Huge demonstrations erupted across numerous cities and towns in Slovakia on Friday as citizens expressed their resistance against the pro-Russian stance of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
These recent protests were ignited by Fico’s controversial visit to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare engagement of a European Union leader with the Kremlin since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced on February 24, 2022.
Adding fuel to the fire, Fico made remarks suggesting that Slovakia might consider departing from both the European Union and NATO, intensifying public discontent. Protesters made their demands clear, chanting slogans such as “Resign, resign,” and asserting, “Slovakia is Europe.”
The protests have noticeably expanded, with rallies occurring in 41 locations within Slovakia, an increase from 28 just two weeks prior, along with gatherings in 13 additional international sites, as reported by organizers.
These events mark the most significant demonstrations since the large-scale protests in 2018, which arose in response to the murders of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, ultimately leading to the fall of Fico’s prior government.
Adding a layer of complexity, Fico, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in May 2024, has heightened tension in the nation by alleging that protest leaders are collaborating with foreign entities connected to recent anti-government movements in Georgia, claiming they are under the influence of Ukrainian authorities aiming to orchestrate a coup in Slovakia. These accusations have been rejected by the Peace for Ukraine organization and have yet to be substantiated by government officials.
Fico’s perspectives on Russia diverge sharply from prevailing sentiments within the European Union. His return to power came last year when his leftist party, Smer (Direction), triumphed in a parliamentary election on a platform that was distinctly pro-Russian and critical of American influence.
Since resuming office, Fico has halted military assistance to Ukraine, denounced EU sanctions against Russia, and pledged to obstruct Ukraine’s aspirations of NATO membership. He also labeled Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an adversary after the nation ceased Russian gas supply to Slovakia and other European nations.
