Tens of thousands of Slovakians filled the streets on Friday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico, protesting his shift towards closer ties with Russia amid ongoing tensions in Europe. In Bratislava’s Freedom Square, an estimated 42,000 to 45,000 demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as “Resign, resign,” “Slovakia is Europe,” and “Russian agent.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The protests were sparked by Fico’s recent trip to Moscow, making him one of the few EU leaders to visit Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This move has drawn criticism from many who argue that it undermines Slovakia’s democratic values and its alignment with the European Union. Protesters, like 39-year-old Barbora Kabinova, emphasized their commitment to EU values and human rights, stating, “We are here to keep it that way.”
The protests are the largest since 2018, when similar demonstrations led to the downfall of Fico’s government after the murder of an investigative journalist. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May, has accused the protesters of collaborating with foreign entities and Ukraine to destabilize his government—a claim for which he has not provided substantial evidence.
The prime minister has called for a halt to Slovakia’s support for Ukraine, criticized EU sanctions on Russia, and opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, further straining his relationship with EU allies. Fico’s leadership has also been criticized for its crackdown on civil society and LGBTQ rights, adding to the growing discontent among Slovak citizens.
