Fico’s Fourth Term: Power, Revenge, and Political Controversy
Robert Fico, leader of Slovakia’s Smer-SD party, has returned to power for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister following the September 2023 parliamentary elections. The event marks two decades since Smer first won power in 2006, with Fico’s reappointment raising questions about his political trajectory and the party’s influence. A new book, *Fico – Posadnutý pomstou* (Fico – Possessed by Vengeance), explores his return to government and the controversies surrounding it, including allegations of a “plan for revenge” against political opponents.
The book, the second in a series, began as a personal project by the author after Fico’s 2023 election victory. It builds on earlier reflections in *Fico – Posadnutý mocou* (Fico – Possessed by Power), where the author described Fico as a “cynic” who prioritized political career over public service. The new volume covers events from the 2023 elections through early 2025, including tensions between Fico’s party and media, civil society, and opposition figures.
A notable incident occurred in September 2023, when members of Smer’s “young wolves” faction, led by Erik Kaliňák, confronted the author at a book launch in Bratislava. They presented what the author described as “a gift” — a mock-up of his book with his own image and a revised title, *Bárdy: Posadnutý Ficom* (Bards: Possessed by Fico). The group claimed the author had violated electoral laws, though the author dismissed the accusation as baseless. The encounter highlighted ongoing friction between Fico’s allies and critics, including allegations of intimidation against journalists, and activists.
The author notes that Fico’s political persona has evolved significantly since his first term. In the 2023 campaign, he shifted from advocating for democracy and media protection to a more combative stance, described as “poisoning the well” to erode public trust in institutions. This transformation has raised concerns about the direction of Slovak politics, with some comparing it to broader trends in Central and Eastern Europe.
Why It Matters
Fico’s return to power underscores his enduring influence in Slovak politics, despite controversies including allegations of corruption and the 2018 murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. The author argues that Fico’s approach reflects a strategic focus on “revenge” against political adversaries, a theme explored in the new book. This dynamic has implications for Slovakia’s democratic institutions, media freedom, and civil society.
The author also highlights the role of Smer’s “young wolves” in shaping the party’s post-election strategy. Their aggressive tactics—such as the 2023 confrontation with the author—suggest a pattern of behavior that could affect political discourse and public trust in governance.
What May Happen Next
Analysts suggest Fico’s fourth government could deepen polarization in Slovak society, particularly if his administration continues to prioritize party loyalty over institutional reforms. The author notes that Fico’s political style, characterized by a “relentless pursuit of power,” may lead to further clashes with media and opposition forces. However, the exact trajectory of his policies remains uncertain, as it depends on internal party dynamics and broader geopolitical factors.
Another possible development is increased scrutiny of Smer’s alliances and decision-making processes. The author references historical parallels, such as the erosion of democratic norms in Hungary under Viktor Orbán, to highlight the risks of unchecked political consolidation. However, the author emphasizes that these outcomes are not inevitable and depend on societal responses and institutional resilience.
The author also addresses the psychological toll of political conflict, citing research on election stress and its impact on mental health. While the book itself is not a solution to these challenges, it serves as a record of events that critics argue must not be forgotten.
As Slovakia navigates this new political era, the author’s work invites readers to reflect on the balance between political ambition, public accountability, and the preservation of democratic norms.
What does Fico’s return to power mean for the future of democratic governance in Slovakia?
–> Frequently Asked Questions What triggered the author’s decision to write a second book on Robert Fico? The author began the second book, *Fico – Posadnutý pomstou*, shortly after the September 2023 election, which saw Fico return to power. The author felt it was important to document his political evolution, particularly the shift in tone and strategy observed during the campaign. What role did the “young wolves” of Smer play in the author’s experience? Members of Smer’s “young wolves” faction, led by Erik Kaliňák, confronted the author at a book launch in September 2023. They presented a mock-up of his book, accusing him of violating electoral laws. The author described the incident as an example of the party’s broader pattern of aggressive tactics against critics. How does the author describe Fico’s political trajectory? The author portrays Fico as a politician who has consistently prioritized personal and party interests over public service. The new book emphasizes a shift in his approach, suggesting he is now driven by a “desire for revenge” against political opponents, a theme the author argues has deepened since his first term in the early 2000s.