Slovakia erupts: Thousands protest PM Fico's Moscow visit
"Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia" - these slogans accompanied the large demonstration that took place in Bratislava. Protesters demanded a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy and protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow. About 15,000 people took to the streets.
On Friday, in Bratislava, 15,000 people gathered in front of the government headquarters to protest Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow.
The demonstrators expressed opposition to cooperation with Russia and demanded a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy direction.
"Enough of Fico"
The protest began with an air raid alarm signal, symbolizing the ongoing war in Ukraine. An open letter was read, which was simultaneously presented in 13 other cities in Slovakia. The letter emphasized the threat to freedom and democratic values in the country.
Participants brought flags of Slovakia and the European Union, and among the crowd, slogans could be heard: "We are ashamed of Fico," "Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia," and "Betrayal of the homeland."
Organizers from the "Peace for Ukraine" initiative criticized Fico's visit to Moscow and declared support for Ukraine. They also announced a trip to Kyiv as a gesture of solidarity.
Prime Minister Fico, during a parliamentary committee meeting, reported on his visit, emphasizing Russia's promise concerning gas commitments.
Wave of protests
Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to the Kremlin sparked a wave of protests in Slovakia. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Bratislava to express opposition to the government’s policy. Since the visit to Russia, it was unclear where the Slovak prime minister was.
On Friday, January 3, thousands of Slovaks took to the streets of Bratislava to express dissatisfaction with the prime minister’s policy. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We are not Russia!" and "We are not a Russian rag!"
