A majority of Slovak citizens are dissatisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, according to a new public opinion survey published on 2 January by the Slovak website 360tka.sk. The poll, conducted by the Focus agency in early December 2025, indicates deep public scepticism toward both the domestic and foreign policy course of the ruling coalition.
According to the findings, 71 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of domestic policy, with the largest single group—43 percent—saying they were “very dissatisfied”. Only around a quarter of those surveyed said they were satisfied overall, including 6 percent who were very satisfied and 20 percent who were somewhat satisfied. Assessments of foreign policy were marginally less negative, but still critical: 66 percent said they were dissatisfied, while 29 percent expressed satisfaction.
Domestic policy fuels strongest discontent
The survey results point to a pronounced crisis of trust in Fico’s cabinet, particularly in the area of internal governance. Public dissatisfaction reflects growing concern over attempts to weaken anti-corruption mechanisms and perceived threats to democratic institutions. Regular mass protests across Slovakia, involving tens of thousands of participants, underline that this discontent extends beyond opinion polls and into sustained civic mobilisation.
One of the most recent demonstrations took place in mid-December 2025, when thousands rallied nationwide against the government’s decision to abolish the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers. Critics argue that such steps signal a rollback of transparency and accountability, reinforcing negative perceptions of the government’s domestic agenda.
Foreign policy viewed as isolating Slovakia
Although foreign policy ratings are slightly less critical than domestic ones, they remain predominantly negative. A significant portion of Slovak society views the government’s international stance as weakening the country’s position among its European and transatlantic partners. Fico’s sceptical approach to supporting Ukraine and his overtly cautious rhetoric toward Russia have contributed to concerns that Slovakia is drifting away from European solidarity.
Within Europe, Fico’s government has acquired a reputation for being relatively sympathetic to Moscow. While the prime minister has halted official military aid to Ukraine and questioned EU-level support initiatives, Slovak private companies continue to export arms that ultimately reach Ukraine. This contrast highlights a growing gap between official government policy and Slovakia’s underlying economic and security interests.
Political risks for the ruling coalition
Fico returned to power in October 2023 after forming a coalition with Hlas–SD and the Slovak National Party (SNS), securing a parliamentary majority but also triggering criticism over the coalition’s ideological direction. His meeting with Vladimir Putin during a trip to China in September 2025 became a particularly symbolic moment, provoking domestic outrage and a critical response from Slovakia’s EU and NATO partners.
Overall, the Focus poll suggests that the political course pursued by Fico’s government lacks broad societal support. High levels of dissatisfaction with domestic governance, controversy in foreign relations, and ambivalence toward the war in Ukraine are shaping an image of a government increasingly detached from public expectations. Analysts warn that continued disregard for these signals could push Slovakia toward a deeper political crisis.
