A mass demonstration took place in Bratislava against Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Moscow stance and recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The protests, driven by Fico’s threats to cut financial aid for Ukrainian refugees in retaliation for Ukraine halting gas delivery to Slovakia, saw thousands waving EU and Slovak flags and demanding Fico’s resignation with signs reading “Fico go to Moscow!” and “We want to live in a free country!”. Chants of “Fico to resign”, “Enough of Fico”, and “Shame on the government” were heard as protesters voiced their disapproval. Fico’s meeting with Putin in December and Slovakia’s proposal to host peace talks on Ukraine as a neutral venue raised concerns among the protesters. The demonstration marks a growing discontent with Fico’s policies, with Slovakia being the third EU country whose leader visited Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing protests highlight the divide within Slovak society over the country’s foreign policy and the government’s handling of the Ukraine crisis.
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Slovakia sees renewed protests over Prime Minister Fico’s pro-Moscow position
