Mass gatherings occur in Slovakia to oppose the prime minister’s pro-Russian stance.

In Slovakia, a massive wave of demonstrations erupted on Friday, as thousands of individuals demonstrated against the pro-Russia stance of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protests, which began in the capital city of Bratislava, rapidly spread to various towns and cities both within Slovakia and in neighboring countries.

The resurgence of these anti-government protests was sparked by Fico’s recent, surprising visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before the Christmas holidays. Protest organizer Lucia Štasselová, representing the non-governmental organization Peace to Ukraine, criticized Fico’s trip, calling it “unacceptable” while addressing the assembled crowd in Bratislava.

Štasselová highlighted the timing of Fico’s visit to Moscow, which occurred amid grave military aggression faced by neighboring countries, stating that it was unacceptable for him to engage with Putin at a time when the global community is united in condemning such acts. The crowd echoed her sentiments, chanting, “We’re ashamed of Fico.”

Fico defended his visit to Moscow, noting that it was a response to Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian gas supplies to European nations via its pipeline infrastructure, which followed the expiration of a prior agreement at the end of 2024. He claimed that Slovakia would experience a financial loss of approximately 500 million euros ($515 million) a year in transit fees if this situation were to continue.

In a threatening tone, Fico suggested that Slovakia might cease sending electricity to Ukraine, diminish support for Ukrainian refugees, stop humanitarian aid, and block EU financial assistance to Ukraine as a form of retaliation against the situation. This stance was met with disapproval from the protestors, who voiced their condemnation loudly.

Among critics of Fico’s actions was former Foreign Minister Rastislav Ká?er, who labeled the Prime Minister as “an agent of a foreign power.” The protests have resonated widely, occurring in numerous locations, including the Czech capital of Prague and Krakow in Poland, with organizers indicating that their demonstrations would persist in the future.

Fico’s perspectives on Russia starkly contrast with mainstream European viewpoints. After regaining power in the previous year following a parliamentary victory for his leftist Smer (Direction) party, he has adopted a pro-Russian and anti-American platform, leading to the suspension of Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine, opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, and a commitment to hinder Ukraine’s bid to join NATO.