European Socialists suspend Slovak members Smer, Hlas

The Party of European Socialists suspended Slovakian members Smer and Hlas following mounting criticism of their pro-Russian views, far-right cosying and a marked departure from socialist values.

The decision comes after repeated calls from socialist parties as well as other political groups, including the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Greens, to punish its Slovak members for their pro-Russian stance and for joining a coalition with the far-right, which should be a red line for socialist parties.

“This step has been taken following the clear divergence from the values of the PES family demonstrated by Smer-SD leader Robert Fico. And additionally, as a result of concerns raised following the announcement of a government coalition between Smer-SD, Hlas-SD and a radical-right party,” the party said in a statement after the meeting, referring to the announced coalition with the Slovak National Party party.

In a statement for Euractiv Slovakia, Hlas expressed their surprise at the decision.

“Hlas has been granted Associate member status of the PES in full respect of all the principles of the PES and is not aware of any departure from social democratic values,” the party said, urging the Party of European Socialists (PES) leadership to reconsider.

The S&D group quickly responded, writing that per its internal rules and procedures, the S&D Bureau will propose the suspension of its three Slovak MEPs next week.

“The recent public comments and positions taken by SMER and HLAS party leaders regarding the Russian war against Ukraine, migration, the rule of law and the LGTBIQ community have raised serious concerns and have no place in the progressive family,” said S&D, pointing to a memorandum signed by Smer, Hlas and SNS, in which Fico spoke of fighting “gender adventures” and cracking on illegal migration.

Signing the memorandum, Hlas leader Peter Pellegrini said his party has an “advantage” over Smer because PES could not suspend it as it was not a full member but only an associate party.

The three MEPs to lose their group are Parliament Questor Monika Beňová, Katarína Roth Neveďalová and Robert Hajšel, who is not a member of Smer but was elected on their ballot.

Expulsion from the group could mean that MEPs would lose political influence, including positions in committees or the leadership of the European Parliament, which are decided by the political groups.

In a video reacting to a statement of PES President Stefan Löfven, Fico said he would not change his rhetoric towards Ukraine even if it cost Smer its membership.

(Barbara Zmušková | Euractiv.sk)