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Thousands protest against pro-Russian Fico government

Critics warn that the Slovak government is turning away from the West and towards Russia. Thousands of people once again protested against Prime Minister Fico's pro-Kremlin policies – he had caused trouble with a visit to Moscow.

Thousands of people protested again on Friday evening in 15 cities in Slovakia against the Ukraine policy of the left-wing nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico. They accused him of taking a pro-Russian course and “betrayal” of Western allies and neighboring Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia.

According to the organizers, 15,000 people gathered in front of the government office on Freedom Square in Bratislava alone. The citizens' initiative “Mier Ukrajine” (Peace in Ukraine) called for the rallies.

“Agent of a foreign power”

The trigger for the protests was that Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow shortly before Christmas. The meeting was unacceptable, said protest organizer Lucia Stasselova. Fico went to Russia “at a time when our neighbors are dealing with huge military aggression, at a time when the entire civilized and democratic world condemns this aggression.” Former Slovak Foreign Minister Rastislav Kacer, who also took part in the demonstration, said: “Fico is acting as an agent of a foreign power.”

Fico defended this trip in front of Parliament's Europe Committee that morning: In view of a Ukrainian transit stop for Russian gas, he and Putin had explored alternative options in order to then present them to the EU Commission in Brussels. The EU and NATO country Slovakia is more dependent on Russian gas than almost any other country in Europe. Fico said the country will lose about 500 million euros a year in transit fees.

He also threatened Ukraine to cut off electricity supplies to the country in retaliation, reduce aid to Ukrainian refugees, stop humanitarian aid and block EU financial aid.

Protesters denounce “subordination” to Russian interests

The organizers of the demonstration criticized Fico's trip as “subordination” to Russian interests. They declared what they called “citizen readiness.” The country is in danger and must therefore be protected by its citizens from their own government.

Demonstrators carried banners with messages like “We want to live in a free country!” or addressed directly to Fico: “For me you will always be a coward, collaborator, mafioso and criminal!” If the government does not change course, the citizens' initiative wants to call for another wave of protests on January 24th.

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