Slovakia in turmoil: Fico's visit to Moscow ignites protests
The visit of Prime Minister Robert Fico to the Kremlin sparked 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, it was unclear where the Prime Minister of Slovakia was. Media reports suggest that Fico might be in Vietnam.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has faced intense criticism following his controversial visit to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin. Since then, numerous protests have taken place across Slovakia.
For two weeks, it has been unclear where the Prime Minister of Slovakia is. On January 2, Fico posted a video on his social media. He claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has started to sabotage Slovakia's public finances and damage the financial interests of the entire EU. "Slovakia must show that it is a sovereign country," the prime minister wrote.
The portal Dennik N reported that the Prime Minister of Slovakia is staying at the luxurious Capella Hanoi hotel in Vietnam. One of the readers helped identify the interior of the room. The recording is said to come from the Grand Opera Madam Butterfly suite. One night in this place costs about $9,000 CAD.
Wave of protests in Slovakia
On Friday, January 3, thousands of Slovaks took to the streets of 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 puppet!".
During the protest, participants waved Slovak and European Union flags and sang the European anthem. The organizers emphasized that "this anthem is ours."
One of the organizers, Viera Dubacova, spoke about Slovakia's significance in the European Union: - "We are also Europe!" - she shouted, which was met with an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Slovak painter Rudolf Sikora appealed for the unification of the civic sector with the opposition: - "I beg you, opposition politicians, unite!" - he stated, emphasizing the need for a joint stand against "evil."
Lucia Stassel, one of the protesters, recalled the occupation in 1968 and the persecution of her family: - "I will not allow this country to fall under the influence of Russian politics," she declared.
Fico threatens Ukraine
After the visit to Russia, Robert Fico threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after the New Year.
He emphasized that Slovakia could take "reciprocal measures against Ukraine," including stopping the supply of electricity, which Ukraine urgently needs.
- "If Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas, after January 1, we will consider the situation and the possibility of taking reciprocal measures against Ukraine," Fico announced in a video released online on Friday afternoon (Eastern Time). - "If it becomes unavoidable, we will stop the supply of electricity, which Ukraine urgently needs during network disruptions," he added.
Source: aktuality.sk, Nexta, WP Wiadomości
