Tens of thousands of people have once again taken to the streets in numerous cities across Slovakia under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe!”
They accuse left-nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico of taking a pro-Russian stance and lacking solidarity with Ukraine.
The peaceful demonstrations on Friday evening were called for by various opposition groups and the citizens’ initiative “Mier Ukrajine” (Peace for Ukraine), which advocates for stronger military support for the neighbouring country.
On their banners and in chants, the demonstrators demanded Fico’s resignation and insisted that any cooperation with Russia be stopped immediately. They accused the prime minister of collaborating with autocrats and attempting to turn Slovakia into an autocracy.
Fico and other government politicians recently travelled to Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. A meeting in December between Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow caused particular outrage. The government justified these trips by claiming that their diplomatic efforts secured the continued gas supply for the EU country.
Slovak society is becoming increasingly polarized. Opponents of Fico allege that he has plans to withdraw the country from the EU and NATO.
The government dismisses these claims as “lies” and in turn accuses the protest movement of failing to respect democratic election results and harbouring plans for a coup.
Since Fico’s return to power in autumn 2023, Slovakia has not supplied weapons to neighbouring Ukraine from its own military stockpiles. However, unlike Hungary, it has so far agreed to all EU resolutions against Russia and in support of Ukraine.
People take part in a protest against Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe!”. Jaroslav Novák/TASR/dpa