Former prime minister Robert Fico, president of Smer-SD, presented his party's foreign policy priorities. He pointed out that although the country's existence is EU and NATO membership, not all good things come from Brussels or Washington. As prime minister, he would veto Ukraine's NATO membership, restore relations with Russia after the war, and advocate for the renewal of the mutually beneficial V4 cooperation. .
Smer-SD considers membership of the European Union important, but reserves the right to express different views and criticisms regarding the operation of the EU and its institutions, stated party leader Robert Fico at his press conference on Tuesday, where he explained Smer-SD's foreign policy priorities. He stated
it must be respected that every country can go its own way and manage its internal affairs.
For Smer-SD, the protection of the interests of the nation-state is the priority. If the party becomes a member of the new government, Fico wants to coordinate the basic foreign policy positions with EU partners and NATO member states. "EU and NATO membership is the essence of Slovakia," he reminded, but added,
not everything that comes from Brussels or Washington is right and fair.
He does not wish to consult with EU and NATO partners in matters that threaten the interests of the nation-state, for example, he considers attempts to revoke the member states' right of veto on some fundamental issues to be such. He also does not agree with the EU's sanctions policy if it threatens Slovakia's economic interests and the standard of living of the population. They will not support climate protection and environmental protection proposals that would threaten the competitiveness of the national economy or the competitiveness of the EU as a whole.
Smer-SD would continue government-level cooperation with, for example, China, Vietnam, Cuba and other states that are not members of NATO or the EU. He also touched on the restoration of relations with Russia.
"Once the war in Ukraine ends, it will be our duty to restore relations with the Russian Federation. You cannot be separated from the world by a tin fence"
- said Fico, emphasizing that the EU and Russia mutually need each other. He also added that they are ready to provide "humanitarian and other" assistance to Ukraine.
Smer-SD opposes the EU proposals for the mandatory admission of illegal migrants, as well as the plan to sanction member states that reject this. He also rejects the use of military force to resolve conflicts without international authorization or in violation of international law, and also opposes Slovakia's defense spending rising above 2 percent of GDP.
If Smer-SD becomes a member of the new government, it will not consider as valid the obligations assumed by the expert government during the arms purchase contracts, and it also wants to reevaluate the defense cooperation agreement with the USA.
The party refuses to prolong the war conflict in Ukraine, does not want to support Ukraine militarily, and will call for immediate peace negotiations. Fico stated that if he becomes prime minister, he will present this proposal at all meetings of the European Council. He also stated
Smer-SD would veto the admission of Ukraine to NATO. The party will also advocate for the renewal of the mutually beneficial V4 cooperation.
(TASR/ Felvidék.ma )
Photo: MTI/EPA/Stephanie Lecocq
