Critics fear tilt towards Russia as Slovakia goes to polls

Slovakia risks moving further away from the west, critics have warned, as a report alleges that a presidential candidate aligned with the country's populist prime minister, Robert Fico, had sought an invitation to Russia to boost his position at home.

- Lili Bayer, Shaun Walker

Slovaks will vote in a presidential election on Saturday, in what many consider to be a test of the country's democracy and future within Europe.

Since returning to power after winning the election last autumn, Fico has shifted foreign policy in a more Russia-friendly direction and taken aim at independent institutions at home, including the special prosecutor's office and public broadcaster.