Slovak government loses no-confidence vote

FILE PHOTO: Slovakia's Finance Minister Igor Matovic speaks to the media as refugees fleeing from Ukraine arrive in Slovakia, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, February 26, 2022. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa

(Reuters) -Slovakia's minority government lost a no-confidence vote on Thursday despite last-ditch efforts to gain support, raising political instability in the country as it seeks to battle soaring energy prices and help a weakening economy.

The no-confidence motion was passed by 78 lawmakers in the 150-seat parliament. The vote will not mean the immediate change of the government, although it could open the path to early elections.