Sat Jan 25 14:02:35 IST 2025: ## Massive Protests Rock Slovakia as Fico Accuses Opposition of Coup
**Bratislava, Slovakia** – Tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets Friday in nationwide protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking the largest demonstrations since the 2018 murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. The rallies, with an estimated 60,000 participants in Bratislava alone, were fueled by Fico’s increasingly pro-Russia stance and his recent private meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Fico’s visit to Moscow and subsequent threats to shift Slovakia away from the EU and NATO have sparked widespread outrage. Protesters chanted slogans demanding Slovakia remain within the European Union and NATO, echoing sentiments expressed by Frantisek Valach, a Bratislava resident who stated, “We do not want to be with Russia.”
Further escalating tensions, Fico’s government accused protest organizers and opposition parties of plotting a “coup d’état” with the assistance of unnamed foreign entities. Citing a classified intelligence report, Fico alleged a plan to occupy government buildings, block roads, and provoke clashes with police. He claimed these foreign-backed entities had previously assisted protests in Ukraine (2014) and Georgia (2023), though he presented no concrete evidence.
Opposition parties have initiated a no-confidence vote against Fico’s government, but his slim majority in parliament currently appears secure. The scale of Friday’s protests, however, recalls the massive demonstrations that led to Fico’s resignation in 2018.
Fico’s recent actions, including halting humanitarian aid to Ukraine in retaliation for the disruption of Russian gas transit, have drawn sharp criticism. Jozef Betak, a 49-year-old telecoms specialist at the protest, described Fico as “very aggressive” and called for his resignation. The protests reflect deep public concern over Fico’s leadership and the future direction of Slovakia.
First Piper 