Thousands Protest in Bratislava Against Slovakia PM’s Pro-Russian Policies
Bratislava, Slovakia: Around 4,000 people braved freezing temperatures to march in Bratislava on Friday, protesting against what they see as the pro-Russian policies of Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico. The demonstration was fueled by growing public anger over Fico’s recent diplomatic moves and perceived coziness with Moscow.
Organized under the slogan "Slovakia, Beware, Occupation Has Begun," protesters waved EU and Slovakia flags, sang the EU anthem, and held signs reading "Fico, Go to Moscow, Let Slovakia Rest." Many carried Plakaty (posters) designed by renowned artist Rudolf Sikora, one side reading "Betrayal" and the other "We are Europe."
The rally came amidst growing concern about Fico’s disappearance from public view after a visit to Moscow on December 22. After two weeks of no official information on his whereabouts, it was finally confirmed that he was staying in a luxury hotel in Vietnam. A video of Fico criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was reportedly filmed in a plush Hanoi hotel suite.
Fico has faced criticism for harshly condemning Ukraine’s halt of Russian gas transit and for writing to European leaders venting his frustration with Ukrainian actions, even threatening to halt power exports. Protesters on Friday vowed, "We are not a Russian rag" and chanted, "We are not Russia," sending a strong message of solidarity with Europe and opposition to Russian influence.
Artist Rudolf Sikora, whose work was prominently displayed at the protest, urged political opposition to unite with civil society against what he called "evil." Speakers on stage demanded that their government "respect the country’s pro-European course."
The demonstration highlights a widening rift between Slovakia’s government and its citizens regarding the country’s geopolitical stance.
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