History repeats itself. This is a fact that most people will agree with and then forget. This is the reason for the shocking expressions and need for “experts” to explain an event when something occurs.
It seems that a bit of history is being repeated in Slovakia. The most recent opinion poll suggests that former labour minister Iveta Radičová is the most popular opposition politician. She trails only Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Ivan Gašparovič, who have been dominating the popularity polls for a much longer time.
This is important to note since it took a little over two years to build an opposition coalition that won the general election in 1997. During that time the then Prime Minister Mr Meciar was very popular. Of course Mr Fico’s government is still fairly new. The honeymoon period of governing may be over, but the promises of the campaign and popularity of his government proposals and laws are still fresh.
It may be possible that Ms Radičová will slowly build a solid coalition and in time Mr Fico’s popularity will decrease allowing for a new election. Electoral politics aside, another historical repetition is taking place though many have not made mention of it yet.
In 1979, a young charismatic daughter of a grocer used her popularity and political skills to become the first female leader of a major political party in Britain. Later, she led her opposition party to electoral victory becoming the first-ever female British Prime Minister. This historical connection is merely based upon gender and internal-party popularity and I wish not to speculate on a political future. However, when one looks at the two historical connections one cannot but be hopeful.
