Thousands took part in protests across Slovakia on Tuesday against Prime Minister Robert Fico's economic and pro-Russian policies, the AP reports. The rallies were held in 16 major cities and towns, including the capital Bratislava, News.bg reports.
The latest wave of demonstrations was fueled by Fico's trip to China, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the third time since the war in Ukraine began. A package of austerity measures recently approved by the government has also caused additional tension.
The government says the measures are necessary to limit the budget deficit, which last year reached 5.3% of GDP - the second highest among eurozone countries. It is expected to exceed 5% again this year, well above the 3% limit required by the European Union.
The new measures include increases in health and social security, higher income taxes for higher earners, higher VAT on some food products and even a possible reduction in the number of national holidays.
Unions and critics say ordinary citizens will bear the brunt, while businesses insist there is a lack of stimulus for the economy.
"Slovaks are fed up with this," Michal Šimečka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, told a crowd on Bratislava's Freedom Square. His party is organizing the protests together with the Freedom and Solidarity party, the Christian Democrats and the Democrats.
“We differ among ourselves, but I can guarantee that we will work together,“ said Šimečka. Some of the leaders have suggested organizing a general strike against the government.
The protests also renewed last week over Fico's meeting with Putin and other authoritarian leaders in Beijing. Fico was the only EU leader to attend a military parade organized by Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Robert Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for a fourth time after his Smer party won the 2023 parliamentary elections with a pro-Russian and anti-American message. He openly challenges the EU's policy towards Ukraine, and his critics claim that Slovakia is following the line of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.