BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — On Wednesday, the ruling coalition in Slovakia announced a significant reshuffle aimed at reinforcing governmental stability.

This decision enhances the authority of the Smer (Direction) party, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

As part of the agreement, the coalition’s two minor partners—Hlas (Voice) party and the ultranationalist Slovak National Party—will relinquish control over one ministry each to Smer.

With the transfer of ministries responsible for Investments, Regional Development, Information, and Tourism and Sports, Smer will now manage a total of nine ministries, while Hlas and the Slovak National Party will handle six and two ministries, respectively.

Fico expressed through a Facebook post that Smer aims to leverage this political influence to stabilize the coalition and restore its parliamentary majority.

This reshuffle comes in the wake of challenges within the coalition, which has struggled to maintain a stable parliamentary majority.

Currently, Slovakia’s National Council, comprising 150 seats, has the coalition holding 79 seats.

However, recent defections involving four lawmakers from Hlas and three from the Slovak National Party have complicated the government’s ability to advance its legislative agenda.

While these lawmakers have not aligned with the opposition, they have requested various positions in government, parliament, and state institutions in return for their loyalty.

Fico’s administration, which has encountered considerable public dissent regarding its pro-Russian stance, asserted that the purpose of this agreement is to solidify the coalition’s parliamentary majority.

He indicated that the changes will assist in negotiations with the dissenting members but did not elaborate on the specifics.

Fico also mentioned that he would reveal his subsequent actions at a later time.