Slovaks expect Hungary election to worsen bilateral relations

Slovak public opinion leans towards expecting a deterioration in relations with Hungary following the country's recent parliamentary elections. A representative poll conducted by the AKO agency between May 14 and 21, surveying 1,000 respondents, found that 40.2% believe the political shift in Hungary will negatively affect bilateral ties. Of these, 5.8% foresee a very negative impact, while 34.4% anticipate a rather negative one.

Conversely, 34.9% of respondents expect a positive influence, with 3.1% anticipating a very positive outcome and 31.8% expecting a rather positive one. A significant portion, 23.1%, were unable to answer the question, and 1.8% declined to respond.

Negative expectations were more prevalent across various national groups. Among Slovak respondents, 39% expected a negative impact versus 35% expecting a positive one. For Hungarian respondents, the figures were 41% negative and 39% positive. Among other nationalities, 46% anticipated a negative impact, while 25% expected a positive one.

Party affiliation also correlated with expectations. Voters from the Slovak National Party (SNS), Sme Rodina, Republika, Smer, Hungarian Alliance, Hnutie Slovensko, and SaS predominantly foresaw negative consequences. In contrast, supporters of the Democratic Party, KDH, Progressive Slovakia, and Hlas-SD were more likely to expect a positive impact on Slovak-Hungarian relations.