Direction – Social Democracy

Direction – Social Democracy (commonly known as SMER) is a left-wing populist political party in Slovakia that is led by Prime Minister Robert Fico. The party sees itself as social democratic, and commentators consider its ideology to be a combination of left-wing economics and nationalism. 

It was founded by Fico in 1999 as a breakaway group from the Party of the Democratic Left. SMER has dominated Slovakian politics since 2006. It has led three coalition government (2006–2010, 2016–2020, 2023–present) and one majority government (2012–2016). 

Since 2020, SMER has adopted many nationalist and populist characteristics, and some commentators describe it as a left-wing conservative and pro-Russian.

 Election results 

 National Council 
 Election Leader Votes %Rank Seats +/– Status2002Robert Fico387,10013.53rd2006671,18529.11st 252010880,11134.81st 1220121,134,28044.41st 212016737,48128.31st 34 2020 Peter Pellegrini 527,172 18.32nd  112023Robert Fico681,01723.01st  4

Category:Political parties in Europe