Slovakia presidential polls: Peter Pellegrini wins elections, hits out at outgoing prez

Nationalist-left government candidate Peter Pellegrini, 48, won Slovakia's presidential elections on Saturday (Apr 6), solidifying the influence of pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico over Slovakia. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Pellegrini, secured 53.26% of the vote while pro-Western opposition candidate Ivan Korcok secured 46.73%, results from 99.66% of voting districts showed.

Pellegrini, the former prime minister, emphasised that his win in the elections signified support for the government's agenda and a rejection of an "opportunistic opposition power centre," a reference to outgoing president Zuzana Caputova.

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"I aspire to be the President I promised, who consistently upholds our international commitments, and protects and defends the interests of the Slovak Republic and its citizens. I am committed to doing everything in my power to achieve this goal, and I will actively support efforts to improve the lives of people in Slovakia. It is imperative that the government fulfils its program statement, ensuring a better, safer, and more prosperous life for the people of Slovakia," he said.

The powers of a Slovak president

Presidents in Slovakia do not have many executive powers. However, they can veto laws or challenge them in the constitutional court. They also nominate constitutional court judges.

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Earlier, Pellegrini had said that his election would not mean a rush to any fundamental change in Slovakia's foreign policy. "This is not about the future direction of foreign policy. I also guarantee, like the other candidate, that we will continue to be a strong member of the EU and NATO," the 48-year-old said after casting his vote in Rovinka.

Korcok concedes defeat

Pellegrini portrayed his poll rival Korcok as a warmonger for his support for arming Ukraine (which is a war with Russia) and suggested he could take Slovak troops into the war in the neighbouring country, which Korcok denied.

Korcok has argued that a halt in supplying Ukraine would not lead to peace but to Russia's victory. Conceding defeat in the elections, Korcok congratulated Pellegrini but lashed out at him for winning by spreading fear.

"A campaign can be won by making the other a candidate of war. I will not forget this. The decisive factor was high turnout, I respect that, but it was fear that decided...spreading fear and hatred," Korcok said.

(With inputs from agencies)