Thousands Protest in Slovakia Against Austerity Measures, Pro-Russia Policies 

Thousands protested across Slovakia on Tuesday in a mass demonstration against the economic and pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico, the latest demonstration to hit the small Eastern European country, the Associated Press reported. 

People rallied in 16 major cities and towns, including the capital of Bratislava, chanting “We’ve had enough of Fico.” 

This latest round of protests was triggered by Fico’s trip to China earlier this month, where he attended festivities celebrating the end of World War II: He was the only European Union leader in attendance and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the third time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent added.  

Protesters also rallied against a new package of austerity measures, which includes increases in health and social insurance, income tax for higher earners, and value-added tax on some food products. It may also include a reduction of national holidays in its final form. 

The government says those measures are needed to cut the budget deficit, which is at 5.3 percent of GDP – the second highest last year among the countries using the euro. The amount is expected to exceed 5 percent this year, surpassing the 3 percent limit required by the EU. 

Labor unions and critics argued that ordinary Slovaks would be the hardest hit, while businesses said that the austerity package doesn’t include any measures to boost the economy. 

“The Slovaks are fed up with that,” Michal Šimečka, the head of the Progressive Slovakia party, told the crowd in Bratislava. His party, together with Freedom and Solidarity, the Christian Democrats, and the Democrats, led the demonstrations. 

Some leaders proposed to organize a general strike against the government. 

Fico, who is serving as prime minister for the fourth time, is considered a divisive figure domestically and internationally. His leftist Smer (Direction) party won the parliamentary election in 2023 with a campaign focused on pro-Russian and anti-American sentiments.  

He has criticized the EU’s policies on Ukraine, halted Slovak military aid to the country since returning to power, and opposed EU efforts to reduce energy dependence on Russia.   

Other mass protests took place in Slovakia this year against Fico’s foreign policies. In March, thousands took to the streets, accusing the government of distancing itself from the EU and strengthening ties with Russia.   

Critics say Fico’s Slovakia is following in the footsteps of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, regarded by many as an autocrat.