Protests against Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies have been ongoing for the last three months, with tens of thousands of people rallying every fortnight in Bratislava and other areas of the country. The protests began after Fico’s trip to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he made remarks suggesting Slovakia might consider leaving the EU and NATO. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in 2024, has faced calls to resign over his comments about EU and NATO membership, as well as his defense of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
One surprising aspect of the protests is that they are not limited to major cities but have also taken place in areas where Fico’s ruling Smer party has traditionally had strong support. Fico, who started his political career on the left and previously supported EU membership, shifted his stance in 2018 after journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancee were murdered. This led to Fico’s resignation and the loss of power by Smer in the 2020 parliamentary elections. However, Fico returned to power in 2023 by adopting more extreme positions and pro-Moscow rhetoric that appealed to many Slovak citizens.
Fico’s return to power has seen a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy, with him ending military and financial support for Ukraine, criticizing EU sanctions on Russia, and vowing to block Ukraine from joining NATO. He has also declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a national enemy after Zelenskyy ended the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. Fico’s anti-EU and pro-Russian stance has sparked widespread protests across Slovakia, with many calling for his resignation and expressing opposition to his policies.
The demonstrations against Fico have become a headache for the prime minister, especially as they are taking place in areas where his party traditionally had strong support. The protests have highlighted a shift in public sentiment in Slovakia, with many citizens expressing dissatisfaction with Fico’s pro-Russian policies and anti-EU rhetoric. Despite facing calls to resign, Fico has maintained his position and continues to pursue policies that align with Russia’s interests.
The protests in Slovakia reflect a broader trend of growing discontent with populist leaders and their policies across Europe. Fico’s alignment with Russia and his anti-EU stance have put him at odds with many Slovak citizens, leading to widespread demonstrations calling for his resignation. The ongoing protests are a reminder of the power of public dissent and the impact it can have on shaping political decisions and policies in a democratic society.
In conclusion, the ongoing protests in Slovakia against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies reflect a growing discontent with populist leaders and their alignment with foreign powers. Fico’s shift towards more extreme positions and his criticism of the EU and NATO have sparked widespread opposition from citizens across the country, leading to regular demonstrations demanding his resignation. The protests highlight the power of public dissent in shaping political decisions and underscore the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and policies.
