In a decisive move, the Party of European Socialists (PES) has expelled Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer party from its ranks. The unanimous decision, made during a congress in Amsterdam, underscores the growing rift between Fico’s pro-Russian policies and the core values of the European center-left political family. PES Secretary-General Giacomo Filibeck emphasized that Smer’s recent political positions “severely and deeply contradict the values and principles our family stands for.” This expulsion sends a clear message: alignment with PES requires adherence to shared democratic principles. Fico, a controversial figure both domestically and internationally, has long been criticized for his pro-Russian stance. In May, he defied EU calls for a boycott by attending Moscow’s 80th anniversary celebrations of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II. His return to power in 2003 was marked by a pro-Russia and anti-American platform, and his government has consistently challenged EU policies on Ukraine, even delaying the latest package of sanctions against Russia.
Europe’s main center-left political family expels Slovak leader’s party for breaching its values
