Thousands gathered in Bratislava and various other Slovak cities on Friday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico and continuing their protests against a foreign policy that critics argue is aligning the nation more closely with Russia.
These demonstrations have been occurring biweekly since early January, ignited by a meeting in December between Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking one of the few visits to Moscow by a European Union leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
“Slovakia is Europe,” the crowds in Bratislava shouted, alongside chants of “Enough of Fico.”
According to the Dennik N news website, a security expert estimated that around 12,000 people participated in the protest in the capital, a decrease from over 40,000 two weeks prior. Rallies also took place in more than 40 other cities.
The demonstrations on Friday commemorated the seventh anniversary of the assassination of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak. His murder ignited weeks of widespread protests against perceived corruption in public office, ultimately resulting in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Fico.
Fico has since regained power following a victory in the 2023 elections, leading a leftist-nationalist government that has raised concerns among progressive opposition groups and others due to proposed changes to criminal legislation and the restructuring of the public broadcasting service.
He has also halted military assistance to Ukraine and is currently in conflict with Kyiv regarding the cessation of Russian gas transit this year. Fico justifies his foreign policy by asserting that it encompasses multiple directions.
A longstanding figure in Slovak politics, Fico has frequently engaged in verbal confrontations with the pro-Western liberal opposition, non-governmental organizations, and the media, accusing them of plotting against Slovakia.
This month, he praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor, Elon Musk, for his efforts to dismantle the primary U.S. aid agency, claiming that its resources were used to “distort the political landscape” in Slovakia.
While in the United States to address the Conservative Political Action Conference, Fico met with Musk and stated on Friday that he was assured the funding era for “anti-government” media and NGOs was coming to an end.
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The four-time prime minister has pledged to resist the demands of protesters calling for his resignation.
