Slovakian lawmakers narrowly passed a controversial defence pact with the US on Wednesday that allows Washington to strengthen its presence in the country by expanding two military airports, news agency MIA reported.

Of the 140 lawmakers present, 79 backed the agreement while 60 voted against it. Emotions have run high over the treaty that allows the US to expand the two airports Sliac and Kuchyna.

There were heated protests in parliament by right-wing lawmakers on Tuesday evening, overshadowing a debate on the issue. In recent weeks, street protests have been held in opposition to the treaty in Bratislava and other Slovakian cities.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad justified the pact he signed in Washington last week as a security guarantee for Slovakia.

Nonetheless, Slovakia’s two social democratic opposition parties were opposed, as were right-wing extremists who have been in parliament for six years.

The Prosecutor General’s Office also expressed opposition to the treaty in January, claiming it was formulated unilaterally in favour of the US and restricted Slovakia’s sovereignty. There were also sceptics within the governing parties, making its passing in parliament uncertain right up until Wednesday.