Former SaS Leader Sulík Launches New Party, Warns of Vote Splitting

Richard Sulík, founder and former leader of the liberal Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS), announced he will compete against his former party in upcoming elections with a new political formation. Sulík warned that if his new party causes vote splitting among liberal voters, allowing Robert Fico's Smer-SD to return to power, the current SaS leadership will bear responsibility for the outcome. Sulík outlined his political platform, promising tax reductions and the restoration of the National Anti-Crime Agency (NAKA) and the Special Prosecutor's Office (ÚŠP), both of which were abolished by the current government. He indicated openness to cooperation with We Are Family party leader Boris Kollár and Martin Winkler, who is challenging incumbent Matúš Vallo for Bratislava mayor. Sulík also suggested he might run alongside his son on the ticket. The announcement represents a significant fracture within Slovakia's liberal political space. SaS currently serves in the opposition after losing power when Fico's Smer-SD returned to government following the 2023 elections. Sulík's entry into electoral competition could further fragment the opposition vote, potentially benefiting the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party in future elections.