Bratislava erupts in protest against Fico's Moscow visit
"Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia" – these slogans echoed through the large demonstration held in Bratislava. Protesters called for a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy and expressed their discontent with Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow. Approximately 15,000 people took to the streets.
On Friday, in Bratislava, around 15,000 individuals gathered outside the government headquarters to protest Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow.
The demonstrators voiced their opposition to cooperation with Russia and called for a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy direction.
"Enough of Fico"
The protest started with an air raid alarm sound, symbolising the ongoing war in Ukraine. An open letter was read, which was simultaneously presented in 13 other cities in Slovakia. The letter highlighted the threat to freedom and democratic values in the country.
Participants carried flags of Slovakia and the European Union, and amidst the crowd, slogans could be heard, such as "We are ashamed of Fico," "Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia," and "Betrayal of the homeland."
Organisers from the "Peace for Ukraine" initiative criticised Fico's visit to Moscow and declared support for Ukraine. They also announced a trip to Kyiv as a gesture of solidarity.
Prime Minister Fico, during a parliamentary committee meeting, reported on his visit, emphasising Russia's commitment regarding gas supplies.
Wave of protests
Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to the Kremlin triggered a wave of protests in Slovakia. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Bratislava to express their opposition to the government’s policy. Since the visit to Russia, there was uncertainty about the Slovak prime minister’s whereabouts.
On Friday, around 15,000 Slovaks marched through Bratislava to express their dissatisfaction with the prime minister’s policy. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We are not Russia!" and "We are not a Russian rag!"