Fico: I want to build Slovakia the way Orbán builds Hungary

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that while many would like to see disputes between the leaders of Slovakia and Hungary, they are committed to strengthening Slovak-Hungarian relations from their very first meeting. Speaking on Sunday at the 130th anniversary of the inauguration of the Mária Valéria Bridge, which connects Esztergom and Štúrovo, Fico stated that he wants to build Slovakia in the same way Viktor Orbán builds Hungary.

Fico highlighted that the Mária Valéria Bridge is not just a piece of metal, but a symbol of the connection between people. Bridges, like countries, are built by those who want to create and destroyed by those who want to tear down.

He said, “I have come among normal, good people,” calling it a particularly meaningful occasion, given the amount of lies and hatred with which “our opponents attack us,” and how many would like to see disputes between the Slovak and Hungarian prime ministers.

Robert Fico indicated that he shares Viktor Orbán’s view that the only solution to external attacks is national sovereignty, which should guide the daily work of politicians who aim to serve their nation.

The Slovak prime minister also mentioned the amendment to the Slovak constitution, which now defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, “because this is normal.”

The constitution also stipulates that only two sexes exist—male and female—and that parents have the right to influence what is taught to their children, to prevent “half-wits” from brainwashing them.

He emphasised that the most important constitutional provision is that in ethical, moral, and national matters, national law takes precedence over international law.

Video of the event:

Fico expressed his desire to strengthen regional cooperation during Hungary’s upcoming V4 presidency and offered collaboration, especially in the area of secure energy supply. He stressed that no one can dictate to a country where it sources its oil or natural gas.

He also stated:

He agrees with Viktor Orbán that the political and ideological plan to completely cut off from Russian oil and gas will harm not only Slovakia and Hungary but all of Europe.

Fico praised Orbán for his management of illegal migration, noting that Brussels attacks and humiliates him instead of appreciating his efforts. He called the fight against illegal migration and the rejection of migrant quotas important.

On the war in Ukraine, he said that there are only two prime ministers in the European Union who speak about peace, “and one of them is definitely Viktor Orbán.”

Concluding his speech, Robert Fico expressed hope that in the future the Mária Valéria Bridge would only be repaired, never destroyed again, and promised that despite Slovakia’s difficult financial situation, the country would try to secure funding for a new bridge over the Mária Valéria.

Ádám Hernádi, Mayor of Esztergom, said in his address: “This bridge is our shared past.” He added that the bridge, which 130 years ago symbolised modernisation and deepening connections, now stands for friendship, successful cooperation, and a shared future. Beyond its physical and emotional significance, the bridge is also key to the region’s economic and cultural development.

Eugen Szabó, Mayor of Štúrovo, highlighted that the 130th anniversary marks the end of a special chapter in the bridge’s history: until now, the bridge was closed more often than open, but from tomorrow, the open periods will be longer and will continue to grow, connecting the two towns more frequently.

The Mária Valéria Bridge, connecting Esztergom’s Primate Island with the Slovak town of Štúrovo, was inaugurated on September 28, 1895. It was named after Archduchess Maria Valeria, the youngest child of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth.

The bridge was blown up twice: first on 22 July 1919, by Czechoslovak legionnaires at the Štúrovo side, which was temporarily replaced by a pedestrian bridge, and second on 26 December 1944, by retreating German troops, who destroyed the three central spans.

It remained unrepaired for decades, earning the nickname “the broken bridge” among locals. Finally, a 1999 intergovernmental agreement paved the way for reconstruction, and the rebuilt bridge was inaugurated on 11 October 2001, by Slovak Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and then-EU Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen.

The two towns celebrated the bridge’s 130th anniversary with a three-day program series.