Demonstrators express dissatisfaction with Fico's approach to institutions and international alliances.
Slovakia Faces Nationwide Protests Amid Fico's Coup Claims
Slovakia Faces Nationwide Protests Amid Fico's Coup Claims
Thousands rally against Prime Minister Fico's controversial policies and foreign relations.
Tens of thousands of Slovaks have taken to the streets in what appears to be one of the largest protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico, amidst claims that the liberal opposition may be plotting a coup. The protests, which are taking place in around 25 towns and cities across the country, reflect widespread discontent with Fico's populist-nationalist policies and his growing embrace of Russia amid increasing tensions with Ukraine.
Fico has warned that elements of the opposition, allegedly connected to foreign provocateurs, may exploit the protests to undermine his government. He describes his foreign policy as one that benefits from a balanced approach, aimed at engaging with all major global influences. However, protesters believe this is a façade for attempts to weaken Slovakia's position in the EU and NATO amid his noticeable shift towards Moscow.
Crowd estimates suggest that around 100,000 participants have joined the protests across Slovakia, with around 40,000 in the capital Bratislava alone. Major turnouts were also reported in Banska Bystrica, which saw about 10,000 demonstrators, and in Kosice, where 15,000 joined the rally on Thursday. Contrary to Fico’s warnings of potential violence, the protests have been largely peaceful.
Adding to the tension, Fico announced that the police would begin deportations of foreign "instructors" he claims are in Slovakia to assist in destabilizing his government. This claim follows his assertion that the country's intelligence service has evidence of foreign interference, although the opposition remains skeptical of those allegations given the SIS's ties to Fico's political party.
In a related incident, Fico tied a recent cyber attack on Slovakia's health insurer to opposition forces, suggesting it could be part of a larger strategy to destabilize his government due to his controversial stance on Ukraine and outreach to Moscow. However, reports indicate that the cyber incident was a minor phishing attempt and not as significant as portrayed.
While Fico continues to hold on to power with claims of external threats, the significant public dissent indicates a critical juncture in Slovak politics and potentially marks a sustained opposition movement against his administration.
Fico has warned that elements of the opposition, allegedly connected to foreign provocateurs, may exploit the protests to undermine his government. He describes his foreign policy as one that benefits from a balanced approach, aimed at engaging with all major global influences. However, protesters believe this is a façade for attempts to weaken Slovakia's position in the EU and NATO amid his noticeable shift towards Moscow.
Crowd estimates suggest that around 100,000 participants have joined the protests across Slovakia, with around 40,000 in the capital Bratislava alone. Major turnouts were also reported in Banska Bystrica, which saw about 10,000 demonstrators, and in Kosice, where 15,000 joined the rally on Thursday. Contrary to Fico’s warnings of potential violence, the protests have been largely peaceful.
Adding to the tension, Fico announced that the police would begin deportations of foreign "instructors" he claims are in Slovakia to assist in destabilizing his government. This claim follows his assertion that the country's intelligence service has evidence of foreign interference, although the opposition remains skeptical of those allegations given the SIS's ties to Fico's political party.
In a related incident, Fico tied a recent cyber attack on Slovakia's health insurer to opposition forces, suggesting it could be part of a larger strategy to destabilize his government due to his controversial stance on Ukraine and outreach to Moscow. However, reports indicate that the cyber incident was a minor phishing attempt and not as significant as portrayed.
While Fico continues to hold on to power with claims of external threats, the significant public dissent indicates a critical juncture in Slovak politics and potentially marks a sustained opposition movement against his administration.
