Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that he would support holding a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia, if such a vote were to be organized. He made this comment during a Saturday broadcast on the STVR television channel.
According to Fico, anti-Russian sanctions have no impact on Moscow and instead harm the economy of the European Union. He compared the sanctions to a “plague” and noted that he would support the referendum, although in his view, a referendum is not necessary to make such a decision.
If there is a referendum, I will calmly support it. I speak for myself — I will support it, said the head of government.
Fico also criticized discussions about introducing new sanctions against Russia at a time when, as he put it, “the first signs of negotiations” between Ukraine and Russia are beginning to appear. He questioned the sincerity of Western peace initiatives if another package of restrictions is being prepared simultaneously.
Earlier, in early May, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini received a petition from the right-wing party “Slovak Revival Movement” (SHO) proposing a referendum on lifting the sanctions. The petition was signed by 400,000 citizens.
According to Slovak law, the president must decide within 30 days of receiving the petition whether to call a referendum. For the vote to be considered valid, at least 50% of eligible voters must participate, and the result must be approved by an absolute majority of those who cast their votes.
