Slovak Parliament Approves Government's Decision to Cease Ukraine Military Aid

Slovakia's parliament has confirmed Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, which plans to halt state military aid to Ukraine, reduce budget deficits, and impose a new bank tax. Fico's coalition government aims to cut interest rates on mortgages, introduce special levies on excessive profits, and reduce the general government deficit by 0.5% of GDP in 2024. The program also emphasizes opposition to ending national veto rights in the European Union and supports a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine while recognizing its international borders. The opposition criticized Fico's attacks on independent media and dismissals of high police officials investigating corruption allegations against coalition members.