The expectation and hope for a better functioning government dominate the mood in Slovak society. The latest “Ako sa mate, Slovensko? (How are you, Slovakia?)” survey from late February 2023 reveals that more than 70% of people believe that the future government will be better equipped to provide stability and address their concerns. This sentiment is shared across all age and income groups. The data indicates a distinct public expectation directed towards the political representatives to collaboratively pursue tangible solutions and highlights the importance of responsive political leadership.

What will the new government be like?

What topics will govern the pre-election discourse and political agenda-setting?

In the latest edition of the “Ako sa mate, Slovensko? (How are you, Slovakia?)” survey, people were asked what the priorities for the future government should be and how they personally would distribute funds to solve problems in society. The results provide an insightful look into what topics will dictate the pre-election discourse and agenda-setting.

• Issues with direct impact as top priorities: The data show people clearly prioritise issues that have a direct impact on their lives and that success of the future government will, to a considerable extent, depend on delivering concrete solutions to these issues.Therefore, it isn’t surprising to see that the two top priorities for Slovaks are healthcare and tackling inflation

What should be the priorities for the new government?

• Slovakia’s Healthcare Imperative: The pre-election discourse spotlights the urgent need for healthcare improvements, with an overwhelming majority of citizens prioritising healthcare as a top priority for the new government as well as the area they would invest most in.
• Fight against corruption remains important: Even though people are highly concerned with political instability, corruption continues to be a significant issue, with citizens calling for a strong stance against it. As the pre-election campaign heats up, a certain part of the centre-right political spectrum is expected to engage with this issue and shape the pre-election discourse.
• Street safety ranks high on the list of priorities: Street safety has emerged among top priorities, driven by the recent wave of tragic incidents that took place on Zámocká, Obchodná, Zochova Street in Bratislava as well as in Michalovce. Even though the attack on Zámocká, aimed against LGBTI+ community, rocked the society and continues to resonate, rights of sexual minorities ranked last on the list of priorities with only 12%.
• Slovaks acknowledge the importance of environmental issues: Whilst people consider investing in healthcare, social system as well as education very important, noteworthy is their stance towards the environment. Although the topic did not rank among the top priorities the future government should deal with, it did rank among the top five most important areas to invest in. Alongside social issues, people in Slovakia are thus aware of the importance of addressing environmental issues as well.

Which areas should be invested in?

The pre-election discourse will reflect the diverse and complex needs of the society, alongside the underlying public expectation on the future government to deliver concrete solutions. Ultimately, its ability to effectively address these issues will determine the government’s success. And what can we expect in the meantime?

• Fragmented political spectrum: The political scene is in a state of flux, with recent efforts to unite centrist parties resulting in further fragmentation. Instead of unifying the political spectrum, we have already seen the formation of two distinct entities, Demokrati and Modrí – Európske Slovensko. Furthermore, MEP Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová has also announced founding the Jablko party. The emerging parties, however, lack the potential to attract the undecided voters, or voters of the populist and anti-system parties and put pressure on the electoral base of the already established democratic parties. As the political landscape remains divided, we can expect further regrouping and reshuffling of political forces.
• Deepening political instability: With acting PM Eduard Heger and some of his ministerial colleagues leaving the ruling party OĽaNO, the governing coalition is facing yet another unprecedented situation: the strongest state leader does not have an official backing from a party voted in the previous elections. Coupled with the recent resignation of the Minister of Health, this situation highlights the political instability and the overall lack of trust in the current government. Following a flurry of populist and very costly legislative proposals tabled and approved by the National Council, President Zuzana Čaputová is actively speaking up amidst the political chaos. However, looking ahead, with an ongoing populist race, the already-volatile political environment is expected to face further destabilisation.

Be prepared

The pre-election period is a time for businesses to clearly define the issues that matter and proactively communicate their priorities and business needs. Seesame is here to help.

How to get ready: Opportunities for businesses in the pre-election period

• Political research data will help you gain unique insights, discover how parties and their voters think about the topics that drive the pre-election discourse and stay ahead of the game.
• Regular political monitoring will keep you informed and provide an overview of current events and possible pre- and post-election scenarios.
• Sector analysis looks at the election through the lens of your business priorities and identifies the implications for business, including potential risks and opportunities.
• Stakeholder mapping will help you navigate the complex political environment and identify whom to engage.
• Public Affairs strategy will guide your priorities and activities before and after the elections.

** “Ako sa máte Slovensko?” is a continuous survey that has been monitoring the attitudes of people in Slovakia on important societal issues since 2020. It is a joint project of the research company MNFORCE, communication agency Seesame, Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Social Communication Research of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

This Public Affairs Update was prepared by our Public Affairs Team
Anna Michalková, Head of Public Affairs & Partner
Alexandra Katkinová, Senior Manager
Miriam Hargašová, Account Manager
Robert Antl, Senior Research Specialist

Contact: pa@seesame.com