Overview
- Thousands protested in 16 cities, including Bratislava, denouncing the government's savings program and pro‑Russia tilt, with opposition leader Michal Šimečka helping lead the rallies.
- Anger intensified after Fico attended a World War II commemoration in China and met Vladimir Putin for the third time since the invasion, where he was the only EU leader at the military parade.
- The proposed fiscal package raises health and social insurance contributions, increases taxes on higher earners, lifts VAT on some foods, and could reduce national holidays.
- Slovakia recorded a budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP last year, the eurozone’s second‑highest, and 2025 is expected to remain above the EU’s 3% limit.
- Fico says he will not back a new EU sanctions package on Russia without energy guarantees, recalling Slovakia’s brief block of the 18th package in July.