Monitor: Fico Calls 2026 Budget a Priority, Rules Out Confidence Vote Link

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 28 June) Speaking on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues), Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) claimed he has identified the approval of the 2026 state budget as a top priority, warning against the country entering a budgetary impasse. Fico ruled out tying the budget vote in Parliament to a confidence vote in his government. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for cooperation within the governing coalition to pass the budget. „We will absolutely not increase defense spending. We must find 76 or 77 votes to approve the budget. If our coalition partners from Voice-SD and SNS want to continue in government, they will have to come to an agreement. If we can’t reach one, I can’t imagine operating under a provisional budget,” he said. Fico also reiterated that Slovakia will not raise its defense budget next year, and anticipates the same stance will apply in 2027. He stated that Slovakia is meeting the capability commitments expected by NATO, but any potential increase in defense-related funding should be directed toward civilian projects. „We fulfill the capabilities expected by NATO, but if additional resources are needed in the defense sector, they must go toward civilian initiatives,” Fico added. mf