Slovakia election: pro-EU diplomat beats ally of populist PM to set up runoff for presidency

Ivan Korcok won most votes in first round, ahead of parliament speaker Peter Pellegrini

A pro-EU former Slovak foreign minister has scored a surprise victory in the first round of a presidential election, setting up a runoff vote with a key ally of the populist prime minister, Robert Fico.

Slovakia’s presidential election is a chance for Fico, whose views on Ukraine have angered critics for veering too close to Russia, to strengthen his grip on power. Opposition forces want a counterbalance to his rule.