Unleashing the Might of Authoritarian Rule: Fico's Call for Political Shake-up in Europe
Authoritarian states' operational effectiveness, according to Robert Fico
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has turned heads with his praise for the economic "efficiency" of countries like China, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. During a trek to Uzbekistan, the left-leaning leader shared his thoughts with Slovak press, stating: "I'm increasingly convinced that we in Europe need to reconsider our political system—built upon free elections—in order to compete." These nations, along with Uzbekistan, excel economically due to their swift decision-making prowess.
For clarity, Fico later admitted that his comments weren't advocating for the demise of democracy, but rather expressed his desire to find inspiration in systems that take an alternative route to governance[1]. He advocated for streamlining the political process, suggesting a reduction in the number of political entities involved in state decision-making as a means to bolster speed and effectiveness[1].
In a recent study, it has been shown that there's an alarming increase in autocratic rule worldwide[4]. Uzbekistan's economy has blossomed in recent years, with growth reaching 6.3% in 2023. A key factor behind this success is the significant evolution observed since the passing of long-time autocratic leader Islam Karimov in 2016. President Mirziyoyev pushes for liberal reforms, modernization, and opening up the country[4].
A Critical Eye on the EU
Fico, who has been the Slovak Prime Minister for four terms since his re-election in 2023, has appeared authoritarian in nature during a series of opposition mass protests[2]. He wears the label of wanting to undermine the outcome of democratic elections, as he counters the liberal opposition's aim to overthrow the government through street demonstrations[2].
This eastern EU country's head honcho also follows a pro-Russia foreign policy. Fico has voiced his disapproval of the EU's proposed ban on Russian gas imports and wishes to continue importing nuclear fuel from Russia to ensure secure and stable operation of Slovakia's nuclear power plants[5]. As the only EU leader, Fico embarked on a visit to Moscow in early May to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II alongside Vladimir Putin[5].
References:
- Investigate Europe: "Like-Minded Psychopaths" Orban Shows Trump How a State Transformation Can Go
- NewEurope: "Call for Democracy Reform: Robert Fico Praises 'Efficiency' of Authoritarian States"
- The Economist: [Foreign Policy]: "Why Slovakia's Robert Fico Still Matters"
- Freedom House: [Freedom in the World]: "Democracy in Retreat: The Global Resurgence of Autocracy"
- ntv.de: [Politics]: "Russia-friendly Fico visits Putin as gas rows with EU deepen"
- As the Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, who has four terms in office since his re-election in 2023, has shown authoritarian tendencies in the EU, he has also expressed admiration for the swift decision-making and economic efficiency of countries like Uzbekistan, which recently experienced a significant evolution under President Mirziyoyev and the sidelining of the long-time autocratic leader Islam Karimov.
- Given the alarming increase in autocratic rule worldwide, Fico's stance on Europe's political system, calling for a reconsideration and streamlining of the political process in order to compete, has sparked debates on migration, war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, as it raises questions about the future of democracy and the strength of the EU.
