Several thousand people gathered on Friday in front of the seat of the Slovak government in Bratislava. The demonstrators demanded that Prime Minister Robert Fico stop cooperation with Russia and change the direction of foreign policy.
The protest began with an air raid alarm to remind people that it was ongoing war in Ukraine. An open letter was also read and presented simultaneously in thirteen other cities Slovakia. It stated, among other things, that freedom, independence and democratic values are under threat in the country. According to the protesters, the government coalition led by Robert Fico weakens alliances with the European Union and NATO. The letter also recalled the protest slogan: “We are Slovakia. We are Europe.”
Based on drone photos, it was estimated that 15,000 people participated in the protest.
Activists and representatives of civic initiatives appeared on the podium. The organizers deliberately refrained from inviting parliamentary politicians. The participants brought flags of Slovakia and the European Union, and slogans were heard among the crowd: “we are ashamed of Fico”, “enough of Fico”, “we will not give up Slovakia” and “betrayal of the homeland”. There were also whistles and boos. At the request of the organizers, banners with offensive content and those that could be perceived as inciting violence were removed.
Protest in front of the seat of the Slovak government in Bratislava PAP/EPA/JAKUB GAVLAK
Fico in the Kremlin
The organizers of the “Peace for Ukraine” initiative criticized the visit of Prime Minister Robert Fico to Moscow (On December 22, 2024, Fico met with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin – ed.), declared their support for Ukraine and announced a trip to Kiev as a gesture of solidarity.
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Earlier on Friday, during a meeting of the Slovak parliamentary committee for European affairs, Robert Fico reported on his December visit to Moscow. He stated, among other things, that he heard from Vladimir Putin a promise that Russia will fulfill its gas obligations towards Bratislava. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of lying and acting to the detriment of Slovakia.
The Prime Minister of Slovakia met with Vladimir PutinAndrzej Zaucha/Fakty TVN
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JAKUB GAVLAK