Slovak PM Fico's ally seen facing pro-EU ex-minister in presidential run-off, projections show

The war in Ukraine, high inflation and chaotic governance under an opposition-led coalition from 2020-2023 have polarised debate in the NATO and European Union member state. The government's attempts to revamp the country's criminal laws and restrict media freedoms have also led to street protests and criticism from President Zuzana Caputova, 50, who has been a fierce opponent of Fico but did not seek a new term.

An ally of Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and a pro-EU former foreign minister were seen advancing to a run-off presidential vote, an election model published by broadcaster RTVS showed on Saturday after a first round of voting.

Slovakia's presidential election is a chance for Fico, whose views on Ukraine have angered critics for veering too close to Russia, to strengthen his grip on power. The war in Ukraine, high inflation and chaotic governance under an opposition-led coalition from 2020-2023 have polarised debate in the NATO and European Union member state.

The government's attempts to revamp the country's criminal laws and restrict media freedoms have also led to street protests and criticism from President Zuzana Caputova, 50, who has been a fierce opponent of Fico but did not seek a new term. A presidential run-off vote between the top two candidates is scheduled for April 6, in the likely case that neither received a majority in Saturday's first round.

Projections by Median SK agency for RTVS showed Peter Pellegrini, 48, the parliament speaker who heads junior government party Hlas (Voice), likely grabbing 34.3% of the first round vote. Ivan Korcok, 59, who was foreign minister in a past government, likely gained 34.9% of votes. Results should be known later on Saturday.

A Russian-leaning former Supreme Court chief, Stefan Harabin, was seen coming third in the Median SK projections after gaining support from a nationalist party that is also in the government coalition. Fico and his ruling leftist Smer party won a parliamentary election last September with pledges to halt military aid to Ukraine and maintain support for people hit by price surges.

Pellegrini, a former prime minister and ex-member of Smer, was a key figure in forming the coalition. Korcok is seeking to prevent the government from gaining the seat of the president, a position that does not wield many executive powers but has a role in government and judicial appointments, vetoing laws and shaping public debate as the liberal Caputova has often done.

Voters in the past have often rejected giving ruling parties both the government and presidential offices. Caputova won the last presidential election in 2019, riding an anti-corruption wave aimed at Fico's party, which was in power then. "(People) know what I represent... It is their decision now," Korcok said after casting his vote on Saturday.

SPLIT VIEWS ON UKRAINE Fico has abruptly shifted parts of Slovakia's foreign policy, ending state military supplies to Ukraine - while still allowing commercial supply deals - and opening dialogue with Moscow even as the EU isolates the Russian regime.

Pellegrini has said Slovakia will remain anchored in the EU and NATO but, like Fico, says the conflict in Ukraine does not have a military solution and supports peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow - a stance Korcok and other critics say is capitulation when parts of Ukraine are occupied. Fico's coalition government has pushed criminal law changes that critics say weaken the fight against corruption. Caputova, as president, has challenged the changes at the Constitutional Court.

The government's decision to shut a dedicated state graft prosecution unit was heavily criticised by the European Commission this week. Fico's administration is planning changes that will give it more control over public broadcaster RTVS, raising concern among advocates for press freedom. Korcok has criticised the government's push for more power.

Analysts say a Pellegrini victory would help Fico's government. Polls before Saturday showed Pellegrini as the likely winner in a run-off with Korcok.