Thousands of people took to the streets in Slovakia to protest the policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. In 16 different cities, including the capital Bratislava, Slovaks spoke out against the government's austerity measures and the pro-Russian positions of the 61-year-old prime minister.
The protests were also triggered by Robert Fico's visit to China, where the Slovak prime minister attended a military parade by Chinese President Xi Jinping. There, Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin - for the third time since Russia began its full-scale war against Ukraine. Fico was the only European leader to attend the military parade in China. Also present was Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov said Zafirov attended the parade while he was "on annual leave".
Government's austerity plans
The protests are also linked to Fico's cabinet's plans to impose austerity. Slovakia's deficit was 5.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) last year - the second highest of any country in the Eurozone. The deficit is expected to exceed five percent again in 2025. The EU expects it to be a maximum of three percent.
The government's austerity program includes, among other things, higher health and social security contributions, tax increases for higher-income earners and an increase in VAT on certain food products. There is also talk of reducing the number of national holidays.
"We are fed up with Fico"
Unions and other critics warn that ordinary citizens are being burdened while the economy is not getting any stimulus. "Slovaks have had enough", liberal opposition leader Michal Simečka told a rally in Bratislava. His party led the protests along with three other political parties. "We have our differences, but I can guarantee that we will work together," Simečka said. "We are fed up with Fico", the crowd chanted.
Fico has long been a controversial figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for a fourth time after his leftist "Smer" party won the 2023 parliamentary elections with a pro-Russian and anti-American campaign.
He has openly challenged the European Union's policy towards Ukraine. His critics say Slovakia under Fico is following the course of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom many consider an autocrat.