Robert Fico and Co. appear poised to return to power in Slovakia. That is good news for Slovaks and less-than-good news for the GAE.

Robert Fico’s Direction – Social Democracy is set to emerge as the largest party following Slovakia’s snap election on Saturday. Fico has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and promised that not “a single round” of ammunition will be sent to Kiev if he becomes prime minister.

Fico’s party is currently leading with 20% of the vote, according to an aggregate of recent polls compiled by Politico. The liberal Progressive Slovakia party is in second place with 18%, while the Voice – Social Democracy party, a potential coalition partner for Fico’s Direction – Social Democracy – is in third place with 13%. No other faction is polling above single digits.

The prospect of a Fico-led government has already set alarm bells ringing in the EU, where officials in Brussels fear he could veto future military aid to Ukraine and vote against additional anti-Russia sanctions packages.

Great news for and from a great country. Under the unusual circumstances of Fico’s departure a few years ago, I wondered when he’d return. This could be another step towards freeing Europe from the grasp of the GAE.