Slovak National Security Advisor Resigns Amid Deepening Political Crisis

February 02, 2026

Slovakia's National Security Advisor Robert Kaliňák submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Robert Fico on Sunday, citing personal reasons and the need to step away from public service after more than a year in the high-pressure role. The departure comes at a turbulent moment for the Fico government, which faces mounting domestic protests, coalition tensions, and international scrutiny over foreign policy shifts.

Kaliňák, a longtime ally of Fico and former interior minister, had served as the country's top security official since the current administration took office in late 2023. His exit marks the most significant personnel change in the national security apparatus since the government assumed power.

Kaliňák Cites Personal Motivations

In a brief statement released through the prime minister's office, Kaliňák described his decision as entirely personal. He expressed gratitude to Fico for the opportunity to serve and affirmed his continued support for the government's direction. Sources close to the advisor indicated family considerations and fatigue from constant public scrutiny played key roles in the choice to step down.

Kaliňák had been a central figure in shaping Slovakia's security posture, including controversial moves to realign foreign policy away from strong NATO and EU consensus positions toward closer ties with certain non-Western partners. His tenure also included oversight of domestic intelligence reforms and responses to multiple security incidents.

Government Acknowledges Contribution While Downplaying Instability

Prime Minister Fico accepted the resignation with regret but praised Kaliňák's loyalty and professionalism. In comments to reporters, Fico stated that the advisor had performed admirably under difficult circumstances and that the national security framework remained robust. He indicated an acting replacement would be named shortly, with a permanent successor expected within weeks.

Coalition partners in the Slovak National Party and Voice-Social Democracy expressed support for the transition, framing it as a natural personnel adjustment rather than a sign of deeper fractures. Opposition leaders, however, seized on the resignation as evidence of growing instability within Fico's inner circle.

Context of Broader Political Pressures

The resignation arrives amid several challenges for the government. Large-scale protests have continued in Bratislava and other cities over perceived authoritarian tendencies, media restrictions, and judicial reforms. International partners, including the European Commission and several NATO allies, have voiced concerns about Slovakia's foreign policy orientation, particularly regarding Ukraine support and relations with Russia.

Kaliňák had been a frequent target of criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups who accused him of politicizing security institutions and weakening Slovakia's Western alliances. His departure removes one of the most polarizing figures from the administration's front line at a time when Fico seeks to stabilize domestic support ahead of upcoming regional elections.

Speculation on Successor and Implications

Names circulating as potential replacements include current Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and several senior figures from the Defense Ministry and intelligence services. Analysts suggest Fico will prioritize loyalty and alignment with his foreign policy vision in the choice.

The timing of Kaliňák's exit could complicate ongoing coalition negotiations and efforts to present a unified front on security matters. With Slovakia holding the rotating presidency of the Visegrád Group later this year, the government faces pressure to demonstrate coherence in national security leadership.

For now, the resignation represents a notable but contained personnel shift in an administration that has weathered repeated crises since taking power. Whether it signals deeper instability or simply a long-planned personal decision will become clearer in the coming weeks as the search for a successor unfolds and the government navigates its domestic and international challenges.