Janice R. Andrews
Massive demonstrations challenge Fico’s pro-Russia stance
Bratislava, Slovakia – January 26, 2025
Slovakia is experiencing a significant upsurge in peaceful anti-government demonstrations, with protesters taking to the streets in more than 20 cities across the nation. This latest wave of protests is in response to Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russian policies and his recent assertions about a planned coup to destabilize the government.
Massive Turnout in Bratislava
Late Friday afternoon saw Freedom Square in Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, become the focal point of these demonstrations. Thousands of Slovaks peacefully assembled, brandishing banners and flags representing Slovakia, the European Union (EU), and NATO. The mood remained serene as individuals from diverse backgrounds united with a clear message: Slovakia belongs in Europe.
Organizers highlighted that this was not the first rally of its kind in Bratislava. The current series of protests commenced on December 23, following Prime Minister Fico’s unexpected visit to Russia, and have been held regularly since. The demonstrators are united in their belief that Slovakia should uphold its membership in NATO and the EU, opposing what they view as the government’s attempts to forge closer ties with Russia.
Unified Opposition to Pro-Russian Agenda
Protesters across Slovakia share a common viewpoint: Slovakia should not align with Russia. Many see Fico’s pre-Christmas meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as an act of betrayal. Slovakia has been a NATO member since 2002 and joined the EU in 2004, integrating firmly into Western institutions—a stance many citizens are determined to protect.
Richard, a 47-year-old protester, voiced his discontent, stating, “I feel really disappointed by our government. When I was 12, I protested against communism in 1989, and now I’m fighting for democracy once again.” His words resonate with thousands who are concerned that the current administration is jeopardizing Slovakia’s democratic foundations.
Expanding Momentum Nationwide
The protest movement is spreading beyond Bratislava. Cities like Banská Bystrica have witnessed a substantial rise in participation, with numbers increasing to 10,000 from 6,000 just two weeks prior. Nationwide estimates indicate that approximately 100,000 individuals have taken to the streets, reflecting widespread demand for governmental change.
Alexandra, a 26-year-old participant, shared her worries: “I have feared for my safety ever since Fico won the election. I want to voice my opinion against what’s happening in our country.” Her determination highlights the prevalent unease among Slovaks regarding the current political environment.
Claims of a Planned Coup
Prime Minister Fico has raised alarms about potential threats to Slovakia’s constitutional order. On Thursday, President Peter Pellegrini convened a Security Council meeting, citing intelligence reports about groups aiming to destabilize the government. Fico echoed these concerns, alleging that certain factions were plotting a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government.
“This is an attempt to organize a typical coup in Slovakia so that the government falls and those who cannot get into power through democratic parliamentary elections come to power,” Fico declared.
However, these allegations have been strongly rejected by protesters and opposition leaders alike.
Protesters Dismiss Coup Allegations
Lucia Stasselova, an organizer of the Bratislava protest and member of the civic group Peace to Ukraine, dismissed Fico’s statements as baseless. “Nothing of what the prime minister or the president are saying is true,” she stated. Marian Kulich, another organizer, criticized the government’s narrative, comparing it to tactics used by other authoritarian leaders in the region.
“They all use the same narrative. In my opinion, Slovakia is just one of the countries that are submitting to the Moscow regime — thanks to our prime minister,” Kulich added.
Peace to Ukraine, established after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has been instrumental in mobilizing citizens to defend democracy in Slovakia. “We started to organize the rallies in Bratislava, and slowly, other cities began to coordinate with us,” Stasselova explained. “More than 20 cities and towns are currently involved, each with different organizers.”
Record Attendance in Bratislava
The latest protest in Bratislava saw an overwhelming turnout. Organizers had initially anticipated around 30,000 participants, but media estimates placed the number at approximately 60,000—four times the attendance of the previous protest two weeks ago. The peaceful demonstration proceeded smoothly, aside from a brief power outage on stage, underscoring the protesters’ commitment to non-violence.
Parliamentary Strife and Future Demonstrations
Political tensions in Slovakia intensified on Tuesday when Prime Minister Fico faced a no-confidence vote in parliament. The session was abruptly moved to a secret meeting, leading the opposition to withdraw its motion in protest. The opposition has vowed to initiate a new no-confidence vote soon and is demanding another parliamentary session next week.
Michal Simecka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, criticized Fico’s actions as “paranoid.” He suggested that the prime minister is experiencing delusions, pointing to the lack of evidence supporting the alleged coup threat.
“Fico’s critics argue that the intelligence report lacks genuine secret information and that the Slovak Information Service (SIS) is being misused for political ends,” said Maria Kolikova of the Freedom and Solidarity party. “The SIS is being abused. It serves a political purpose for this government, spreading hatred and fear of the government’s critics.”
Commitment to Democracy Continues
Despite the government’s efforts to undermine the protests, demonstrators remain steadfast. Plans for another protest on February 6 have already been announced, with organizers affirming their commitment to continue as long as the people demand it.
“The protest will continue as long as the people want to protest,” stated Stasselova. “It will depend on the actions of Fico’s cabinet, their statements, their politics.”
International Repercussions
Slovakia’s unwavering membership in NATO and the EU underscores its strategic importance in the region. The ongoing protests mark a critical moment for the country, as citizens advocate for maintaining strong ties with Western institutions and resisting pro-Russian influences.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing that the outcome could have broader implications for regional stability and democratic governance in Central Europe. Leaders from the EU and NATO have expressed support for the Slovak people’s right to peaceful protest and democratic expression.
Historical Context and Public Sentiment
The current wave of protests echoes Slovakia’s historical struggles for democracy. Richard’s reflection on his childhood protests against communism highlights a generational continuity in the fight for democratic values. The collective memory of past movements fuels the current determination to safeguard Slovakia’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.
Public sentiment is increasingly turning against Prime Minister Fico’s administration. The widespread participation in protests across diverse cities indicates a broad-based consensus that the government’s policies are misaligned with the country’s democratic aspirations and international commitments.
Future of Slovak Democracy
As Slovakia navigates internal political strife, the path forward remains uncertain. The opposition’s persistence in seeking a no-confidence vote and the sustained public demonstrations suggest that significant political changes may be on the horizon. The government’s response to the protests and its handling of the alleged security threats will be critical in shaping the nation’s democratic trajectory.
The upcoming protest on February 6 is expected to further galvanize public support and pressure the government to reconsider its policies. The resilience of the Slovak people in advocating for democracy serves as a testament to their commitment to maintaining Slovakia’s place within the EU and NATO, rejecting any shift towards authoritarianism or external influence.
Conclusion
Slovakia stands at a pivotal moment, with peaceful protests expanding nationwide in response to Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russia stance and allegations of a coup attempt. The massive gatherings in Bratislava and other cities reflect a unified demand for democratic integrity and continued alignment with European and transatlantic institutions. As the movement gains momentum, both the nation and the international community are closely watching Slovakia’s evolving political landscape.
For ongoing updates on Slovakia’s protests and political developments, stay tuned to our breaking news coverage.
