Slovakia's road to the euro

Robert Zitnansky is confident that Slovakia fulfils the criteria for entry into the Eurozone in 2009. But he wonders how left-populist Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will manage to convince pensioners and low-income constituents to support a speedy introduction of the currency. "These people do not go to Austria to do their shopping, to Spain on holiday or to Ireland for jobs. They'll only be frustrated by the euro and the likely higher prices that accompany it. The people fear monetary change and inflation more than anything. Voters will judge Fico by prices alone, not by the ups and downs of the market."

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