Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico with pro-Russian policies, wins the presidential runoff in Slovakia, succeeding Zuzana Čaputová. Pellegrini pledges to be a president for all citizens and cements Fico's power. Critics fear a shift away from pro-Western stance towards Hungary's direction under Viktor Orbán.
Key Points
Pellegrini wins the presidential runoff in Slovakia with 53.26% of the vote
Pellegrini is a close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico with pro-Russian policies
Critics worry about the government's direction under Fico's leadership
Pros
Pellegrini promises to be a president for all Slovak citizens
Pellegrini's win cements Fico's grip on power
Cons
Critics fear a potential shift away from Slovakia's pro-Western stance towards Hungary's direction