The Slovak daily Sme recently published a critical article on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Prague. The newspaper describes Fico's visit as "hostile, impolite, and distinctly propagandistic," but emphasizes that such a style of visit will not affect the long-standing relations between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which have survived many changes, including the split of the states. Despite the media-reported hesitations of Czech President Petr Pavel about receiving Fico, the article highlights that the relations between the two countries will continue regardless of the outcomes of the Slovak elections.
The paper also points to Pavel's efforts to distance himself from Fico, whom Sme accuses of insulting neighbors, recalling Fico's remarks about the "emptiness of Czech-Slovak relations." During his visit, Fico criticized both past Slovak governments and current Czech government officials, ignoring positive examples of cooperation between the countries, such as the relations between Petr Pavel and Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová or Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger.
Sme also notes Fico's meetings with controversial figures during his visit and his impatience to see a change in the Czech government. The article concludes that Fico's visit may have been a victory for his supporters, but it also showed Slovak "pettiness" and allowed the Czech Republic to assume the role of a more mature and advanced partner.