across the country last Friday. His party colleague Peter Pellegrini was called upon by the president to establish a new government.
Otilia Dhand of Teneo Intelligence, writes that “Fico’s resignation may prove to be just a stopgap solution to stem the immediate crisis. The new government would likely rely on a very thin parliamentary majority supported by independents. Given numerous allegations of corruption, ongoing public protests, and the investigation of the double murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, the next crisis may be just weeks away. Should the coalition splinter, Fico may be left with no options other than to agree to early elections.”
