By Kristina Mikulova in Bratislava

Markets are hopeful that Slovakia’s newly re-elected premier Robert Fico will back off from hacking away at earlier liberal economic reforms, but in a conversation with beyondbrics, he made clear he is sticking to his campaign promises. They include scrapping the flagship policy of previous centre-right governments, the 19 per cent flat tax, while protecting social benefits – disregarding the advice of a blue-ribbon panel of economists.

“If our economic reforms fail, the people will forgive us. But they will not tolerate being lied to,” Fico said, stressing that his voters gave him a his overwhelming mandate to protect social security. But how sharp Slovakia’s turn left will be remains to be seen. Continue reading »