Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has sought to clarify remarks made during a press conference in Bratislava on 31st March, in which he claimed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had “harshly scolded” him in a recent phone call.
The conversation, which concerned impending US tariffs on global imports, drew immediate attention both domestically and internationally.
Speaking to journalists, Fico recounted the call in dramatic terms. “Ursula scolded me terribly,” he said. “She went on for half an hour, telling me, ‘Robert, what have you done? Why did you negotiate like this with Trump?’ She called me a complete idiot.”
The comments were made in an evidently ironic tone during a press briefing about current domestic issues, but they were initially interpreted literally by Slovak opposition parties and several media outlets.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico: von der Leyen called me idiot
“Today, I had a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
We discussed two topics. The first was the tariffs imposed against us [Europe]. She absolutely tore into me:
— Robert, what… pic.twitter.com/6jr9LFi1m9
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 31, 2025
Later in the day, Fico took to social media to state that his remarks had been intended as a joke. “I believe the President of the European Commission understood the humour,” he wrote. “Regrettably, the Slovak opposition and media failed to grasp it.”
According to the Prime Minister, the reference was a satirical response to accusations that he had failed to act effectively during his recent visit to the United States.
The primary topic of Fico’s conversation with von der Leyen was the anticipated introduction of comprehensive tariffs by US President Donald Trump, which are set to take effect on 2nd April. These measures are expected to impact all goods and services imported into the United States, including those from European Union member states.
Fico warned that Slovakia could face significant economic consequences, particularly in the automotive sector. “We are primarily concerned about the impact on car manufacturing,” he said. “Given the concentration of automotive production in Slovakia, this is an issue of major national importance.” He identified Volkswagen and Jaguar Land Rover as among the companies likely to be most affected.
He added that the planned tariffs have three dimensions. Firstly, they would impose general import duties on all goods and services. Secondly, they could introduce new regulatory standards that complicate exports. Thirdly, specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and automotive manufacturing are expected to be directly targeted.
Fico informed von der Leyen that Slovakia is willing to play an active role in helping formulate a coordinated EU response. He said a meeting with car manufacturers would take place shortly, during which the government would gather recommendations from industry representatives. “We will professionally present these proposals to the European Commission so the EU can negotiate and respond jointly,” he said.
Despite the clarification, opposition parties have continued to criticise Fico for not addressing the tariff issue during his recent US visit. In response, the Prime Minister stated, “I do not see myself as being as influential as the French or Chinese presidents. These tariffs are aimed at the entire world.”
Image source: Facebook profile Fico
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