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Mass Protests Roil Slovakia and Czech Republic as Pavel Questions Babiš Appointment

A viral student 'chalk' protest crystallized public anger over democratic backsliding, Ukraine policy shifts, conflicts of interest.

Overview

  • Organizers reported up to 50,000 people at the main rally in Bratislava, with demonstrations held across numerous Slovak cities on the Velvet Revolution anniversary.
  • Protesters in Slovakia accused Robert Fico’s three‑party government of undermining democracy and demanded renewed support for Ukraine after Bratislava halted military aid.
  • Thousands gathered in Prague to oppose the planned government led by Andrej Babiš, chanting that the country is not for sale and calling for a different course.
  • Czech President Petr Pavel signaled he may refuse to appoint Babiš as prime minister over a conflict of interest tied to his Agrofert conglomerate and public subsidies.
  • A student questioned by police for chalked anti‑government slogans helped spark a nationwide 'Kreidenrevolution' that energized turnout and spread across social media.