Commentary
Democratic Security
Drones Shot Down Latvia’s Government. How Others Can Avoid Such a Fate
19 May 2026
Peter Pellegrini triumphs in Slovak elections, signalling a new era of Russia-aligned leadership.
The Saturday victory of Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of Parliament, boosts Prime Minister Robert Fico and raises concerns about the rule of law, consolidating power and diverting Slovakia’s foreign policy direction from Western allies in the EU and NATO.
Moscow dubbed peace narrative wins more votes
Peter Pellegrini won in the second round of the presidential elections with 53% of the vote, defeating the pro-Western diplomat Ivan Korčok, who had the support of the democratic opposition. Pellegrini’s victory was aided by a record turnout of 61%, strong mobilisation of voters from the current government coalition, and support from radical anti-system voters and the Hungarian minority.
“I want to be a president who will protect and defend the national interests of Slovakia while respecting the country’s foreign policy orientation. I will do everything to keep Slovakia on the side of peace and not on the side of war, regardless of who criticises me for it,” Pellegrini declared from his election headquarters in Bratislava shortly after all votes were counted.
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