Demonstrators in Slovakia voice disapproval over Prime Minister Robert Fico's trip to Moscow to confer with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Thousands jammed Freedom Square in Bratislava's heart to voice their disapproval of PM Fico and his anti-Europe, pro-Russian policies. The gathering grew as demonstrators assumed a stance against Fico's Russia trip.
Friday saw protests in Bratislava alongside other cities across Slovakia, a response to Fico's recent visit to Moscow for talks with Putin regarding December's gas deliveries. Fico's questionable domestic and international standing has been defined by his pro-Russian inclinations and opposition to the EU's stance on the Ukraine conflict. His administration, characterized by a pro-Kremlin stance and an increasingly Eurosceptic approach, has encountered frequent protests. Fico has been vocal about his anti-EU sentiments, often threatening to pull Slovakia from NATO.
Protesters shouted slogans like "Fico, you're out," "Slovakia is Europe," and "Stay in Russia," emphasizing their distaste for the prime minister and his political alignment. The organizers clarified that Fico did not represent Slovakia's entirety. Critics point to Fico's recent visit and his longstanding pro-Russian stance as evidence of his lack of commitment to Europe.
Additionally, the Kremlin uses annual 'Victory Day' events to showcase its military might, and this year was no exception. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russian troops active in Ukraine, referring to their bravery and resolve as the key to their success.
For the uninitiated, Fico is renowned for his pro-Russian perspective and has publicly opposed the EU's approach to the conflict in Ukraine. His administration's Eurosceptic tendencies have drawn criticism and ignited protests at home.
References
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- Keywords:
- Slovakia
- Bratislava
- Russia
- Vladimir Putin
- Robert Fico
- In Bratislava, a significant number of people joined protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico's Russia- leaning policies and his alleged anti-Europe sentiments.
- The general news was buzzing with thousands of demonstrators rallying against Fico in multiple cities across Slovakia, expressing disapproval of his pro-Kremlin stance and Eurosceptic approach.
- Telegram updates indicated a surge of protests on Friday, as citizens spoke out against Fico's recent visit to Moscow, aimed at discussing December's gas deliveries with Putin.
- Critics accused Fico of aligning Slovakia too closely with Russia, citing the former's opposition to the EU's stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
- Protesters' slogans echoed through Freedom Square, with calls for Fico to resign ("Fico, you're out") and demands for a stronger EU commitment ("Slovakia is Europe").
- Amid the political dissent, migration, crime-and-justice, and accidents ranked as general concerns in Slovakia, but Fico's problematic relationship with Russia remains a widely discussed topic in local politics.
- Moreover, the national debate reached a critical point with fires, car-accidents, and policy-and-legislation making headlines alongside the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, putting added pressure on Fico's administration.
