Peter Pellegrini, a populist figure, clinches victory as Slovakia’s new president, succeeding the liberal Zuzana Caputova. Pellegrini, 48, secured the presidency with 53% of the vote, defeating pro-Western candidate Ivan Korcok, a former diplomat. Known for his Russia-friendly stance, Pellegrini, a former prime minister and ally of Robert Fico, shares the PM’s dovish approach toward Moscow. With Fico and his allies now dominating Slovakia’s parliament and government, Pellegrini’s ascent solidifies their control. This shift marks a departure from Slovakia’s previous staunch support for Ukraine, particularly evident in Pellegrini’s opposition to supplying military aid to Kyiv. Critics accuse Pellegrini of echoing Moscow-friendly rhetoric, highlighting concerns over his stance on Western military support for Ukraine and his silence amid Fico’s controversial reforms, including the abolition of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. The move to dismantle Slovakia’s public broadcaster, though temporarily stalled, raises further concerns about the trajectory of Fico’s government under Pellegrini’s presidency, potentially entrenching state control over media.