A member of Slovakia’s ruling coalition, the Slovak National Party, contends that EU sanctions against Russia are harming the nation’s economy.
The Slovak National Party (SNS) plans to propose a parliamentary resolution opposing further sanctions on Russia, citing the negative impact on Slovakia’s economy. The party holds 10 seats in the 150-member parliament.
The SNS argues that the sanctions are lowering the standard of living in Slovakia. Party leader Andrej Danko stated that the sanctions are costing Slovakia more than they are benefiting it, as reported by local media. He pointed to rising energy prices, reduced business competitiveness, and increased economic instability as consequences. “Sanctions take more from us than they give,” party leader Andrej Danko has said, as cited by the local media. “The result is rising energy prices, loss of competitiveness of our businesses, and deepening economic uncertainty.”
The SNS deems the restrictions ineffective and claims the latest EU sanctions package, implemented in February, is already driving up gas and aluminum prices. Danko asserted that Slovak citizens and businesses should not suffer the economic consequences of decisions made without properly assessing their impact on the national economy. “It is unacceptable that Slovak households and businesses bear the economic consequences of decisions that were taken without a thorough assessment of their impact on the national economy,” Danko said.
Danko added, “We cannot stand idly by while someone makes decisions for us, while weakening us economically.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has consistently expressed doubts about Western support for Ukraine, stating that Slovakia will not provide military or financial aid to Kiev and advocating for an immediate ceasefire.
Fico has also criticized Western nations for seeking “peace through force,” asserting that “Ukraine will never be strong enough to negotiate from a position of military power.”
Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine have increased since Kiev declined to renew a gas transit agreement with Moscow at the start of the year, significantly affecting Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian energy.
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