Protesters Rally Against Slovak Government Led by Robert Fico

Thousands of Slovaks gathered in the capital, Bratislava, on Sunday evening to protest the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, according to AP. The demonstration coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which ended communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia and led to the peaceful split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The protest brought together a wide range of opposition groups, including the liberal Progressive Slovakia, the pro-business Freedom and Solidarity, and the conservative Christian Democrats. Demonstrators voiced concerns over what they described as an erosion of democratic values under Fico’s leadership.

Placards in the crowd carried messages such as, “The government is taking away our freedom and democracy.” Speaking at the rally, František Mikloško, a prominent figure in Slovakia’s 1989 revolution, declared, “Slovakia is and will remain part of Western civilization. We do not want to be pushed toward Moscow.”

Branislav Gröhling, leader of Freedom and Solidarity, criticized Fico’s administration, claiming it is steering the country toward an authoritarian model resembling those of Russia and China. Michal Šimečka, head of Progressive Slovakia and leader of the country’s most popular party, emphasized the opposition’s commitment to preserving democratic principles. “Slovakia is and will remain a country of free people, and free people will not stay silent,” he stated.

Fico’s government, led by his leftist Smer (Direction-Social Democracy) party, has faced scrutiny for its recent actions, including proposed reforms to public broadcasting and changes to the criminal code. Critics argue these moves could give the government greater control over state media and undermine anti-corruption efforts, including the dismantling of the special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office.

Fico’s stance on international issues has also drawn criticism. His government has halted military aid to Ukraine, opposed EU sanctions on Russia, and expressed intentions to block Ukraine’s NATO membership. Additionally, Fico has promoted closer ties with Russia, including plans to engage with Moscow on diplomatic initiatives.

Earlier this year against Fico’s appointees in the Ministries of Culture and Justice, with opposition leaders accusing the government of politically motivated purges. In response to the ongoing dissent, Slovakia’s Ministry of Interior has increased security measures for government officials.

Fico recently faced backlash for an interview with Russian state media, where he reiterated positions aligned with the Kremlin.