For two weeks, the President of Slovakia, Robert Fico, was nowhere to be found after his controversial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His office remained silent on his whereabouts, sparking widespread speculation.
Fico, who had previously communicated with the nation through social media videos, disappeared from public sight without offering clear clues about his location.
These clips, often featuring nothing but closed curtains and drawn windows, left many guessing where he could be.
However, two weeks later, Fico has resurfaced in an unexpected location.
A Luxurious Hideaway in Vietnam
Contrary to predictions that he might be vacationing in Dubai, Fico was found at the lavish Capella Hanoi hotel in Vietnam.
Reports from Slovak media suggest that he stayed in the Grand Opera Madama Butterfly suite, which boasts impressive amenities like a rooftop jacuzzi, an outdoor bar, and a dining room that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
At nearly £4,900 a night, this suite is as extravagant as it sounds.
While media outlets in Slovakia, including The Slovak Spectator, have inquired about Fico’s activities, the exact purpose of his visit remains unclear.
No official trip to Vietnam has been announced.
Protests at Home Amid Growing Controversy
Fico’s absence sparked frustration in Slovakia, particularly after his meeting with Putin, which came at a time of heightened tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine.
On January 3, Fico released a video statement accusing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky of “sabotaging” Russian gas supplies, which he claimed was causing Slovakia a significant financial loss.
He threatened to halt support for Ukrainian refugees and indicated that his Smer party would consider cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, while demanding the renewal of gas transit deals or compensation for Slovakia’s losses.
Meanwhile, thousands of Slovakians gathered in the capital on January 5, protesting against Fico’s policies, especially his recent interaction with Putin.
The demonstrators, organized by the activist group Peace for Ukraine, argued that Fico’s actions undermined Slovakia’s position within the EU.
The protest saw around 4,000 people holding banners that read “We are Europe” and “Traitor,” while chanting slogans like “Down with Fico.”
Energy Crisis and Tensions with Ukraine
The backdrop to Fico’s disappearance involves a larger energy dispute between Slovakia and Ukraine.
On December 22, Fico met with Putin as tensions grew over Russian gas exports.
Gas transits through Ukraine had been halted after Kyiv refused to renew a transit deal with Russia’s Gazprom.
Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian gas, had attempted to convince Ukraine to renew the deal, fearing that the suspension would lead to higher energy costs for Slovakia and the EU.
However, President Zelensky vowed not to extend the deal, citing concerns that it would benefit Russia financially while continuing the war.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear what further actions Fico will take, both in his country and in the broader international arena.