Thousands of Slovaks rallied against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government on the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, citing concerns over threats to democracy and Western values.
At a Glance
- Approximately 17,000 Slovaks protested against perceived threats to democracy by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government
- The rally coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule
- Opposition parties united to voice concerns over Fico’s pro-Russia stance and potential authoritarian shifts
- Fico’s government plans controversial reforms, including overhauling public broadcasting and amending the penal code
- The EU may cut funds to Slovakia over rule of law concerns
Protests Erupt on Anniversary of Velvet Revolution
On the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, thousands of Slovaks gathered in Bratislava to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policies. The demonstration, which united opposition parties including Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity, and the Christian Democrats, highlighted growing concerns over the perceived erosion of democratic values under Fico’s leadership.
The protesters, numbering around 17,000, expressed alarm over Fico’s pro-Russia stance and his government’s plans to implement controversial reforms. These include overhauling public broadcasting, amending the penal code, and eliminating a special anti-graft prosecutor, moves that critics argue could undermine democratic institutions and freedoms.
Slovakians rally against Robert Fico’s populist government on anniversary of Velvet Revolution #EuropeNews https://t.co/VId3nD5H1L
— euronews (@euronews) November 17, 2024
Opposition Leaders Voice Concerns
Opposition leaders took center stage at the rally, voicing their apprehensions about Slovakia’s future under Fico’s governance. František Mikloško, a prominent figure from the Velvet Revolution, emphasized Slovakia’s alignment with Western civilization and opposition to Russian influence.
“Slovakia is and will be part of the Western civilization,” František Mikloško told the crowd in Bratislava. “We don’t want anyone to move us toward Moscow.”
Branislav Gröhling, another opposition leader, drew parallels between Fico’s governance and authoritarian regimes, suggesting that Slovakia was being steered towards “an authoritarian regime like in Russia and communist China.” Michal Šimečka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, pledged to protect freedom and democracy, asserting, “Slovakia is and will be a nation of free people. And free people won’t be silent.”
Fico’s Controversial Policies and EU Concerns
Fico’s Smer party won the recent elections on a platform that was notably pro-Russia and anti-America, raising alarm bells about potential autocratic governance. His government’s plans to overhaul public broadcasting, amend the penal code, and eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor have drawn criticism from both domestic opposition and the European Union.
The Prime Minister’s stance on Ukraine and other issues diverges significantly from the European mainstream. Fico has advocated for ending military aid to Ukraine and opposes EU sanctions on Russia, positions that have put Slovakia at odds with its EU and NATO allies.
These policy shifts have not gone unnoticed by the EU. There are growing concerns that the bloc may cut funds to Slovakia over rule of law issues, drawing comparisons to the situation in Hungary under Viktor Orban. The potential for democratic backsliding in Slovakia has become a focal point for both domestic opposition and international observers.
Looking Ahead
As Slovakia grapples with this political turmoil, the opposition Progressive Slovakia party currently leads in polls, suggesting a potential shift in power amid government instability. The ongoing events in Ukraine and their impact on regional politics may further influence Slovakia’s political landscape and future coalition formations.
