Immigration a Major Issue in Slovak Election

Slovaks are voting Saturday for lawmakers, in an election where Europe's migration crisis bears a lot of weight — even though Slovakia itself is not a major destination for migrants.

The ruling Smer party of Slovakia's prime minister, Robert Fico, is expected to lose seats following corruption scandals and complaints about low pay for teachers and nurses.

Fico has gotten positive attention, however, for a series of public welfare measures such as free train rides for students and retirees.

Anti-immigration stance

Fico's anti-immigration stance has also been popular with many voters. In a region on the front lines of the migration crisis, Fico's position aligns him with the leaders of Hungary and Poland, who are drawing hard lines to limit the number of migrants they allow to travel through their countries or to settle there.

Fico argues that terrorists may hide themselves among the crowds of people from the Middle East seeking asylum in Europe.

Polls indicate the Smer party will get at least 30 percent of the 150 seats at stake, but unlike the last election cycle, Smer may need to form a coalition with a junior partner to have a majority government.

Twenty-three parties are vying for seats in the election, which ends late Saturday. The results of exit polls are expected soon after voting ends.

Source: Immigration a Major Issue in Slovak Election