In Slovakia, tens of thousands of protesters who opposed Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policies drawing closer to Russia showed their reaction to the government by filling the Freedom Square in Bratislava. The protest, attended by approximately 60,000 people, was similar in size to the mass demonstrations that led to Fico’s resignation following the murder of a journalist in 2018. Dennik N, one of the local newspapers, stated that approximately 100,000 people participated in the protests, this number was 40,000 in Bratislava and around 10,000 in Banska Bystrica.[2]
This intense participation revealed the insecurities and reactions of the people in Slovakia. These protests in approximately 20 cities and towns pointed to a deep rift in Slovakia’s political climate. While the protesters reacted to Slovakia’s move away from its European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and closer to Russia, the message “We want to be with Europe, not an alliance with Russia” was emphasized.
The visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Moscow in December 2024 attracted attention as a rare event among EU leaders. Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed gas supply, the war in Ukraine, and relations between the two countries. Fico stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenski intends to stop the gas transit to Slovakia and stated that this situation would harm his country’s interests. Fico also said that Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to supply gas to the West, and in this context, the two countries discussed efforts to “normalize” relations.
Fico’s visit created a contrast with his closeness to Russia and his criticized policies, at a time when many leaders in Europe supported Ukraine. This meeting was met with a harsh reaction from Slovak opposition parties. On the other hand, it is known that Fico, unlike other leaders in Europe, supports Russia’s war strategy and criticizes the West’s aid to Ukraine. Fico’s intention to attend the victory celebrations in Moscow clearly reveals that he wants to deepen his relations with Putin. This situation has made Slovakia’s stance within the EU and NATO even more controversial.
Fico’s visit to Moscow and his policies towards Russia increased the tension in domestic politics. While opposition parties and civil groups accuse the government of moving away from European values, the Fico administration’s steps such as restricting press freedom and ending military aid to Ukraine are criticized. Zelenski also supported the protests in Slovakia and said, “Bratislava is not Moscow. He shared the message “Slovakia is Europe”. These increasing reactions against the Fico government point to a critical period in preserving democratic values and harmony with Europe in the country.
Protesters stated that Fico has damaged Slovakia’s institutions, culture, and position in the EU and NATO. In particular, Fico’s criticisms of Ukraine and his efforts to get closer to Moscow have created deep concerns in society. The opposition claimed that Fico wanted to distance Slovakia from the EU and NATO; However, Fico flatly rejected these allegations and declared, “Neither EU nor NATO membership is questioned in the country.” Fico claimed that there were provocateurs behind the protests and that they were affiliated with the liberal opposition. At the press conference, Fico claimed that “Foreign provocateurs and opposition supporters are organized to destabilize the country.”
He also announced that police had taken action to deport various foreign “teachers” in Slovakia. Slovakia’s domestic intelligence service, SIS, confirmed some information supporting Fico’s claims but refrained from providing details. The opposition questions the reliability of SIS on this issue. Because the leader of this institution is run by the son of a member of parliament from Fico’s party.
Simultaneously with the protests, there was a cyber-attack targeting Slovakia’s national health insurer. Fico stated that this cyber-attack is “a technique that can be applied to overthrow a government with unconventional views.”[3] However, as a result of the research of the local newspaper Dennik N, it was revealed that this incident was a minor attempt and did not pose a large-scale threat. Fico also claimed that a previous cyber-attack may have originated in Ukraine, but Kyiv has strongly denied these claims. These statements of Fico further escalated his tense relations with Ukraine and strengthened his close stance towards Moscow.
Fico’s especially “anti-Ukraine” rhetoric has questioned Slovakia’s position in the EU and NATO. Although Fico stated that he supported membership in these organizations, his policies and attempts to get closer to Moscow were met with suspicion in the international arena. One of the concerns raised by the protesters is that Fico is undermining democratic institutions and dragging the country into an authoritarian style of government.
In summary, the protests in Slovakia reflected a serious public reaction against Fico’s leadership style and policies. While the general public believes that democratic principles should be protected and the country’s position within the EU and NATO should be strengthened, Fico’s outbursts have questioned Slovakia’s international reputation.
As a result, the rising protests demonstrated the people’s commitment to democratic values and a foreign policy compatible with the EU and NATO. Fico’s efforts to get closer to Moscow were met with intense criticism not only in Slovakia’s domestic politics but also at the international level. The protests show that the Slovak people take a strong stance against authoritarian tendencies and policies of getting closer to Russia. These developments reveal that Slovakia is at a critical juncture in terms of preserving its democratic institutions and ties with Europe.
Fico’s rhetoric and policies have the potential to damage both the country’s internal stability and international reputation. However, the determined stance of the people stands out as an important counterweight to Slovakia’s move away from democratic principles. This dynamic process in Slovakia can be considered an important part of the struggle against populism and authoritarianism not only locally but also across Europe. The future of the country will be shaped by how the government responds to the demands of the people and European values.
[1]* Revision: Dr. Cenk TAMER, Arrived: 25.01.2025, 22.26, Submission Date: 30.01.2025, 09.55.
[2] Rob Cameron, “Tens of thousands protest in Slovakia against PM Fico”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17ew2lzkyvo, (Erişim Tarihi: 25.01.2025).
[3] “Tens of thousands protest in Slovakia over pro-Russia policies of populist leader Fico”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/slovakia-anti-government-protests-russia-robert-fico-bfd1a3b2277d91fcf55b698b9c5dae5
