Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, from the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), has expressed his commitment to strengthening the collaboration between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He extended his best wishes to the Slovaks, hoping that their post-election negotiations would lead to the formation of an effective government. Fiala shared his sentiments regarding the Slovak parliamentary elections through the social network X. Furthermore, leaders of the five-party coalition in the Czech Republic have also conveyed their desire to maintain the existing above-average relations with the future Slovak government.

In his message, Prime Minister Fiala stated, “I closely followed the results of the Slovak elections, and I extend my best wishes to the Slovaks for successful post-election negotiations that result in the formation of a capable government. I am confident that we will continue our close cooperation at the governmental level for the mutual benefit of our countries.” He underscored the historical ties, geographical proximity, and friendly relations that link the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The recent Slovak elections saw Robert Fico’s Smer-Social Democracy (Smer-SD) emerge victorious, with Progressive Slovakia (PS) led by Michal Šimečka coming in second and Peter Pellegrini’s Voice-SD securing third place.

Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the citizens and expressed the Czech Republic’s interest in maintaining exceptional relations with Slovakia.

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Party, Marian Jurečka, expressed his hope that Slovakia will succeed in forming a government committed to a pro-Western and pro-democratic path. Jurečka welcomed the results of the Slovak People’s Party and wished for Slovakia to establish a government that upholds the country’s pro-Western and pro-democratic orientation while remaining a reliable partner and ally.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš (Pirates) expressed confidence in the future Slovak cabinet’s ability to continue the above-average cooperation between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Bartoš highlighted the common history and European future shared by both countries and expressed optimism that the future Slovak government would uphold the current high level of cooperation with the Czech Republic.

Deputy Prime Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN) viewed the results of the Slovak elections as a lesson for the Czech Republic as well. He emphasized the need to communicate the benefits of liberal democracy and create a society resilient to fear.

Markéta Pekarová Adamová, head of TOP 09 and speaker of the lower house, also expressed her desire for the formation of a government in Slovakia with a Euro-Atlantic orientation, capable of calming the polarized society. She noted the strong ties between the Czech Republic and Slovakia and expressed confidence that these relations would persist.

Pekarová Adamová advised against making premature judgments regarding statements made by Robert Fico about ending military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of considering the positions of all parties that may form a government. She also highlighted the lessons to be learned from the Slovak elections, particularly the challenges posed by political fragmentation within the democratic spectrum.

Article by Prague Forum