Fico is willing to step down to avert early election
Prime Minister Robert Fico is willing to resign if president Andrej Kiska respects continuation of the current coalition and Smer’s pick as a new Prime Minister. If the president provides those guarantees, Smer will present its new Prime Minister today. Fico explained that an early election would lead to instability and chaos, and the current opposition parties are not ready for government. SNS supports Fico’s decision. Most-Híd praises the decision, which should calm the situation. Without the three ruling parties, parliament can’t call an early election.
It remains to be seen whether Kiska will agree to Fico’s conditions, and Smer’s new PM will definitely play a role in his decision. Smer is likely to put forward Deputy PM Peter Pellegrini. Kiska also demands that the parties prove the support of at least 76 MPs. Not all of the 15 Most-Híd MPs may back the government.
Justice Minister Lucia Žitňanská (Most-Híd) has already announced she will not be a part of the new government. The coalition has lost one MP in her.
Denisa Saková should be new Interior Minister and Erik Tomáš new Culture Minister according to unofficial sources. Both are close confidants of Robert Kaliňák. Saková may pose a problem for Most-Híd as she is no guarantee of changes in the police needed for successful investigation into tax frauds of Bašternák and Kočner.
