Newly appointed Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico signs the oath during a swear in ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, Slovakia, Oct 25, 2023 (PHOTO/AP)

BRATISLAVA - Robert Fico has been appointed as Slovakia's Prime Minister for the fourth time, following his Smer party's victory in the September election with 22.94 percent of the votes.

Slovak President Zuzana Caputova appointed the new government at the Primate's Palace in the nation's capital Bratislava on Wednesday afternoon.

In the ruling coalition, the Smer party oversees seven ministries, the Hlas party heads six departments and the deputy PM role, and the Slovak National Party manages culture, the environment, and the soon-to-be-established Ministry of Sports and Tourism

When addressing the newly appointed cabinet, Caputova highlighted current challenges like high energy prices, healthcare accessibility and economic recovery.

"Never before in the modern history of Slovakia has the government faced such bad social and economic indicators," said Fico during his speech.

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Meanwhile, he pledged a sovereign, professional government committed to delivering a better life for the Slovak population.

The Smer party won 42 seats in the 150-member House, falling short of 75 seats. In earlier October, the Smer party, the Social Democracy (Hlas) party and the Slovak National Party agreed to form a coalition government.

In the ruling coalition, the Smer party oversees seven ministries, the Hlas party heads six departments and the deputy PM role, and the Slovak National Party manages culture, the environment, and the soon-to-be-established Ministry of Sports and Tourism.