Putin’s Slovak Chameleon

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico is facing a serious political crisis as his coalition partner is walking out on him. It’s actually a miracle that Fico has survived this long. But then again he has adroitly navigated the treacherous East-West undercurrents in Slovakia; serving Putin on issues important to Russia such as energy, sanctions, transportation and propaganda. Fico is one of the most frequent European visitors at the Kremlin.
Fico and his associates have been promoting various forms of Pan-Slavic cooperation, a cynical attempt by FSB General Yakunin to try and eclipse the European Union with dreams of a Slavic union under Russian hegemony. They hope that these dreams will distract Slovaks from the tangible economic benefits that the EU offers because Russia has nothing else to offer. Fico won’t be distracted though, his eyes are on the state budget.
Trying to balance the scorecard Fico has bought Blackhawk helicopters and accepted Guantanamo prisoners. He is the ultimate double speaker: at home and in Moscow he speaks on the side of Putin, while in Brussels he supports Ukraine. And that’s the real problem with Fico, he really serves Putin but is willing to do just enough for the West to ensure that he doesn’t attract too much attention.
