Slovaks protesting against PM Robert Fico on his Russia stand, here's why

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been in office for less than six months. He has already seen multiple protests against policies relating to changes in the country’s penal code and judicial system. Now, for the first time, the demonstrations against the populist leader have moved from domestic politics to foreign policy.

Why are the Slovaks protesting?

Thousands of Slovaks thronged to the country’s capital city, Bratislava, to protest against the central government’s growing closeness to Russia. The organisers told local newspaper Dennik N that around 5,000 people were present for the demonstration. The podium featured a sign calling Russia a “terrorist state”, Reuters reported.

Widely known to be a pro-Russia leader, Fico has sent his critics’ alarm bells ringing due to his strong criticism of the military aid that Europe is providing Ukraine.

Fico has compared Ukrainians to Nazis multiple times, and has accused the European Union of “hating the Russian Federation”. He has even said that Ukraine needs to give up some territory to bring the war to a close.

Prior to his election, Slovakia was a staunch Ukraine supporter.

Before Fico came to power, the country had also been providing Ukraine with substantial help. However, military aid to Kyiv was scrapped soon after Fico assumed office in October last year. In recent times, he has made a string of remarks questioning Ukraine’s sovereignty and calling for peace with Russia.

Slovakia’s closeness to Russia a concern

Fico’s government has also been pushing for Slovakia to renew cultural and political ties with Russia. Earlier this month, Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov– an event that sent ripples in the region.

Lubica Karvasova, a former senior government adviser on European affairs, associated with the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, told The Guardian that “Slovakia is moving away from the EU in terms of values […] This pulls us into isolation from our closest European partners and allies.”

She stated that the current government’s foreign policy only serves the interests of Russian propaganda.

A 2023 study by Globsec showed that 40 per cent of Slovaks believe Russia was primarily responsible for the war in Ukraine.

Fico maintains that his government’s foreign policy is “balanced and sovereign”.

With inputs from agencies