Slovak Government Wins Confidence Vote as Debt Exceeds Constitutional Limit

Slovakia's government survived a confidence vote in parliament on Thursday after the country's debt exceeded constitutional fiscal thresholds. Prime Minister Robert Fico's three-party coalition secured the backing of 78 lawmakers out of 150 members of the National Council, with 54 voting against the government. The confidence vote was triggered after Slovakia's debt-to-GDP ratio surpassed the 50% threshold established in the constitution.

The debt crisis has escalated over recent months. In November, the European Union's statistical office Eurostat reported that Slovak debt reached 59.7% of GDP, prompting the opposition to file a constitutional complaint. The figure has since climbed to 61.4% according to Slovakia's Statistical Office, though it remains below the EU average. The Constitutional Court, the country's highest authority, ordered the government to hold the confidence vote on Wednesday, forcing Fico to act immediately rather than linking it to a separate budget vote planned for later in the year.

Slovakia, like many European nations, significantly increased government spending to counter the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from Russia's war in Ukraine, which drove energy prices sharply higher. The Supreme Audit Office reported that Slovakia's economy grew by only 0.8% in 2025, marking the slowest growth rate in three years. Government expenditures have outpaced economic growth, contributing substantially to rising debt levels.

Fico, a divisive political figure since returning to power in 2023, has faced sustained criticism over his pro-Russia stance and various other policies that have sparked numerous public protests. Despite the debt concerns and political tensions, his coalition maintained sufficient parliamentary support to secure the confidence vote and allow the government to continue operations.