Slovakia’s opposition hopes European vote will put brakes on populist PM

Progressives counting on a strong performance to rein in Robert Fico’s drift away from rule of law

As fears grow that Slovakia is following Hungary down a path away from the rule of law, the country’s opposition says it is determined to prove that citizens want a democratic future.

Since coming back to power last year, Slovakia’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, has taken aim at the media, NGOs and prosecutors.