Protests in Slovakia after Prime Minister Fico tilts towards Russia
Al JazeeraJAN 23
Slovakia's Fico Vows Not to Resign Amid Pro-EU Protests
Above: Thousands of people gather at Freedom square as nationwide protests continue against the Robert Fico-lead government, in Bratislava, Slovakia on Jan. 24, 2025. Image copyright: Robert Nemeti/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Though a Maidan-like unrest in Slovakia still looks unlikely, the opposition and its foreign partners want to force Robert Fico out of office purely because they cannot win elections. Western nations are actively interfering in Slovak internal affairs to punish a government that has refused to concede to them.
Pro-establishment narrative
Slovaks have taken to the streets in peaceful protest to call for the resignation of Robert Fico, as his coalition collapses against a backdrop of rising inflation and insecurity in the country. Geopolitical issues were just the final straw for a nation long fed up with a paranoid leader that failed to deliver calm and stability.