Slovaks demand foreign policy change amid Moscow controversy
"Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia" - these slogans resonated throughout a large demonstration in Bratislava. Protesters demanded a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy and opposed Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow. Approximately 15,000 people took to the streets.
On Friday, in Bratislava, about 15,000 people gathered in front of the government headquarters to protest Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow.
The demonstrators expressed their opposition to cooperation with Russia and demanded a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy direction.
"Enough of Fico"
The protest began with an air raid alarm sound, symbolizing 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 within the crowd, slogans such as "We are ashamed of Fico," "Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia," and "Betrayal of the homeland" were heard.
Organizers from the "Peace for Ukraine" initiative criticized Fico's visit to Moscow and expressed 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 and emphasized Russia's promises regarding gas commitments.
Wave of protests
Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to the Kremlin ignited a wave of protests in Slovakia. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Bratislava to voice their opposition to the government’s policy. Since the visit to Russia, it was unclear where the Slovak prime minister was.
On Friday, January 3, thousands of Slovaks took to the streets of Bratislava to express dissatisfaction with the prime minister’s policy. Protesters chanted slogans like "We are not Russia!" and "We are not a Russian rag!"
