Mass Protests Erupt in Slovakia Over PM Fico's Pro-Russia Policies

Tens of thousands rally across Slovakia as Prime Minister Robert Fico faces backlash for his foreign policy shift and accusations of authoritarianism.

An estimated 60,000 protesters gathered in Bratislava on Friday, with rallies held in over 20 cities, opposing Prime Minister Robert Fico's closer ties to Russia and potential EU and NATO policy shifts.
Fico has accused opposition groups and protest organizers of plotting a coup with foreign assistance, citing an intelligence report but providing no evidence.
The protests follow Fico’s December meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare move for an EU leader since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Critics accuse Fico of undermining democratic values, weakening media freedoms, and fostering an increasingly authoritarian government aligned with Moscow.
Opposition parties have sought a no-confidence vote against Fico’s government, but his coalition retains a narrow majority, making his position tenuous but not immediately at risk.