- Over 40 Slovakian cities join anti-Fico rallies opposing ties with Russia
- PM Fico sparks outrage with Moscow visit and threats to leave EU/NATO
- Government ends Ukraine military aid, blocks NATO membership ambitions
- Fico allies praise Russian expansion, meet Kremlin intelligence officials
- Political crisis deepens as 63% of Slovaks support continued EU membership
Thousands of Slovaks flooded streets nationwide for the third consecutive week, demanding Prime Minister Robert Fico's resignation over controversial pro-Kremlin policies. The protests gained momentum after Fico became the first EU leader to visit Moscow since 2022, where he discussed energy cooperationwith Vladimir Putin. Analysts note this mirrors Hungary's Viktor Orbán strategy of leveraging Russian ties for political gain, creating a concerning pattern in Central Europe.
The government's abrupt halt of military aid to Ukraine has left Slovakia isolated among NATO members. Security experts warn this weakens regional defense cohesion, particularly as Russian forces make incremental gains in eastern Ukraine. Energy economists highlight that 85% of Slovakia's gas imports still come from Russia, creating policy vulnerabilities that Moscow could exploit.
Fico's Smer party faces mounting criticism following advisor Erik Kaliňák's statement endorsing Russian territorial expansion. The PM's survival of a May 2024 assassination attempt has further polarized the nation, with supporters framing critics as destabilizing forces. However, recent polls show 58% of citizens disapprove of Fico's foreign policy direction.
This crisis underscores broader European challenges with populist leadership. Like Hungary's Orbán, Fico uses anti-EU rhetoric while benefiting from union funds – Slovakia received €6.3 billion in COVID recovery grants. Political scientists suggest Brussels might need new mechanisms to prevent member states from undermining collective security interests.
