Pro-EU ex-minister beats Slovak PM Fico's ally to set up run-off presidential vote

Election?posters show Slovak presidential candidates Peter Pellegrini and Ivan Korcok ahead of the presidential election, in Trencin, Slovakia, March 22, 2024. The posters read: "Let's give Slovakia peace, pride and dignity" (Peter Pellegrini) and "To serve people, not politicians" (Ivan Korcok). REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -A pro-EU former Slovak foreign minister scored a surprise victory in the first round of a presidential election on Saturday, setting up a run-off vote with a key ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Slovakia's presidential election is a chance for Fico, whose views on Ukraine have angered critics for veering too close to Russia, to strengthen his grip on power. Opposition forces want a counterbalance to his rule.