As voters in Slovakia and Italy head to the polls for the European Parliamentary elections, the political landscape is fraught with tension and uncertainty. In Slovakia, the recent assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico has cast a shadow over the election, with his leftist Smer party potentially gaining sympathy votes. Fico’s anti-EU stance and opposition to Ukraine’s support have polarized opinions, while his government’s attempts to control media and judiciary raise concerns of autocracy.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party is expected to surge, potentially expanding her influence within the EU. These elections mark a critical moment for both countries, reflecting broader trends of populist and far-right movements across the European Union.