On Friday, hundreds protested in the center of Slovakia's capital Bratislava under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe! - We've had enough of Russia!" The event was organized by the civic association Mier Ukrajine (Peace for Ukraine), which promotes continued support to Ukraine, including arms deliveries.
About 4,000 protesters came out in front of the Slovak government office to protest against recent policies by Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protesters, carrying banners and homemade signs, were angry over what they see as Fico's increasingly pro-Russian stance. Slogans such as "Treason!" and "Fico, move to Moscow!" captured the protesters' anger, while others read "We are Europe!" in an attempt to reaffirm Slovakia's European identity and values.
Accusations Against Prime Minister Fico
Organizers and participants criticized the course the country has embarked on under Fico. They accused him of taking Slovakia toward a pro-Russian course, opposed to the letter and spirit of that country's memberships in the European Union and NATO. It is not an entirely meritless critique, taking into account that there are fresh tensions between Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Kyiv's recent decision to cut off the crucial gas transit from Russia through Ukraine to Slovakia and other European nations. That positioned Slovakia, due to its great reliance on Russian gas compared to most other European Union members, in a highly sensitive position.
Fico, who has served as Slovakia's prime minister for nearly a decade over two terms and returned to power in the fall of 2023 after winning the parliamentary elections, has made several controversial moves that have drawn the ire of Ukraine supporters. One of the most significant actions was halting arms deliveries from Slovakia’s military stockpiles to Ukraine, although commercial arms sales have not been banned. Moreover, while Slovakia continues to supply Ukraine with non-lethal assistance such as mine-clearing equipment and generators, Fico has threatened to cut these supplies as a "countermeasure" against the suspension of gas transit.
A Divided Political Landscape
The political situation in Slovakia remains polarized, with Fico's coalition government of social democrats and right-wing populists increasingly targeted by protesters who support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The protesters urge Slovakia to stand firm on European values and not stop supporting Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
The protest testifies to the deepening political rift in Slovakia, where polarities mount between those who hold to pro-European and pro-Ukrainian positions and those who are supportive of Russia's actions. With these tensions ongoing, it is not yet clear how the government of Fico will take up the demands of the thousands still rallying for Ukraine's cause.
The direction of further foreign policy conducted by Slovakia in the following months will be determined by such public manifestations when people ask the authorities for responsibility and a clear attitude towards Russian influence in Europe.
Conclusion
While Slovakia finds itself increasingly under pressure from within and outside its borders, the voices of protestors calling for a more pro-European, pro-Ukrainian stance grow louder. How Prime Minister Fico and his government decide to address these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the country's future direction and its role within the broader European framework.