Slovakia: pro-western diplomat contests Russia-friendly politician for presidency

Polls show Ivan Korčok and Peter Pellegrini, an ally of prime minister Robert Fico, neck-and-neck before Saturday’s runoff

A pro-western diplomat and a politician accused of promoting Russia-friendly talking points will face off in a nailbiting presidential runoff in Slovakia on Saturday, amid fears the country is sliding away from the west.

Ivan Korčok, a former foreign minister, and Peter Pellegrini, the speaker of parliament who is backed by Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, are neck-to-neck in the polls.

Since coming back to power late last year, Fico has pursued a foreign policy more friendly towards Moscow and begun targeting independent institutions at home, sparking anger and protests.

The government’s critics say the election is key because the future office holder can act as a check on Fico and stem the tide of democratic backsliding.