Tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on February 7, 2025, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protests, which drew an estimated 42,000 to 45,000 participants in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, were sparked by Fico’s recent shift towards closer ties with Russia, a move many citizens view as a threat to Slovakia’s alignment with European Union values.
Chants of “Resign, resign,” “Slovakia is Europe,” and “Russian agent” echoed through the capital as demonstrators expressed their discontent. Among the protesters, 39-year-old Barbora Kabinova emphasized their commitment to upholding democracy and human rights as aligned with EU principles. “We are here to keep it that way,” she stated, reflecting a widespread sentiment against the government’s direction.
The protests are the largest seen in Slovakia since the 2018 demonstrations that followed the assassination of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, which ultimately led to the resignation of Fico’s government at that time. Fico’s recent visit to Moscow, one of the few by a European leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has intensified scrutiny and criticism of his administration.
Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May 2024, has dismissed the protests as being orchestrated by foreign interests, particularly accusing Ukraine of trying to undermine his government. However, many protesters, like 70-year-old Juraj Kadlec, reject these claims, asserting that their actions are purely a response to domestic policy concerns. “I hope that our representatives will figure it out and either change their actions or decide to resign,” Kadlec said.
The prime minister’s administration has faced backlash not only for its foreign policy but also for its stance on civil rights issues, including a reported crackdown on civil society groups and opposition to LGBTQ rights. Fico has publicly called for an end to Slovakia’s support for Ukraine and criticized EU sanctions against Russia, indicating a significant pivot in Slovakia’s foreign relations.
As the protests continue, the future of Fico’s government hangs in the balance, with growing calls for accountability from a populace increasingly wary of shifts that could alienate Slovakia from its European partners. The unfolding situation highlights a critical moment for the country as it grapples with the implications of its leadership’s decisions on both domestic and international fronts.