Balázs Orbán, the political adviser to Viktor Orbán, informed Euronews that discussions are underway between the two Prime Ministers regarding the potential joining of Fico’s Smer party to the Patriots for Europe. Should Fico decide to join, the Patriots could incorporate two additional prime ministers, including Andrej Babiš from the Czech Republic.
Negotiations are ongoing between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico about the inclusion of Fico’s Smer party into Patriots for Europe (PfE).
This information was confirmed to Euronews by Balázs Orbán, Viktor Orbán’s political director (not a relative), during Thursday’s European Council meeting in Brussels.
«Consultations between the two leaders are currently in progress,» noted Balázs Orbán.
Last week, Fico’s Smer was expelled from the Party of European Socialists (PES) following a unanimous vote due to «violations of the centre-left party family’s core values.»
In previous instances, PES has openly criticized Fico for his Eurosceptic stance and his narratives opposing Ukraine.
Potential Orbán-Fico-Babiš coalition within the EU?
While the alliance may appear unconventional, it is not unexpected. Robert Fico’s political career has been historically linked with social democrats.
Should Smer transition to PfE, it would represent a substantial break from the party’s traditional alignment, positioning it alongside far-right factions in the European Parliament if the move is finalized.
Nevertheless, Orbán and Fico share several key objectives in Brussels: advocating stricter migration policies, opposing the Green Deal, and endorsing anti-LGBTQ+ positions.
«Our side remains open. The decision ultimately rests with Robert Fico and his party. Despite his left-wing background, the sovereignist influence is strong among his ranks. Their choice remains to be seen.»
The Patriots for Europe group holds 86 seats in the European Parliament, ranking as the third-largest political faction. If Smer joins, they would add 5 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), totaling 91 seats.
Beyond parliamentary shifts, this development could impact the European Council significantly. Andrej Babiš, recently victorious in the Czech elections and currently negotiating government formation in Prague, is also a Patriots member.
Collectively, PfE could have three sitting prime ministers within the European Council, where all 27 EU leaders, alongside the Commission, discuss major strategic priorities and each possess veto power.
Balázs Orbán expressed confidence in this scenario materializing.
Fico has not finalized a decision on Patriots membership
Euronews contacted Prime Minister Fico’s office, Smer’s Slovak headquarters, and party MEPs in Brussels. While acknowledging this falls under party jurisdiction, no additional comments were provided.
Fico stated on Monday during a visit to Abu Dhabi that Smer has received proposals from multiple European Parliament factions and would «carefully consider them.»
Criticizing the PES, which expelled his party unanimously, Fico accused it of abandoning genuine left-wing principles in favor of appealing to the median voter.
According to Slovak media, he suggested that the Party of European Socialists should be renamed the “party of European homosexuals and warmongers.”
Insiders close to Smer reported that Fico may also explore alternatives beyond the Patriots, such as forming a new political alliance with left-wing nationalist groups like Germany’s Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (ASW).
Patriots MEPs express openness to welcome Smer
Several PfE MEPs spoke to Euronews affirming their readiness to accept Smer into their group.
An MEP, who preferred to remain anonymous given the ongoing negotiations, explained that Hungarian representatives are spearheading talks at the prime ministerial level.
Delegations such as Portugal’s Chega and Spain’s Vox also indicated their openness, despite Smer’s historical links with the Socialists from Portugal and Spain.
“We always welcome new members,” one MEP commented to Euronews, wishing to stay unnamed due to the sensitivity of discussions, adding they wouldn’t be surprised if Smer joined, considering the Slovak party’s strong alignment on issues including migration, LGBTQ+ rights, and opposition to the Green Deal.
Throughout his career, Fico has clashed multiple times with the EU, hesitating to back sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, opposing LGBTQ+ rights and climate regulations, and expressing contentious views on China.
Earlier this year, the European Commission criticized Fico for attending Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, where he expressed gratitude to the Red Army for liberating Slovakia from Nazi rule during World War II.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas strongly discouraged member states from traveling to Moscow.