Smer MEP pushes to cease negotiations with EU socialists, proposes alternative

Monika Beňová, a Slovak MEP for Robert Fico’s Smer-SD (NI) party, proposed ending negotiations with the Party of European Socialists (PES), which suspended the party’s membership last year, claiming she would instead present a “different plan” to her colleagues.

On Facebook, Beňová expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations in the European Parliament, criticising PES and the European People’s Party (EPP) in particular.

“After three weeks of debates, it is obvious that they are not interested in any opinions or debate about the future, but only their own positions and whether Costa will be president of the Council for five years,” Beňová wrote.

A co-founder of Smer, Beňová, also pointed out that the European Socialists did not elect “a single representative from Central or Eastern Europe to the leadership of the faction”, which she said was “totally unacceptable”.

“I informed my colleagues from Smer-SD that I will no longer negotiate with the European Socialists,” Beňová said.

She added that on Wednesday (10 July), she would propose “a different solution” to them that would be “fair to us and authentic, especially to our voters.”

At the time of writing, Smer has not provided any further updates on the matter.

Change of plans?

Beňová’s proposal to end negotiations with the EU Socialists comes as Smer seeks a new strategic direction in the European Parliament.

PES suspended the MEPs of Smer and Hlas in December 2023, following mounting criticism of their pro-Russian views, far-right cosying, and marked departure from socialist values.

Despite the announcement of a new Patriots for Europe group by Fico’s allies, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Smer remained steadfast in its efforts to regain a position within the PES.

On 6 July, a Smer spokesman told Slovak newspaper Pravda that they were “exclusively” negotiating membership of the European Socialists group.

“No other negotiations are taking place, and the party leadership has not made a recommendation for any other negotiations. We will provide all additional information next week,” the spokesman said.

(Natália Silenská | Euractiv.sk)

Read more with Euractiv