Robert Fico is Slovakia’s longest-serving PM, back in office since 2023 amid protests over judicial reforms and political tensions.
The EU has approved a law to halt Russian gas imports by late 2027, aiming to reduce dependency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The law bans new Russian gas deals and phases out existing contracts, with Hungary and Slovakia opposing the measure. The US has increased LNG exports to Europe to fill the gap.
On February 16, 2026, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited Budapest to publicly endorse Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the April 12 parliamentary election. Rubio emphasized the close personal and political ties between Orbán and former U.S. President Donald Trump, pledging U.S. support conditional on Orbán's continued leadership. Orbán faces a strong challenge from opposition leader Péter Magyar amid concerns over democratic backsliding and EU tensions.
As of March 26, 2026, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, agreed in December, due to a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by Russian attacks. Despite Ukraine accepting EU technical support to repair the pipeline, Orban insists the loan be withheld until oil flows resume, using the issue as a key point in his April 12 election campaign.
On April 12, 2026, Hungary holds a pivotal parliamentary election where Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power for 16 years, faces strong opposition from Peter Magyar's Tisza party. Despite US Vice President JD Vance's recent visit and President Trump's endorsement, polls show Magyar leading amid public frustration over corruption, economic stagnation, and Orban's close ties to Russia.
President Peter Pellegrini has announced that Slovakia will hold a referendum on July 4, including votes on reopening the office of the special prosecutor. The referendum follows a petition by the opposition and is part of broader political debates, including measures to boost security for politicians and controversial legislative changes.