"Pro-Russia Ally Peter Pellegrini Wins Slovak Presidential Election"
Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico known for his pro-Russian policies, has been elected as Slovakia's new president, succeeding Zuzana Čaputová. Pellegrini received 53.26% of the vote in the runoff election, cementing Fico's grip on power and giving his allies control of major strategic posts. Critics worry that Slovakia may abandon its pro-Western course under Fico's leadership and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
