Slovak parliament approved Robert Fico's programme to suspend military aid to Ukraine

Prime Minister Robert Fico's Government Programme, which pa number of actions, including the complete suspension of the provision of military assistance to Ukraine has been approved by the Slovak Parliament. As part of erstwhile decisions, the Slovak Parliament approved the continuation of Fico's policy. A key component of the programme is the suspension of state military aid to Ukraine, as well as the gradual simplification of the budget deficit and the introduction of a fresh banking tax.

Last week, a fresh ruling coalition, centered around the SMER-SSD party, adopted its political agenda, which was now approved by Parliament. According to this plan, a peculiar taxation on bank profits is planned as well as a crucial simplification in mortgage interest rates. The Fico government's precedence is to reduce the state deficit to 0.5% of GDP by 2024, in contrast to the current nearly 7% of GDP this year. Slovakia is simply a leader among the euro area.

In addition, the Slovak Parliament-approved government programme provides for the suspension of authoritative military assistance to Ukraine by Slovakia. Bratislava seeks to end the conflict in the east, while accepting the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. The government under Fica is besides opposed to abolishing the veto in the European Union and does not agree to modifications in the EU treaties.

The opposition organization in Slovakia opposed the program, arguing with Fic's attacks on independent media and firing advanced police officers who investigated members of the fresh ruling coalition.

It is worth recalling that in early November the current Robert Fic's government did not approve a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, worth more than EUR 40 million, in line with the electoral promises. This package was intended to cover mainly ammunition, including 4 million Kal bullets. 7.62 mm, over 5 1000 artillery missiles. 125 mm and 140 rockets for Cuba anti-aircraft systems. Additionally, 8 mortars along with 1,200 rounds of ammunition were to hit Ukraine. The representatives of the Smer Party, which won the September parliamentary elections, pledged to decision distant from the policies of their predecessors and to halt providing military aid to Ukraine.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Slovakia has provided Ukraine with a full of 13 military aid packages worth over EUR 670 million.

The fresh Minister of abroad Affairs of Slovakia, Juraj Blanar, previously stated that Ukraine has no chance of ending the conflict with Russia with military means. In his opinion, the only way to peace is to negotiate.

A period ago, the president of Slovakia, Zuzan Čaputov, refused to send additional military assistance to Ukraine, due to the opposition of the parties that prevailed in the September parliamentary elections.

As has already been reported, in late October the ruling Robert Fico declared to parliamentarians that he would meet his pre-election promises to halt military support for Ukraine, focusing solely on humanitarian aid.

Unlike the erstwhile liberal government that provided strong support to Ukraine, Slovakia under Fica leadership closes the door for arms transportation and thus for the continuation of erstwhile government actions supporting Ukraine.