In Slovakia, the pro-Russian Pellegrini defeated the pro-Western Korczok in the presidential elections

Speaker of the Slovak Parliament and head of the Voice – Social Democracy party, Peter Pellegrini, won the second round of the presidential election against member of the liberal Freedom and Solidarity party, Ivan Korczok.

With more than 99% counted, Pellegrini, who opposes arms supplies to Kyiv, wins with more than 6% of the vote. The Central Election Commission announced this after counting more than 99.9%: Pellegrini scored 53.1%, Korcok – 46.8%. Ivan Korchok admitted defeat and congratulated the winner.

During the first round of the presidential election on March 23, none of the candidates was able to overcome the threshold of 50% of the vote. In the second round, voter turnout increased significantly, reaching 61%.

Among all the current candidates for the presidency of Slovakia, Korcok has the highest level of support for Ukraine in his statements. The politician advocates strong military support for Kyiv, which could make him a direct opponent of the left-nationalist government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who, during his campaign and after his election to office, was noted for his pro-Russian position and anti-Ukrainian statements. One of Fico's first decisions as prime minister, writes DW, there was a ban on the provision of military assistance to Ukraine free of charge.

Pellegrini heads the Voice – Social Democracy party, which he founded after leaving Fico's Direction – Social Democracy party. At the same time, Pellegrini’s party is part of Fico’s current government coalition. The winner himself states that he stands for overcoming the “deep internal political split” in Slovakia and calls for “caution” in the issue of arms supplies to Kyiv.

Ukraine-sceptic, PM Fico ally Pellegrini wins Slovakia presidential election
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“I will do everything possible so that Slovakia, whether someone likes it or not, always remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war,” the victorious Pellegrini told his supporters. “And let anyone who wants to criticize me for this as much as they like.” .

Fico, who joined the celebration of Pellegrini's supporters, took the opportunity to say: “The people of Slovakia have shown that they are aware of what threatens this country from the liberal media, activists, NGOs and progressives.”

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