Protests Erupt in Slovakia Over PM's Russia Ties and Journalist's Murder Anniversary

Thousands rally nationwide, demanding Prime Minister Robert Fico's resignation and condemning his pro-Russia stance.

• Demonstrations were held in over 47 Slovak cities and 16 locations abroad to mark the 7th anniversary of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak's murder and protest Prime Minister Robert Fico's policies.
• Protesters criticized Fico's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, his opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, and his decision to end military aid to Ukraine.
• The rallies, which drew up to 12,000 people in Bratislava alone, are the largest anti-government demonstrations since Kuciak's killing in 2018, which had previously led to Fico's resignation.
• Fico has faced backlash for policies that critics argue weaken Slovakia's ties to the EU and NATO, with chants of 'Enough of Fico' and 'Slovakia is Europe' dominating the protests.
• The murder of Ján Kuciak, who was investigating government corruption, remains a flashpoint, as the businessman accused of orchestrating the killing has been acquitted twice, with appeals ongoing.

3 Articles