Peter Pellegrini, then speaker of parliament, met with then US president Donald Trump on May 3, 2019. (source: TASR)
Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election means a defeat for liberal and progressive ideas, said Slovak PM Robert Fico (Smer) in response to the results.
The PM went on to criticise media and their reporting ahead of the elections, saying the result is exactly the opposite of the image that the media tried to create. According to Fico, Trump's re-election opens up questions regarding international relations and the US-EU cooperation.
Optimistic coalition
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini congratulated Donald Trump on winning the election, wishing him and the American people many successes.
"Our countries are united by common values of freedom and democracy. I confirm that Slovakia remains a reliable and responsible NATO ally. I believe in continuing our cooperation, and I'm confident that relations between the US and Slovakia, as well as the whole of Europe, will continue to develop in a positive direction," said Pellegrini.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Peter Žiga (Hlas), currently in charge of the parliament, believes that both countries will maintain good relations under the next Donald Trump presidency. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas) believes that Trump's victory will change many things in the US, as well as in Europe, especially expressing curiousness in regards to the war in Ukraine. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer) considers the election of Trump to be a better solution for the world. Education Minister Tomáš Drucker (Hlas) respects the will of the US people. Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer) opines that the result won't mean a fundamental or significant change for Slovakia.
Cautious opposition
Progressive Slovakia chair Michal Šimečka said that Trump's victory means that both Europe and Slovakia will have to bear a greater burden and do much more themselves.
"We'll have to be a strong and confident partner and rely more on our strengths when faced with major security and economic challenges and threats posed by Russia and China in particular," he stated, adding that Slovakia will have invest more in terms of security in order to convince the future Trump administration that it is not a burden. "We've been through one Trump term, we're about to enter another. It's natural to be concerned about what's to come. However, it's important that we take this as an opportunity to change our country and Europe for the better," he opined.
SaS chair Branislav Grohling believes that Trump will be a dignified president for all Americans, and that his presidency will uphold the historically strong relations between both countries. However, "it is crucial for peace in the world that re-elected president Donald Trump understands NATO membership to be an unquestionable commitment to his partners. Unpredictable actions, strong gestures or spreading hate carry the risk of chaos and polarisation."
The KDH party congratulated Trump on his victory. "Despite some of his previous statements, we hope that the winner of the election will continue to strengthen transatlantic relations, which we see as an irreplaceable pillar of democracy and collective security. We sincerely hope that he will be able to advocate for a peaceful solution and security guarantees for Ukraine. We particularly appreciate his approach to protecting the right to life of unborn children," said the party, adding that the results should serve as a signal that Europe must take on more responsibility for its own economy, security, and competitiveness.
