In a significant display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Monday to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. The demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. Rallies and marches were held across dozens of communities, with the largest gathering in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, where protesters chanted slogans such as “We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change,” and “Resign.”
One poignant banner featured a quote from the late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel, a key figure in the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” Fico, a polarizing figure in Slovak politics, has faced repeated protests over his policies. His government recently canceled the national holiday commemorating the Velvet Revolution, citing austerity measures. However, opposition leaders, including Michal Šimečka of the Progressive Slovakia party, dismissed this explanation, asserting that the move was an attempt to undermine the value of freedom.
Fico’s pro-Russian stance has further fueled public outrage. He has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has halted Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine. His recent remarks urging students to fight for Ukraine if they oppose his views have also drawn widespread criticism. Fico’s alignment with Russia and his challenges to European Union policies on Ukraine have deepened divisions within the country and raised concerns about Slovakia’s geopolitical direction.