Slovakia: A Hundred Thousand Protesters Take To The Streets Demanding Fico’s Resignation

After the assassination attempt on Robert Fico, slovakian nationals at home and abroad have taken the streets to demand a ‘change’ of government and calling for his resignation. The demonstrations took place in the capital Bratislava but also in Banska Bystrica, Nitra, Zilina, Kosice, but also by Slovaks abroad.

Around one hundred thousand people took part in protests today in nearly 30 cities ​​in Slovakiato demonstrate against the government of the prime minister Robert Fico and in favor of the country’s membership in the EU and NATO. This was reported by Euronews. The confirming the number communicated by the organizers of the day of demonstrations, the Peace in Ukraine initiative.

Demonstrations took place in the capital Bratislava, but also in Banska Bystrica, Nitra, Zilina, Kosice and some smaller towns such as Nove Zamky, Prievidza and Humenne. Marches were also organized by Slovaks abroad, including in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Ireland. In Bratislava and elsewhere, crowds called for the prime minister’s resignation and chanted slogans including “Enough with Fico” and “We will not be silent”.

“Despite the fear of highest state officials “With regard to impending violence, possible provocations and a coup d’état, all rallies were peaceful and conducted in a dignified and calm spirit,” organizers said in a press release. Law enforcement also described the demonstrations by the protestors as “calm, but asking for a ‘change’ of government.” “Three minor violations were recorded during the events, which were resolved by the police on site,” a police message on Facebook read.

Ukraine President Backs Slovak Protests Against PM Fico

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed support for the mass protests occurring in Slovakia against the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Protests against Fico’s government began in various Slovak cities, organized by the initiative “Peace for Ukraine” and opposition political parties. Demonstrations have also been reported among Slovak communities in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Ireland.

Fico accused opposition parties of planning to incite unrest and seize government buildings, claiming they aim to provoke a “Maidan.”

In response, Slovak opposition parties withdrew a parliamentary no-confidence vote against Fico’s cabinet, protesting his proposal to hold the session in secret, citing the need to share confidential information.

The Slovak premier announced the government’s intention to implement preventive measures against the protests, which he claimed could escalate into attempts to overthrow the government.

Meanwhile, the organizing civic groups and the opposition have strongly rejected Fico’s accusations. The main opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, dismissed his statements as “nonsense.”

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AFP