Slovak protests challenge Fico's pro‑Russia policies
Slovaks took to the streets of Bratislava to demonstrate their opposition to Prime Minister Robert Fico's stance. They demanded a change in foreign policy and an end to cooperation with Russia.
On Friday, in front of the government headquarters in Bratislava, 15,000 people gathered to oppose Prime Minister Robert Fico's policies. Protesters held banners with slogans like "Enough Fico," "Betrayal of the Homeland," and "We Will Not Give Up Slovakia."
The protest began with an air raid siren, symbolizing the ongoing war in Ukraine. An open letter was read aloud. Participants in 13 other cities across Slovakia also heard the same message.
Slovakia is rebelling. They do not want government cooperation with Vladimir Putin
The letter highlights the consequences for the country due to actions taken by Prime Minister Fico. It mentions the threat to the nation's freedom and democratic values and the weakening of alliances with the EU and NATO.
The letter also reiterated the protests' slogan: "We are Slovakia. We are Europe." The event attracted over 15,000 people.
The organizers of the demonstration, the "Peace for Ukraine" initiative, also criticized Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow and his meeting with Vladimir Putin. They expressed support for Ukraine and announced plans for a trip to Kyiv as a gesture of solidarity.
Earlier on Friday, during a session of Slovakia's parliamentary committee on European affairs, Robert Fico reported on his visit to Moscow, which occurred on December 22. He mentioned that Vladimir Putin promised that Russia would fulfill its gas commitments to Bratislava.
Fico also criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of lying and acting to Slovakia's disadvantage.
