Thousands protest in Slovakia over pro-Russia policies of populist leader Fico

Tens of thousands of people in Slovakia gathered at squares and streets across the country to voice their opposition to the pro-Russia policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The latest wave of anti-government rallies on Friday was fuelled by Mr Fico’s recent trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It was a rare visit to the Kremlin by an EU leader since Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 2022.

Mr Fico’s recent remarks that it was a possibility to change Slovakia’s foreign policy orientation and leave the EU and Nato were among other recent steps by the prime minister that sparked anger from protesters.

Protesters changed in Bratislava: “Slovakia is not Russia, Slovakia is Europe” and “We have enough of Fico” and “Resign”.

Friday’s rallies took place in 28 locations, more than double compared to two weeks ago amid heightened tensions after Mr Fico accused organisers and the opposition earlier this week of being in contact with an unspecified group of foreigners who he says are working toward engineering a coup in Slovakia.

Mr Fico linked his accusations to a secret report by the country’s spy service, known as SIS, that he presented in parliament on Tuesday.

The details were not known, but Mr Fico publicly said that the opposition plans to occupy government buildings, block roads, organise a nationwide strike and provoke clashes with police forces as parts of the alleged plan to overthrow his government.

Slovak leaders said that the situation was serious, but the opposition dismissed the report and accused SIS of being misused for political purposes.

SIS is led by the son of Mr Fico’s close party ally.

The organisers of most of the rallies from the Peace for Ukraine organisation dismissed Mr Fico’s claims and said that he is trying to frighten the Slovak population.

All the numerous public anti-government protests since Mr Fico’s cabinet was sworn in on October 25 2023 have been peaceful.

Organisers said their protest in Bratislava was attended by 60,000 people and rallies will continue on February 7.

Mr Fico’s views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream.

He returned to power last year after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform.

Since then, he has ended Slovakia’s military aid for Ukraine, lashed out at EU sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining Nato.

Mr Fico is a polarising figure in Slovakia, and he survived an assassination attempt in May 2024.