cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/5662124

Archived version

On Monday, tens of thousands of citizens in Slovakia participated in demonstrations against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of decades of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. The democratic and liberal opposition in various communities across the country organised rallies and marches.

In Freedom Square, located in the capital city of Bratislava, demonstrators raised their voices in chants such as “We have had enough of Fico,” “We want change,” and “Resign.” One prominent banner showcased a quote from the late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel, which became emblematic of the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.”

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Prime Minister Fico has emerged as a controversial figure in Slovakia. He is responsible for the high polarisation that has challenged Slovak society for years, consequently leading to numerous protests against his administration’s policies.

He introduced laws against freedom of the press, the LGBT community, and NGOs, all inspired by the way the Vladimir Putin regime strangles the Russian society. In addition, the Fico government isolated Slovakia from its natural partners in the EU and seriously damaged its economy. Recently, his government decided to cancel the national holiday that commemorates the Velvet Revolution, citing this action as part of broader austerity measures.

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Michal Šimečka, leader of the major opposition Progressive Slovakia party, rejected that explanation.

“It has nothing to do with economy or savings,“ Šimečka said. “Robert Fico just wants to tell us that the holiday of freedom is useless, that freedom is useless. We value freedom and we will not let it be taken away from us.”

Robert Fico has recently faced criticism in Slovakia for suggesting to students in Poprad that those who oppose his pro-Russian stance should consider fighting for Ukraine. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Fico has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on three occasions and has retracted all Slovak military support for Ukraine. He has also publicly disputed the European Union’s policies about the conflict in Ukraine.

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