Tens of 1000’s of individuals have as soon as once more taken to the streets in quite a few cities throughout Slovakia beneath the slogan “Slovakia is Europe!”
They accuse left-nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico of taking a pro-Russian stance and missing solidarity with Ukraine.
The peaceable demonstrations on Friday night have been referred to as for by varied opposition teams and the residents’ initiative “Mier Ukrajine” (Peace for Ukraine), which advocates for stronger navy help for the neighbouring nation.
On their banners and in chants, the demonstrators demanded Fico’s resignation and insisted that any cooperation with Russia be stopped instantly. They accused the prime minister of collaborating with autocrats and trying to show Slovakia into an autocracy.
Fico and different authorities politicians lately travelled to Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. A gathering in December between Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow triggered explicit outrage. The federal government justified these journeys by claiming that their diplomatic efforts secured the continued gasoline provide for the EU nation.
Slovak society is changing into more and more polarized. Opponents of Fico allege that he has plans to withdraw the nation from the EU and NATO.
The federal government dismisses these claims as “lies” and in flip accuses the protest motion of failing to respect democratic election outcomes and harbouring plans for a coup.
Since Fico’s return to energy in autumn 2023, Slovakia has not equipped weapons to neighbouring Ukraine from its personal navy stockpiles. Nonetheless, in contrast to Hungary, it has to date agreed to all EU resolutions in opposition to Russia and in help of Ukraine.
Folks participate in a protest in opposition to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s authorities beneath the slogan “Slovakia is Europe!”. Jaroslav Novák/TASR/dpa
