Slovak Prime Minister Fico Eyed for Constitutional Court Role
A surprising potential career shift is brewing in Slovak politics. According to Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed interest in, and is being actively considered for, a position on the Constitutional Court. This move, while unexpected, isn’t entirely new, as Fico previously explored a similar path after leaving office in 2019.
Coalition Support and Fico’s Ambitions
Danko stated that the SNS would wholeheartedly support Fico’s candidacy. “For SNS, Robert Fico is candidate number one for constitutional judge and I believe that what he promised us within the coalition, he will keep, he will register for the hearing and will run for the Constitutional Court,” Danko said in an interview with Hospodárske noviny. He emphasized that Fico himself initiated discussions about this possibility several months ago, initially around six months ago, and reiterated his interest more recently.
A History of Consideration
This isn’t the first time Fico has been considered for a role on the Constitutional Court. Following his resignation as Prime Minister in 2019, after the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak, Fico initially sought the position. However, he ultimately withdrew his candidacy due to criticism from the opposition and segments of the public.
Danko’s Vision for Fico’s Future
Danko has repeatedly suggested alternative career paths for Fico, recently proposing a presidential run. He framed these suggestions as a way to honor Fico’s contributions, stating his desire to ensure Fico receives a fitting role upon retirement. However, Fico has consistently maintained his focus on leading his party, Smer, to victory in the next parliamentary elections.
Current State of the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court currently has a vacancy, having been without a judge since September 2023 following Jana Laššáková’s resignation. A new election has been announced, with another judge’s mandate expiring in July, further emphasizing the demand for new appointments.
The Political Implications
The potential appointment of a sitting Prime Minister to the Constitutional Court raises questions about the separation of powers and potential conflicts of interest. While Danko insists the position wasn’t specifically reserved for Fico, the strong backing from a key coalition partner suggests a concerted effort to facilitate his transition.
What Happens Next?
Fico must formally apply for the position and undergo a hearing process. The extent to which he will pursue this opportunity remains to be seen, given his continued commitment to leading Smer. However, Danko’s public statements indicate a strong expectation that Fico will follow through on his reported promise.
FAQ
- What is the Constitutional Court? It is the highest court in Slovakia, responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws and protecting fundamental rights.
- Has Robert Fico ever been a judge? No, he has primarily served as a politician, holding the position of Prime Minister multiple times.
- Why is the Constitutional Court currently incomplete? A judge resigned in September 2023, and another judge’s mandate expires in July.
- What is Andrej Danko’s role in this situation? He is the leader of the SNS, a coalition partner, and is actively advocating for Fico’s appointment.
Pro Tip: Understanding the structure of the Slovak government and the role of the Constitutional Court is crucial to grasping the significance of this potential appointment.
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