On Wednesday, 25 October 2023, President Čaputová appointed the new government of Robert Fico.

In her speech in front of the new ministers, she emphasized that the basic law of our state requires her to ensure the proper functioning of constitutional bodies. "The citizens of the Slovak Republic democratically expressed their will in the parliamentary elections. My task is to respect the results of the elections and to appoint a government that will meet the conditions for its proper functioning. That moment has come today and it is why I have appointed you to the positions of the new government."

The President noted that although the government that emerged from the 2020 elections ended with early elections, the problems and tasks faced by the previous governments did not end with the elections. "Your government will also have to find a satisfactory solution to high energy prices. Like the previous governments, you will be faced with the task of improving the sustainability of public finances while maintaining social standards, improving the performance of the economy and raising the standard of living of our citizens. It will be necessary to increase the availability of health care, the quality of education, to ensure the stability of the financing of local governments, as well as the fulfilment of the milestones of the Recovery Plan."

In this context, the President welcomed the new government’s clear assurance that it recognizes the importance of the continuity of our membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance. "The stronger and more stable these organizations are because of our contribution, the more Slovakia will benefit from its membership. I also believe that you will continue a good neighbourhood policy, not only towards our southern, western and northern neighbours but also towards our hard-pressed eastern neighbour."

At the same time, she emphasized to the new ministers that they are not only taking over power, but mainly the responsibility for the republic and its inhabitants.
 

"You are taking over the government of the Slovak Republic on the 30th anniversary of its independent functioning, i.e. after 30 years of our joint efforts to build the state. The joint efforts of the governments before you, the private sector, civil society. This is the joint work of us all. With few exceptions, you are the representatives of a government with rich political experience and a distinct life story. However, you are starting to create the history of this government today, and it is up to you to write its story with your actions and decisions. I have no doubt that as representatives of political parties, you will be able to reach out and represent your voters. You achieved the kind of electoral results that allowed you to form a government. However, the government is here for more than 5 million citizens and it is necessary to show that you are interested in representing everyone. Therefore, a clear assurance for members of minorities that they are equal in dignity and rights is also important, as well as the assurance that the administration of justice should have a smooth passage, because the protection of democracy and social harmony far exceeds the horizons of elections and election cycles and our differences."

In her conclusions, she stated that we have reached a situation of deep mistrust in society. "No matter which government I appoint today, some of the citizens will not only be disappointed but worried about what will happen. But this is also an opportunity because what we really need is the strengthening of social cohesion. I am not talking about naive consent or insincere consensus. Differences belong to democracy. I'm talking about the opportunity to contribute to mutual respect and professional cooperation with your communication and your actions."