A significant wave of pro-Western protests in Slovakia has emerged, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the pro-Moscow inclinations of Prime Minister Robert Fico. On Friday, approximately 110,000 demonstrators gathered in the evening across 41 towns in Slovakia, along with 13 cities in Europe, marking a notable escalation in the movement.
In the capital, Bratislava, crowd estimates reached between 42,000 and 45,000, while over 20,000 people rallied in Košice, as reported by SafetyCrew, a consultancy specializing in event safety. This week’s demonstrations have notably extended to smaller rural towns, which had traditionally been strongholds of support for Fico’s leftist-populist Smer party.
Growing momentum in smaller towns
Milo Janáč, a 49-year-old local from Gelnica, a small town with a population of 6,202, shared his story of involvement during a recent protest in Bratislava. He was inspired to mobilize his community after reading an interview with teacher Eva Wolfová, who emphasized the significance of even 300 protesters in Gelnica as a potential turning point against Fico’s government. Janáč stated, “I took it as a challenge, and even on the train I started messaging people to ask if they could help.”
Gelnica, known for its mining history and struggles, has been significantly affected economically, with an average gross monthly wage of €1,241—the third-lowest among Slovakia’s districts. In recent parliamentary elections, Fico’s party secured 30% of the vote in Gelnica. Despite this support, Janáč believes that the growing protests represent a shift in sentiment: “If these protests start spreading further among these smaller towns, we’ll be in a new reality.”
Challenging economic and social conditions
Fico, who has returned to power for a fourth term, has increasingly aligned himself with pro-Russian leaders, notably meeting with Vladimir Putin despite EU sanctions. In response to the protests, Fico unfoundedly accused foreign forces of inciting unrest to destabilize his government. Janáč countered this narrative, asserting that the protests aim to prevent Slovakia from reverting to a pro-Kremlin stance.
“Under Fico’s governments, we went from being the economic tiger of Europe to one of the poorest countries in the EU,” Janáč said, expressing the frustrations of many Slovaks regarding their deteriorating social services. “Our young people see no prospects here and have left the country. We are losing our future.”
On Friday, Janáč witnessed a turnout of around 400 protesters in Gelnica, with prominent figures such as actor Milan Kňažko—who played a vital role in the 1989 Velvet Revolution—encouraging demonstrators to resist regressive political trends. Additionally, Lucia Štasselová from the NGO Mier Ukrajine criticized Fico as the principal architect of Russia’s influence in Slovakia.
In a social media response, Fico referenced a statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, dismissing concerns about Slovakia’s commitment to the EU and asserting that cooperation with the Commission remains positive. He questioned the motives behind the protests, indicating a disconnect with the growing discontent among the populace.