Slovak PM Robert Fico survives no confidence vote

Slovak PM Robert Fico survives no confidence vote | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2016 file photo, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives for the EU summit in Brussels. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote on Friday Feb. 17, 2017, requested by the opposition over high energy prices. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys, File)

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote requested by the opposition over high energy prices.

Following a heated discussion, 60 lawmakers voted to oust Fico early on Friday, while 70 were against. The result was expected because the coalition government led by Fico’s leftist Smer-Social Democracy holds a parliamentary majority.

Fico came under fire after new rules for calculating energy prices set by a state regulatory body resulted in higher prices of electricity and natural gas for consumers this year.

It was embarrassing for Fico, a populist leader who believes in a strong state role in the economy and promised to keep energy prices stable.

The new rules have already been cancelled and the head of the regulatory office has resigned.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles