Bratislava, Slovakia — Tens of thousands of Slovaks have taken to the streets in a series of nationwide protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent pro-Russian policies and his government’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic institutions. The demonstrations, which saw up to 60,000 people gathering in Bratislava and additional rallies in 20 other cities, reflect deepening public concern over Slovakia’s foreign policy direction and internal governance.
Growing Public Dissent
The protests were sparked by Fico’s visit to Moscow in December 2024, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting marked a significant shift from Slovakia’s traditional pro-Western stance, raising fears of increased Russian influence in the country. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “We are not Russia” and “Slovakia is Europe,” expressing their opposition to any move away from the European Union and NATO.
Frantisek Valach, a protester in Bratislava, stated, “We do not want to be with Russia… We want to be in the European Union, we want to be NATO, and we want to stay that way.”
Government’s Response and Allegations
In response to the protests, Prime Minister Fico accused opposition groups and protest organizers of attempting a “coup d’état” in collaboration with unspecified foreign entities. He cited a secret intelligence report from Slovakia’s Intelligence Service (SIS), alleging that these groups planned to occupy government buildings, block roads, organize a nationwide strike, and provoke clashes with police forces to overthrow his government. However, Fico did not present specific evidence to support these claims.
Opposition parties have dismissed Fico’s allegations, viewing them as a tactic to suppress dissent and distract from the government’s internal issues and economic challenges. They have called for a no-confidence vote against Fico’s government, though it is expected to survive due to its narrow majority in Parliament.
Historical Context and Public Sentiment
The scale of the recent protests is reminiscent of those in 2018, which led to Fico’s resignation following the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak. The current demonstrations underscore a resurgence of public activism in Slovakia, with citizens expressing deep concerns over potential shifts in foreign policy and the erosion of democratic norms.
Jozef Betak, a 49-year-old telecoms specialist, voiced his frustration, stating, “Mr. Fico is very aggressive and that disturbs me. He has lost all sense and should quit public life. We can’t stay silent, otherwise nothing will change.”
Implications for Slovakia’s Future
The ongoing protests highlight a significant divide within Slovak society regarding its foreign policy orientation and the preservation of democratic institutions. The outcome of this political crisis will have profound implications for Slovakia’s international alliances, its role within the European Union and NATO, and the future trajectory of its democratic governance.
As the situation develops, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring the government’s response to public dissent and the potential for political reform or escalation.
