In its 6th parliamentary election held on Feb 29., Slovaks took a strong stance against the corrupt practices of the center-left, nationalist and populist party ‘Smer-SD’ that has dominated for 18 years. At a time when its fellow EU and NATO members are turning to nationalism, 10-year-young Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (Olano) took the first non-nationalist party win with 25 percent of the vote share. It was unable to acquire the required majority of 90 seats; as a result, parties with 5 percent or more of the vote are presently in conversation with Olano in an effort to build a coalition government. The historic nature of this election and the presence of a broad range of ideologies complicate the process.
The shift in public opinion was sparked by corruption allegations against Smer regarding the 2018 shooting of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancé Martina Kusnirova, which caused the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The trial of oligarch Marian Kocner exposed deep-rooted corruption in the country, inspiring an Olano campaign, led by party leader and millionaire Igor Matovic, marked by slogans like “Let’s beat the mafia together.”
Olano’s election success is celebratory, yet concerning given its appeal to Slovakian centre-right LNSN’s neo-Nazi voter base. This is indicative of issues Olano will face as it begins negotiations with SaS (liberal), Za Ludi (centre-right), and Sme Rodina (right). As an added obstacle, Olano did little to elucidate its policies for a country in need of health, education, and immigration reforms during its campaign for parliamentary seats. The party’s inexperience and unstable membership are bound to keep critics on their toes.
Nearly a year after Slovaks elected their first female president and within this anti-corruption victory lies the contradiction that the progressive ideology of Olano, which overthrew the left, still leaves Slovakia with few socially liberal movements. Matovic’s victory also continues the trend of political outsiders taking office, which will have repercussions on local politics going forward.
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