Slovakia’s protests show that the fight for Europe hasn’t ended  

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** Protests: A Fight for **

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Slovakia on March 7, protesting the ‘s pro-Russian policies under Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protesters voiced concerns that Slovakia is drifting away from the European Union and its allies.

**Fico’s Moves Closer to Russia**

Since autumn 2023, a of nationalist, EU-skeptic, and pro-Russian parties has held power in Bratislava. Fico’s government has demonstrated a clear alignment with Moscow, including false claims about Nazi fighting in Ukraine and the first prime minister interview on Russian state television.

**Concerns Over Slovakia Leaving the EU**

The liberal opposition party Freedom and Solidarity proposed enshrining Slovakia’s EU membership in the constitution. However, Tibor Gašpar, a Smer politician, suggested that Slovakia should consider leaving the EU if its rules were to change. This response has unsettled many citizens.

**Mass Protests and Frustration**

The frustration has fueled mass protests, where demonstrators wave Ukrainian flags and rally under the slogan “ for Ukraine.” Despite these protests, Prime Minister Fico has responded with conspiracy theories, claiming that NGOs active in Ukraine and Georgia were plotting to overthrow him.

**A Threat to Democracy?**

Fico’s government has weakened democratic checks and balances by amending criminal law, restructuring public media, and allowing a nationalist culture minister to wage a political war against artists. Despite these troubling developments, Slovakia remains freer and more pluralistic than under Orbán.

**The Key Difference: Stability**

While Fico’s coalition is fragile and divided, Orbán has ruled since 2010 with a strong parliamentary majority. Some MPs from Fico’s smaller coalition partners have already left the government, but they have not yet voted against him.

Read More @ kyivindependent.com

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