Mass Protests Erupt Across Slovakia Against Pro-Russia Prime Minister

Demonstrators in cities and rural towns demand Robert Fico's resignation over foreign policy shift and domestic governance concerns.

Tens of thousands of Slovaks protested in over 40 cities and towns, including the capital Bratislava, where crowds reached up to 45,000 people.
Protesters oppose Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russia stance, including his December visit to Moscow and criticism of Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia.
Demonstrations have spread to small towns traditionally supportive of Fico, signaling growing discontent in rural areas.
Fico has accused protesters of collaborating with foreign actors to destabilize the government, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
The protests echo Slovakia's 2018 demonstrations, which led to Fico's resignation following a political crisis triggered by the murder of a journalist.