Slovakia's Fico: border checks with Hungary a priority for new government

SMER-SSD party leader Robert Fico arrives to the party's headquarters, after the country's early parliamentary elections, in Bratislava, Slovakia, October 1, 2023. REUTERS/Eva Kornikova

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia needs to restart border controls with Hungary to stem the flow of illegal migrants, election winner Robert Fico said on Sunday, flagging the issue as one of his potential government's first priorities.

Fico and his SMER-SSD group sat in pole position to form the next government for the nation of 5.5 million after winning nearly 23% of the vote in a Saturday election, making it the strongest party in the new parliament.