Slovakia’s opposition sounds alarm over Russia tilt as election looms

Report alleges that candidate sought invitation to Moscow in 2020 – when prime minister – to boost popularity

Slovakia risks moving further away from the west, government critics have warned, as a report alleged that a presidential candidate aligned with the country’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, had previously sought an invitation to Russia to boost his position at home.

Slovaks will vote in a presidential election on 23 March, in what many consider to be a test for the country’s democracy and future within Europe.