Slovak Government Faces Confidence Vote Over Debt Limit Breach

The Slovak government is set to face a parliamentary confidence vote on Thursday after the nation's debt exceeded constitutional limits. The Constitutional Court mandated the vote following Slovakia's debt rising to 61.4% of its gross national product, surpassing the threshold that requires immediate parliamentary review.

Prime Minister Robert Fico, leading a populist and pro-Russian coalition government with a majority of 78 out of 150 seats, is expected to win the vote. Initially, the government planned to tie the confidence vote to the upcoming state budget vote later in the year.

Slovakia's debt increase is attributed to expanded government spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impact of Russia's war on Ukraine. Economic growth slowed significantly in 2025, reaching only 0.8%, while government expenditure continued to rise. The opposition initiated the court complaint after Eurostat's report on the debt figures.

Fico, who returned to power in 2023, remains a controversial figure, facing frequent protests over his policies.