Slovakia's President, Zuzana Caputova, has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024. Caputova, who is one of four female heads of state in the European Union, cited a lack of energy as the reason for her decision.
During her tenure, Caputova faced harsh criticism from opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who accused her of serving foreign interests. Fico has surged to the top of the polls ahead of parliamentary elections in September, and has promised to stop military aid to Ukraine if he returns to power.
Despite the attacks from the opposition, Caputova has remained a strong advocate for minorities and LGBT rights, and has been a key figure in efforts to fight corruption in Slovakia. She has also been a firm supporter of Ukraine, which has earned her criticism from opponents like Fico.
At a rally last year, Fico appeared to take pleasure in the crowd chanting obscenities directed towards Caputova. He has repeatedly referred to her as an "American agent", despite the accusations being rejected by a Slovak court as false and illegal.
Caputova remains the country's most credible politician, according to polls, and she would be the clear favorite if she were to run again. However, she has been the target of verbal attacks and threats of violence as the election approaches.
In a television interview last year, Caputova spoke of being the target of "cruel, brutal personal attacks" for allegedly serving other powers, and expressed concern over the language used by politicians and those who have threatened her life.
Overall, Caputova's decision not to run for re-election is seen as a blow to the country's democracy, with many expressing concern that her departure will further erode the country's already fragile political environment.