Tens of thousands of people demonstrate Slovakia against the pro-Russian policy of the populist leader Fico

Bratislava, Slovakia (AP)-Tens of thousands of people in Slovakia gathered on Friday in the places and in the streets of the country to express their opposition to the pro-Russian policy of the Populist Prime Minister. Robert Fico.

The latest wave of antigenmental gatherings was fed by Fico’s recent trip to Moscow Meet the Russian President Vladimir PutinA rare visit to the Kremlin of a European Union leader since The total invasion of Ukraine by Moscow started on February 24, 2022.

Fico’s recent remarks according to which it was possible to change the orientation of Slovakia’s foreign policy and to leave the European Union and NATO were part of other recent measures of the Prime Minister who fueled the anger of the demonstrators .

“Slovakia is not Russia, Slovakia is Europe”, “we are tired of Fico” and “resignation”, chant the demonstrators in Bratislava.

Friday rallies took place in 28 places, more than double compared to Two weeks ago In a context of increased tensions after Fico accused the organizers and the opposition earlier this week of being in contact with an unrecognized group of foreigners who, according to him, work to organize a coup in Slovakia.

Fico linked his accusations to a secret report of the country’s espionage service, known as SIS, which he presented on Tuesday in Parliament. The details were not known, but Fico publicly said that the opposition planned to occupy government buildings, block roads, organize a national strike and cause clashes with the police within the framework of the alleged plan aimed at overthrowing his government.

Slovak leaders said the situation was serious, but the opposition rejected the report and accused the SIS of being used for political purposes.

The SIS is led by the son of a close ally of the Fico party.

The organizers of most rallies of the Peace Organization for Ukraine have rejected Fico’s claims and said that he was trying to frighten the Slovak population.

All the many public anti -government demonstrations since the Fico government has taken oath On October 25, 2023, the events took place in peace.

The organizers said that their demonstration in Bratislava had gathered 60,000 people and that the rallies would continue on February 7.

Fico’s point of view on Russia are clearly distinguished from the dominant European current.

He returned to power last year after his left party, the Smer (Direction), won the elections. parliamentary election on one Pro-Russian and anti-American platform. Since then, he has ended the military aid of Slovakia in Ukraine, has castigated EU sanctions against Russia and has committed to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

Fico is a polarizing figure in Slovakia and he survived an assassination attempt in May 2024.