The both most and least popular politician

BY THE time the announcement took place just before Christmas, it was the worst kept secret in the country. Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico (pictured), will run for president next spring in a vote that will test pluralism in this still maturing democracy.   

Mr Fico is the overwhelming favourite and the pomp surrounding his candidacy announcement had the makings of a coronation, not a press conference. He spoke on December 18^th from a podium in the country’s old parliamentary chambers. Foreign diplomats had been invited, ostensibly to hear Mr Fico review the year and map a plan for the year ahead. By the time the national anthem played to open the event, everybody knew what was coming. As a reporter live blogging the announcement for the daily Sme wrote facetiously as Mr Fico began to speak: “Fico is talking about what it takes to be president. He fits the description.”

There is no exaggerating how dominant a political personality Mr Fico is in this country of five million. He was prime minister from...Continue reading