Tens of thousands of people gathered in Slovakia on Friday, demonstrating against Prime Minister Robert Fico's recent shift towards pro-Russia policies. The protests, which included an estimated 60,000 attendees in Bratislava alone and a combined 100,000 across various cities, signify the largest public response since Fico returned to power in 2023. These actions were primarily fueled by Fico's controversial visit to Moscow in December, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare encounter for a European Union leader since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to AP News.

The protests followed escalating tensions after Fico's administration accused political opponents of plotting a "coup d'état", with claims of cooperation with foreign influences the Guardian. Protesters chanted slogans such as "Slovakia is not Russia, Slovakia is Europe" and demanded Fico's resignation, highlighting growing discontent with his administration's alignment away from EU and NATO values.

Fico, in response to the uprisings, stated that the government could only be changed through elections, dismissing the protests as politically motivated. He also noted that a list of individuals might be prepared for expulsion based on intelligence suggestions, although specifics were not disclosed Reuters. The civic group Mier Ukrajine (Peace for Ukraine) organized the rallies, emphasizing a commitment to democratic principles and EU integration, rejecting Fico's narrative of external sabotage Al Jazeera.

The scale of the demonstrations has been compared to those from 2018 when public outrage forced Fico's resignation over corruption scandals. As the political climate intensifies, opposition parties are slated to challenge Fico's government with a no-confidence vote, testing the stability of his fragile coalition. Critics warn that Fico’s policies may undermine Slovakia’s democratic foundation and signal a pivot towards authoritarian governance. The next round of protests is planned for February 7, continuing the push for political accountability the Guardian.

For further details on the protests and Fico's policies, see the full coverage from AP News, The Guardian, and Reuters.