A large crowd is asking FICO to resign after visiting Moscow.
Tens of thousands of Slovakia have filled the streets in sought for Prime Minister Robert Fiko’s resignation, citing policy changes in close ties with Russia.
Protesters across the country on Friday chanted “resignation, resignation,” “Slovakia is Europe,” and “Russian agents,” with crowds of between 42,000 and 45,000 people reported in Freedom Square, the capital Bratislava.
“We represent democracy, freedom and human rights, as recognized by the EU and as defined by the constitution. Barbora Kabinova, a 39-year-old protester, was quoted as saying by AFP News Agency. Ta.
The weekly protests come shortly after a recent trip to Moscow by FICO, one of the few leaders of the European Union (EU) country to visit Russia since the start of a full-scale Ukraine invasion three years ago. Ta.
The protest has been Rockslovakia’s biggest since tens of thousands of people brought tens of thousands into the streets after the murder of an investigative reporter in 2018, and has now led to the collapse of the government.
![Protesters are raising Slovaks and EU flags](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-07T181029Z_1649397380_RC2SPCAFWZY1_RTRMADP_3_SLOVAKIA-PROTESTS-1738957986.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513)
FICO, who survived his life’s attempts in May, accused protesters of working with foreigners and Ukraine to overthrow the government.
A 70-year-old protester named Juraj Kadrek opposed those accusations, saying the demonstrations were “not a coup at all.”
“I hope our representatives understand that and decide to change their behavior or resign,” he said.
Left-wing nationalist leaders have called for an end to Slovak support for Ukraine, criticising EU sanctions targeting Russia, and have expanded national defense alliances, with many European states members. He said he would not allow him to participate in one NATO. With rage from Russia.
FICO is also accused of cracking down on civil society groups and supporting LGBTQ rights.
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