The center-right government of Slovakia has been marked by increasing conflicts and personal animosities within the coalition. The excessive use of fast-track procedures has continued following the pandemic, leading to tensions between the government and the president. In December 2022, the government received a vote of no confidence, which led to its downfall. Attention now turns to the upcoming national parliamentary elections.
Since 2019, the economic boom has slowed down due to several external shocks. Furthermore, fiscal stability has gradually deteriorated, partly due to the external shocks but also because of populist measures. Slovakia remains highly dependent on its car export. Future growth will require investment in education, innovation, infrastructure and energy technology.
The government has made progress in areas such as judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts and media policies. Moreover, the coalition enhanced Slovakia’s international standing because of its assistance to the Ukraine. Nevertheless, an aging population and the absence of pension as well as health care reforms pose long-term risks to public finances.
