Mass protests continue to sweep across Slovakia as Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government endures public backlash on its stance toward Moscow and perceived democratic decline.
Up to 45,000 people gathered in Bratislava’s Freedom Square on 7 February. Demonstrations later spread to more than 50 cities nationwide.
Protests reached a boiling point after Fico visited Moscow in December last year.
Protesters chanted "Slovakia is Europe" and "Russian agent" on Slovak cities.
Youth and Public Figures Lead Resistance
Student organisations are taking centre stage in the protests. Simon Omaník made headlines by refusing to shake hands with President Pellegrini, urging young people to resist government pressure.
"Intimidating and deterring us, that's what Robert Fico wants," Omaník told crowds in Bratislava.
The demonstrations drew support from various segments of society, including cultural figures, actors, and religious leaders.
Boris Kršňák, a former public broadcaster journalist whose contract was recently ended, reminded protesters that "A lie is not an opinion. And that's true even if the perpetrator is convinced it is."
Fico’s Response and Claims of Foreign Interference
Fico questioned the protests on Facebook, citing statements from European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho about “constructive and productive cooperation” between Brussels and Bratislava.
However, the Prime Minister’s social media posts have done little to quell public anger. Demonstrators continue to express skepticism about Slovakia’s foreign policy direction.
A short time later, Fico penned a letter to Elon Musk. Fico sought details about U.S. grants given to Slovak non-governmental organisations and media outlets.
The Prime Minister wrote that "USAID money was used in Slovakia for political purposes," alleging these funds sought to "distort the political system and favour certain political parties."
In doing so, Fico’s olive branch to Musk aligns with his ongoing clash with civil society groups. Fico branded protest organisers as plotters seeking to overthrow his government. However, the Prime Minister’s accusations fell flat with demonstrators, who continue to fill streets across the country.
Regional Tensions Escalate
Lately, the protests have intensified antagonism between Slovakia and Ukraine. Kyiv’s decision to halt Russian gas transit to Bratislava sparked heated exchanges between the neighbours.
Fico’s government claims that Ukraine is behind the protests, while a Georgian volunteer unit fighting alongside Ukrainian forces denied accusations of involvement in an alleged coup attempt against Fico.
These events unfold as Slovakia’s role within the Visegrád Four group deteriorates. The regional alliance has splintered over responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with Poland and the Czech Republic backing Kyiv while Hungary and Slovakia adopt more Moscow-friendly positions.
While Prime Minister Fico shares Trump’s populist playbook – skepticism toward traditional allies, attacks on the ‘Establishment’, and claims of foreign plots – his position appears more precarious. Unlike Trump, who built a passionate support base over years, Fico’s attempts to frame protests as foreign interference has gained limited traction.
The widespread demonstrations suggest his Moscow-friendly stance and attacks on civil society have united Slovaks in opposition rather than behind his nationalist message, leaving his government more isolated than empowered.
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