Politics of Slovakia

Politics of Slovakia takes place in a system where people choose their leaders by voting. It is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with many political parties. The main power to make laws belongs to the parliament, but sometimes the government or the people can also decide.

The leader of the government is the Prime Minister, who helps run the country every day. The President is the head of the state and represents Slovakia. Courts and judges work on their own to make sure laws are fair.

History

Before the Velvet Revolution, Czechoslovakia was ruled by one party that did not allow free elections. After the revolution, a temporary government was formed to prepare for democratic elections, build a market economy, and create a new constitution.

In 1989, a new government was created to prepare for democratic elections. In 1990, the first free elections were held in Czechoslovakia. Later, in 1992, another election happened, and Czechoslovakia split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Each country then had its own government.

In September 2023, a new group of parties won the election in Slovakia. Robert Fico became the new prime minister and said that Slovakia would stop sending military help to Ukraine and would not support certain actions against Russia.

Legal system

The Constitution of the Slovak Republic was approved on 1 September 1992 and started being used on 1 October 1992. It was changed later to let people vote directly for the president and to meet rules for joining the European Union.

Slovakia uses a civil law system that comes from old Austro-Hungarian rules. The laws were updated to follow the rules of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Slovakia agrees to use the International Court of Justice but has some limits on this agreement.

Executive branch

The president of Slovakia is the head of state and has very limited powers. The president is elected by the people for a five-year term. In March 2019, Zuzana Čaputová became the first woman to be elected president. She belonged to the Progressive Slovakia party, which did not have seats in parliament.

After elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president. The cabinet must receive support from most members of parliament. Over the years, different parties and coalitions have formed the government. In the 2020 election, Ordinary People and Independent Personalities won, and Igor Matovič became prime minister. In April 2021, Eduard Heger took over after Matovič resigned. Since October 2023, Robert Fico has been the prime minister.

Legislative branch

Slovakia has one main group called the National Council of the Slovak Republic with 150 members. These members are chosen every four years by voters using a special voting system called proportional representation.

The National Council helps make important rules and laws. It also decides on the country’s money plan and picks some important leaders. Before big agreements with other countries can happen, the National Council must agree. It also decides when the country’s soldiers can go to other places or when soldiers from other countries can come to Slovakia.

Political parties and elections

In Slovakia, people can vote when they are 18 years old. Elections are secret, and everyone has an equal say.

The president of Slovakia is chosen by voters. The last election was in March 2019, and the president serves for five years.

Many political parties work in Slovakia. Some focus on different ideas. Parties often change, with new ones forming and others joining together. Certain parties are popular in specific areas. The main debates in politics now often focus on economic changes and reforms.

Smer

PS

Hlas

OĽANO

KDH

SaS

SNS

Republika

Szövetség–Aliancia

Demokrati

Sme rodina

Turnout

Other election results

• EU parliament, see 2024 European Parliament election in Slovakia
• Older elections, see Elections in Slovakia

Further information: List of political parties in Slovakia

Judicial branch

Slovakia's highest court is the Supreme Court. Its judges are chosen by the National Council. There are also regional, district, and military courts. Sometimes, regular citizens help the judges make decisions.

The country has a Constitutional Court of Slovakia that deals with important government law questions. Its 13 members are chosen by the president from names suggested by Parliament.

Minority politics

See also: Hungarians in Slovakia, Roma in Slovakia, and Language law of Slovakia

In Slovakia, there are people from different groups, like Hungarians and Roma. These groups have their own special needs and try to make sure their voices are heard in the government. Laws about language help protect the rights of everyone, no matter where they come from.

International organization participation

Slovakia belongs to many groups that help countries work together. Some of these groups are the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the United Nations (UN). Slovakia also works with groups like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to support global efforts and cooperation.

Political pressure groups and leaders

Slovakia has many groups that help represent different people and interests. These groups can include employers, workers, towns, and scientists. For example, there are groups for employers like the Federation of Employers' Associations and the Association of Employers of Slovakia. There are also groups for workers, such as the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic. Towns and villages have their own group, and there are special groups for big companies and pensioner groups. The Slovak Academy of Sciences is the top scientific group in the country. Each of these groups has leaders who help guide their work and represent their members.