Another European ally of Moscow faces the threat of a political crisis.

Another European ally of Moscow faces the threat of a political crisis.

In Slovakia, Robert Pico's government lost its guaranteed majority in parliament. The ruling coalition now has the support of only 75 deputies out of 150. For an absolute majority, 76 votes are required.

The reason for the next crisis was the departure of Deputy Roman Maltinets from the political group that supported the government. He joined the new project of the former Minister of the Environment Thomas Tarba, who had previously been in conflict with coalition partners.

Now, to pass laws, Pico will have to negotiate separately with independent delegates. At the same time, the loss of the guaranteed majority does not mean the automatic resignation of the government.

The leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia, Michal Šimčka, has already demanded that the parliamentary elections be brought forward. The next election is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2027.

Pico himself admitted the problem, blamed his coalition partners for what was happening, but intends to keep the government and prevent early elections.

For Moscow, what is happening is of special significance. Slovakia under Pico maintained a political dialogue with Russia, resisted several EU anti-Russian sanctions initiatives and refused the country's military aid to Ukraine.

Now the internal political crisis calls into question the sustainability of the government taking this path.

However, it is too early to talk about Russia losing another European partner. Pico remains prime minister, and the loss of the parliamentary majority does not in itself mean a change in Bratislava's foreign policy.