In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico made headlines by sharing controversial photo montages of opposition politicians Ivan Korčok and Michal Šimečka in straitjackets, as part of an escalating political feud. This move came after Korčok criticized the outcome of Fico's negotiations concerning Russian oil with the European Commission, stating that Fico's efforts had yielded no significant results and labeling the talks as a diplomatic failure.

Fico's response included derogatory remarks aimed at Korčok and his political party, positioning himself as a defender of Slovak interests. He implied that Korčok's critique stemmed from a lack of competence, as noted by numerous psychiatrists, further intensifying the contentious nature of Slovak politics. Fico's remarks and the posted images reflect a deeply polarized political climate in Slovakia, where personal attacks have become commonplace among leaders.

Moreover, the situation raises questions about the conduct of politicians and the use of social media in shaping public perception. Korčok argued that there needs to be a balance between maintaining national interests and adhering to democratic values, warning against the implications of Fico's approach for Slovakia's foreign policy, especially regarding transparency and engaging with European partners on critical energy discussions.