Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico extended congratulations to Hungary’s newly elected leader Peter Magyar on Monday, pledging continued strong partnership between the two neighboring countries following a surprising electoral outcome.
Magyar’s center-right Tisza party secured a decisive parliamentary majority in Sunday’s voting, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year tenure as Hungary’s leader. Fico, who had previously supported Orban before the election began, acknowledged the dramatic political shift while emphasizing Slovakia’s commitment to maintaining bilateral relations.
“With full respect, I take note of the decision of the citizens of Hungary … and am ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian prime minister, whom I congratulate on the election result,” Fico stated in his official response.
The Slovak leader, who returned to power in 2023, has maintained close ties with Hungary on various issues, particularly regarding energy security and relations with Moscow. Both nations have opposed certain European Union sanctions and continued purchasing Russian energy supplies.
A key priority for both countries has been restoring operations of the Druzhba pipeline, which has remained inactive since late January following damage in Ukraine that Kiev attributed to Russian military action. Fico emphasized that collaborative efforts with Hungary to safeguard energy interests would continue as a primary government objective.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced last week that pipeline restoration work would conclude during the spring months. Despite Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, both Fico and the outgoing Orban have maintained strained relationships with the Ukrainian leader.
In a Facebook post, Fico praised the unprecedented strength of Slovak-Hungarian diplomatic relations and commended Orban’s leadership in defending national sovereignty and protecting mutual interests during their partnership.
