Slovensko v roce parlamentních voleb a historických rozhodnutí
Slovakia in a Year of Parliamentary Elections and Historic Decisions

Summary/Abstract: In this paper the author outlines an answer to the question of how and whether the results of the September parliamentary elections could affect Slovakia’s invitation to join NATO and its acceptance into the European Union (EU). The decisions of the North Atlantic Alliance summit to take place in the Czech capital in November 2002 and the European Council assembly at the end of the Danish presidency could have historic significance for the Slovak Republic. Favorable decisions at these gatherings could confirm that it is an integral part of the Central European region, not merely in terms of geography, but also with respect to its common values. Negative decisions could significantly prolong or seriously complicate its path to the ranks of the prosperous countries of the democratic world. Since its inception, all of the SR’s administrations have declared their ambitions to gain membership in both of the above mentioned institutions. However, not until the government of M. Dzurinda did any Slovak administration tackle the necessary complex of procedures to truly bring the SR closer to its stated goals. The author offers his thoughts on the reasons why, in comparison to its neighbors, it has been more difficult for Slovakia to launch these integration processes and on the particular features of its domestic political scene. With a description of the economic and social situation, the author will search for explanations for the high levels of discontent among the citizens with the political direction of the country and the low approval ratings for the parties in the ruling coalition, despite the fact that they achieved extraordinary results in strengthening the international position of Slovakia.

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