George Soros denies trying to interfere in Slovakian politics after journalist’s murder

Prime Minister Robert Fico claims the controversial Hungarian influenced President Andrej Kiska before he made a speech calling for significant changes to the Slovakian government following the recent murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancee.

Mr Kiska said there was no way back for the government after the pair were shot dead in their home near Bratislava on February 25.

He said: “There’s a huge public distrust of the state.

“And many don’t trust law enforcement authorities.

“This distrust is justified. We crossed the line, things went too far and there’s no way back.”

The president said he would host talks with the leaders of Slovakia’s political parties to discuss his proposed government shake-up.

He said: “I can see two solutions: a profound change to government or early elections.”

But Mr Fico claims the President’s speech and calls for reform had been heavily influenced by Mr Soros.

Mr Soros rejected the claims. A spokesman for his office said: “Mr Soros played no role in President Kiska’s recent speech nor in recent demonstrations in Slovakia.”

He confrmed Mr Soros and Mr Kiska met last September when they discussed better integration for the Roma community in Slovakia.

A spokesperson for Mr Kiska said: “Deflecting attention with conspiracy theories doesn’t release the prime minister from his duty to solve the deep political crisis or to make space for somebody else who can.”

Several top Slovakian officials have stepped down since Mr Kuciak’s death and the subsequent release of his draft report alleging tlinks between the Italian mafia and businessmen and politicians in Slovakia.

Mr Fico is not the only European leader to target Mr Soros.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is engaged in an ongoing feud with the Budapest-born businessman, which has included a government campaign of billboards.

Mr Soros was also widely criticised after private meetings with a European Central Bank director to argue for closer eurozone integration were seen as yet another attempt to meddle in EU affairs.

News of the meetings emerged after the 87-year-old pledged around £500,000 to anti-Brexit causes.