Orbán criticizes Robert Fico's performance

This commentary appears in a newsletter from the investigative portal Vsquare, highlighting a shift in Orbán's perception of his ally's effectiveness.

Political Support Uncertain

Despite Orbán's criticism, it seems he has not completely abandoned Fico. According to Vsquare, the Digital Sovereignty Center, responsible for campaign strategies, has played a role in supporting Fico's political comeback. Reports suggest that Fico's party, Smer, maintains close ties with Budapest, with regular visits from Smer politicians for campaign advice and polling data. However, the political and financial backing from Orbán appears increasingly uncertain amid challenges facing Fico's government.

Recent Meetings and Protests

The two leaders last met on January 21 in Bratislava, shortly after Fico managed to thwart a no-confidence vote against him in parliament. They shared a press conference where they criticized Ukraine, Brussels, and praised the recent inauguration of Donald Trump. Meanwhile, anti-government protests erupted in Slovakia, with thousands expressing anger over corruption within Fico's administration. In response, a group of 855 psychologists and psychiatrists publicly urged Fico to step down for the sake of democracy in Slovakia. In a defensive stance, Fico claimed that external forces, including a Georgian organization, were conspiring against him.

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