Slovak PM Fico congratulates Hungary's Magyar, mentioning shared Druzhba pipeline interest

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has congratulated Tisza leader Péter Magyar on his victory in Hungary's elections and signalled his readiness to cooperate with the new government, particularly in the energy sector.

Source: Fico on social media, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Fico, who is widely regarded as a key ally of Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, said he respects the decision of the Hungarian voters and is ready for close cooperation with the country's incoming government.

According to Fico, Slovakia seeks friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Budapest. Bratislava also supports reviving the Visegrád Group format, which includes Poland and Czechia.

Fico separately highlighted a shared approach with Hungary on protecting energy interests. In this context, he referred to the repair of the Druzhba pipeline which has been damaged in Russian attacks. Notably, Fico and Orbán have previously accused Ukraine of blocking the pipeline's operation.

"I believe there remains a strong interest on the part of Slovakia, Hungary, and Central Europe as a whole in restoring the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline," the Slovak prime minister wrote.

Background:

• On 19 March, Orbán said Budapest would block any Ukraine-friendly decisions until Kyiv resumed the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
• More recently, he stated that if his Fidesz party won the 12 April elections, he would be able to implement a plan to pressure Ukraine into restoring oil supplies to Hungary.
• Around 99% of votes have been counted in Hungary's parliamentary elections held on 12 April, indicating a decisive victory for the opposition Tisza party with a constitutional majority.

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