Slovaks rally against Fico's Russian alliance
Slovaks gathered in the streets of Bratislava to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Robert Fico's stance. The crowd demanded a shift in foreign policy and an end to cooperation with Russia.
On Friday, in front of the government headquarters in Bratislava, 15,000 people assembled to oppose Prime Minister Robert Fico's policies. Protesters held banners with slogans like "enough Fico," "betrayal of the homeland," and "We will not give up Slovakia."
The protest began with an air raid siren, symbolizing the ongoing war in Ukraine. An open letter was read aloud. The same text read by the demonstrators in Bratislava was also heard in 13 other cities across Slovakia.
Slovakia is rebelling. They oppose government cooperation with Vladimir Putin
The letter highlights the consequences for the country of actions taken by Prime Minister Fico. It mentions the threat to the country's freedom and democratic values and the weakening of alliances with the EU and NATO.
The letter also reiterated the protests' slogan: "We are Slovakia. We are Europe." The event was attended by over 15,000 people.
The organizers of the demonstration, the "Peace for Ukraine" initiative, also criticized Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow and his meeting with Vladimir Putin. They declared support for Ukraine and announced a trip to Kyiv as a gesture of solidarity.
Earlier on Friday, during a session of Slovakia's parliamentary committee on European affairs, Robert Fico reported on his visit to Moscow, which took place on December 22. He stated that he received a promise from Vladimir Putin that Russia would fulfill its gas commitments to Bratislava.
Fico also criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of lying and acting to Slovakia's detriment.
