The winner of Slovakia's general election said on Sunday his country has "bigger problems" than the war in Ukraine, after a result that could disrupt the EU's united front against Russia.
Robert Fico, who pledged during the campaign to end Slovakia's military aid to Kyiv, said he would do everything possible to open peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Mr Fico's left-wing populist Smer party topped the poll with 23 per cent of the vote, defying an initial exit poll that projected a win for the pro-western Progressive Slovakia.
The result sets the stage for coalition talks in which Mr Fico – who served two previous terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2010 and 2012 to 2018 – is expected to be given the first chance to form a government.
His victory was celebrated by Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been the EU's most prominent dissenting voice on Ukraine.
Mr Orban congratulated Mr Fico on his "undisputable victory" in Slovakia and said it was "always good to work together with a patriot". Both countries border Ukraine and are members of Nato and the EU.
The beaten Progressive Slovakia, which took 18 per cent of the vote, said it would still try to form a coalition from the runner-up spot. But third-placed kingmaker HLAS has said it leans closer to Mr Fico's party on policy.
Mr Fico, 59, is seeking a return to power after resigning in 2018 when the murder of an investigative journalist sparked mass protests against corruption.
Peace talks
He campaigned on boosting social spending and challenging EU policy on issues including migration, climate change and security. He said Slovakia would not send Ukraine a "single round of ammunition".
"Slovakia and the people in Slovakia have bigger problems than Ukraine," he told a press conference on Sunday. He called for peace talks because "further killing will not help anyone".
Mr Fico has preciously echoed Kremlin talking points on the war by speaking of Russian citizens being attacked by "Nazis and fascists" and blaming Ukrainian forces for starting the conflict.
A return to power for Mr Fico could make it harder for the EU, which requires the consent of all 27 members to make key foreign policy decisions such as sanctions on Russia, to hold to a united line.
EU leaders have had to water down previous sanctions packages to get Mr Orban on board. Hungary is unusual among the bloc's members in opposing weapons aid to Ukraine.
Slovakia, which has been led by a caretaker government since former prime minister Eduard Heger was forced out by government infighting, has provided Ukraine with Soviet-era fighter jets and other equipment.
Ukraine has made gradual progress in a counter-offensive equipped with western tanks but there have been signs of fatigue among Kyiv's allies. Poland's nationalist government, which is up for re-election this month, has stopped arms deliveries amid a dispute with Ukraine over grain sales.
Diplomats are meanwhile grappling with the possibility that Donald Trump, who has questioned US aid to Ukraine and expressed Russia-friendly sentiments, could win back the White House in 2024.
President Joe Biden's Democrats accepted a spending deal with Republicans on Saturday that removed new assistance for Ukraine in exchange for averting a government shutdown. Any further aid will have to be negotiated separately.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
A Prayer Before Dawn
Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire
Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai
Three stars
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Persuasion
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