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SLOVAKIA: Coalition Resorts To Obstruction To Block Repeat No-Confidence Debate

SLOVAKIA
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The opposition is struggling to call an extraordinary session of the National Council and force a debate on a no-confidence motion against the government, despite repeated efforts this morning. Pravda reports that Slovakia's unicameral parliament has just failed to reach a quorum of 76 (50%+1) of all MPs on second attempt, following two unsuccessful attempts on Tuesday.

  • The original no-confidence motion was tabled earlier this month, but the opposition withdrew it when Prime Minister Robert Fico requested that the debate was held behind closed doors, arguing that he had to present confidential information obtained from the Slovak intelligence agency. Fico subsequently revealed that coalition MPs would not support another motion to open an extraordinary meeting of the legislature.
  • It seems that the ruling coalition has managed to cling onto a tentative razor-thin majority of 76 MPs for the duration of the ordinary February parliamentary session. SME reports that Roman Malatinec (Hlas) and three rebel MPs from SNS will help the government open the meeting and vote on the proposed healthcare and construction laws. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition will likely pull more controversial items from the agenda.
  • At the same time, the coalition's control over the legislature remains exceedingly fragile and contingent. The coalition can count on the stable support of just 72 lawmakers, with another seven votes hanging in the air. The opposition would need 76 votes to oust the government and 90 votes to dissolve the legislature and force a snap election.
  • The next opportunity to table a no-confidence motion will be during the aforementioned regular session, which is scheduled to begin on February 4. However, the opposition would need active support from some of the rebel MPs, which may be difficult to achieve, given that some of them signalled their intention to vote with the government at this session.
  • Amid difficulties with securing stable parliamentary support, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky yesterday said that the bulk of fiscal consolidation measures will be delayed until 2026. However, he noted that his ministry is working on a package that would reduce deficit by at least EUR650mn in 2026, with the intention to boost this figure to EUR800-850mn.
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The opposition is struggling to call an extraordinary session of the National Council and force a debate on a no-confidence motion against the government, despite repeated efforts this morning. Pravda reports that Slovakia's unicameral parliament has just failed to reach a quorum of 76 (50%+1) of all MPs on second attempt, following two unsuccessful attempts on Tuesday.

  • The original no-confidence motion was tabled earlier this month, but the opposition withdrew it when Prime Minister Robert Fico requested that the debate was held behind closed doors, arguing that he had to present confidential information obtained from the Slovak intelligence agency. Fico subsequently revealed that coalition MPs would not support another motion to open an extraordinary meeting of the legislature.
  • It seems that the ruling coalition has managed to cling onto a tentative razor-thin majority of 76 MPs for the duration of the ordinary February parliamentary session. SME reports that Roman Malatinec (Hlas) and three rebel MPs from SNS will help the government open the meeting and vote on the proposed healthcare and construction laws. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition will likely pull more controversial items from the agenda.
  • At the same time, the coalition's control over the legislature remains exceedingly fragile and contingent. The coalition can count on the stable support of just 72 lawmakers, with another seven votes hanging in the air. The opposition would need 76 votes to oust the government and 90 votes to dissolve the legislature and force a snap election.
  • The next opportunity to table a no-confidence motion will be during the aforementioned regular session, which is scheduled to begin on February 4. However, the opposition would need active support from some of the rebel MPs, which may be difficult to achieve, given that some of them signalled their intention to vote with the government at this session.
  • Amid difficulties with securing stable parliamentary support, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky yesterday said that the bulk of fiscal consolidation measures will be delayed until 2026. However, he noted that his ministry is working on a package that would reduce deficit by at least EUR650mn in 2026, with the intention to boost this figure to EUR800-850mn.