BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — On Wednesday, the three parties in Slovakia’s governing coalition reached a consensus on a cabinet reshuffle aimed at enhancing the stability of the government. This development significantly increases the influence of the populist Smer (Direction) party, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico.

As part of this new arrangement, the coalition’s two minor partners, the Hlas (Voice) party and the nationalist Slovak National Party, will relinquish control of one ministry each to Smer. Consequently, Smer will manage nine ministries, while Hlas and the Slovak National Party will handle six and two ministries, respectively.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Fico expressed that this shift in power is intended to reinforce the ruling coalition and restore its majority within the parliamentary landscape. A crisis had recently put the coalition’s parliamentary strength at risk.

Prior to these adjustments, the coalition held 79 seats in the 150-seat National Council. However, four members from Hlas and three from the Slovak National Party had split from their respective factions. While these lawmakers did not align themselves with the opposition, they have articulated demands for positions within the government, parliament, and state entities in exchange for their loyalty.

This rift has complicated the government’s ability to implement its policies and initiatives. Fico, whose administration has faced public protests due to its pro-Russian stance, emphasized that the aim of the recent agreement is to solidify the coalition’s parliamentary majority. He noted that the changes would better position him to engage with the dissenters, without disclosing specific plans.

Further announcements regarding the coalition’s next steps are expected from Fico in the near future.