BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia appointed Rudolf Huliak as the new minister of tourism and sports on Wednesday. This move is part of a governmental reshuffle aimed at stabilizing the administration amidst internal challenges within the governing coalition, which has been facing a potential crisis due to parliamentary instability.
Huliak's appointment follows a coalition agreement made two weeks prior, which sought to enhance the influence of the Smer (Direction) party, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. As a result of this agreement, the coalition's two smaller partners — the Hlas (Voice) party and the ultranationalist, pro-Russian Slovak National Party — relinquished control of one ministry each to the Smer party. With these changes, Smer now oversees a total of nine ministries, while Hlas manages six, and the Slovak National Party retains control over two ministries.
This deal emerged in response to a recent crisis that jeopardized the coalition's parliamentary majority. The coalition previously held 79 seats in the 150-seat National Council of Slovakia. However, tensions escalated when four lawmakers from Hlas and three others, including Huliak from the Slovak National Party, decided to distance themselves from their parliamentary factions. Although these lawmakers did not join the opposition, they have demanded ministerial positions and roles within parliamentary and state institutions in exchange for their support, complicating the government’s ability to implement its agenda.
Rudolf Huliak, while heading a fringe far-right party known as the National Coalition, is not a member of the Slovak National Party. His appointment is particularly notable given the controversies surrounding his political beliefs and past actions. Huliak previously faced opposition from Pellegrini's predecessor, Zuzana Čaputová, who declined to endorse his nomination for the role of environment minister following the 2023 parliamentary elections. Čaputová cited Huliak's denial of climate change and his incitement of violence against environmentalists as key reasons for her refusal to appoint him.
Additionally, Huliak has expressed hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, criticized the European Union, and voiced pro-Russian sentiments. The current Prime Minister Fico has yet to disclose his plans regarding the newly acquired ministries overseeing investments, regional development, and information in addition to tourism and sports.
The Fico administration has faced significant public dissent as citizens protest against its pro-Russian policies and various other decisions made since his recent ascension to power. The ongoing upheaval, along with the appointment of new ministers, aims to address both the internal conflicts within the government and public unrest.
