Slovak Populist Fico Seeks Return to Power With Referendum Push

Slovakia’s former premier, Robert Fico, is pressing ahead with a bid to bring forward the national elections, with an eye on returning to power four years after he resigned in disgrace following the murder of a journalist. 

He is pushing for a national referendum that would force the current government to resign, so he could further roil the political system in the nation of 5 million. The government -- elected two years ago on a pledge to fight corruption -- is struggling against infighting to keep its majority intact.