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The Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the following migration waves, inflation and energy crises have certainly contributed significantly to the fall of Igor Matovič’s coalition formed after the 2020 parliamentary election. However, the main cause of instability and the eventual collapse of the government was a series of personal animosities between the leaders of the coalition parties. The vote of no confidence and the gradual exit of the coalition ministers finally culminated in the appointment of a caretaker government of experts in June of this year. This should lead the country until the snap elections planned for September 30th.

Four opposition parties are promising a stable government after months of domestic turmoil. Former Prime Minister Robert Fico and his left-wing nationalist party SMER-SSD enjoy the highest popularity, followed by the “Progressive Slovakia”. The SMER-SSD renegades, organized in the HLAS-SD party, are currently in third place. One of the post-election scenarios could see the return of Robert Fico and his SMER-SSD party, associated with corrupt practices, a mafia-like political culture and Russia-friendly politics. What role play the war in Ukraine and current narratives in the pre-election campaigns? Should we really expect change in Slovakia’s foreign policy consisting an end to military support for Ukraine? Experts from Slovakia and Austria analyse the current situation ahead of the snap parliamentary elections.