Slovakia President to Swear in New Cabinet as Former Populist Prime Minister Returns; Controversial Environment Minister Nominee Replaced

Former Prime Minister Robert Fico's leftist Smer party to form government with maiden coalition partners; new environmental nominee Tomas Tabara known for controversial statements, as Slovakia's cabinet is set to be confirmed.

• The new Cabinet in Slovakia is set to be led by former Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose leftist Smer party won the most seats in recent parliamentary elections and formed a coalition with the Hlas (Voice) party and the Slovak National Party.
• The coalition has been asked to replace the nominee for the environment minister, Rudolf Huliak, who has been known to deny the threat of climate change and oppose Slovakia's international environmental obligations.
• The Slovak National Party replaced their initial nominee with Tomas Tabara, a candidate also known for controversial environmental views.
• Slovak President Zuzana Caputova, who won't run for a second term next year, initially rejected Huliak's nomination and will swear in the new Cabinet.
• The formation of the new Slovak government continues to be controversial due to Fico’s pro-Russian and anti-American stance, along with his intention to withdraw Slovakia's military support for Ukraine.

3 Articles

Washington Post Associated Press Reuters