In an unprecedented show of defiance, an estimated 100,000 Slovaks have taken to the streets in nationwide protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, marking the country’s largest demonstrations in years. The protests, which erupted on 7 February, followed similarly sized demonstrations two weeks earlier on 24 January. While the earlier protests were concentrated in major cities, this latest wave has spread to smaller towns and even Slovak communities abroad, with rallies in Brussels, London, Paris, Prague, and New York. The movement was triggered by Fico’s fabricated claims of a foreign-backed coup—allegations widely dismissed as a political manoeuvre to suppress dissent.
Protesters denounced his government’s authoritarian drift, its alignment with Russia, and its attacks on the rule of law, echoing demands for democracy, transparency, and Slovakia’s continued integration with the EU and NATO. Fico’s response—framing civic resistance as a security threat—only intensified public outrage, with demonstrators rejecting fear-mongering and reaffirming their commitment to European values. As discontent spreads beyond urban centres into traditionally pro-Fico regions, and international scrutiny grows, Slovakia stands at a crossroads between democratic resilience and deepening autocracy.
A Growing Protest Movement
The protests, under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe”, erupted in late January 2025 following Fico’s visit to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Organised by the “Peace for Ukraine” initiative and various local civic groups, the demonstrations initially began on 24 January and gained momentum, culminating in an even larger wave of protests on 7 February.
On 7 February 2025, an estimated 100,000 people participated nationwide, with the largest gatherings in Bratislava (42,000–45,000 people) and Košice (20,000 people). Other significant turnouts included Banská Bystrica (8,000 people), Prešov (6,000 people), and Trenčín (4,500 people).
For the first time, protests were also held in several smaller towns, such as Gelnica, Zlaté Moravce, and Malacky. Additionally, Slovak communities abroad organised demonstrations in Brussels, London, Paris, Prague, and New York, among others.
Two weeks earlier, on 24 January, an estimated 120,000 people had already taken to the streets across Slovakia in an initial wave of protests. That demonstration was marked by public outrage over a fabricated intelligence report, promoted by Fico’s government and President Peter Pellegrini, which falsely alleged a foreign-organised coup. The government’s attempt to discredit civil resistance as a security threat only fuelled public mobilisation, leading to an even greater turnout in February.
Key Concerns: Rule of Law, Russia, and Civil Liberties
Speakers at the rallies accused Fico’s government of undermining Slovakia’s democratic foundations, curbing media independence, and aligning the country closer to Russia.
• Simon Omaník, a student known for rejecting a handshake from President Peter Pellegrini due to an alleged lack of transparency in his electoral campaign, urged young people to resist government intimidation.
• Journalist Marek Vagovič likened Fico to past authoritarian leaders, calling him a “fake social democrat bathing in golden bathtubs like Ceaușescu.”
• Former Foreign Minister Miroslav Wlachovský warned that Slovakia’s foreign policy was drifting away from NATO and the EU.
Many protesters carried banners condemning government corruption, misinformation, and its handling of Russian influence. Calls for Fico’s resignation echoed throughout the protests.
During the 24 January protests, demonstrators also explicitly rejected Fico’s allegations of a foreign-led coup, which he had used to justify an emergency Slovak Security Council meeting and vague “preventive measures.” Critics described this as a state-led disinformation operation, likening it to tactics employed by authoritarian regimes to justify repression. Despite the government’s claims, protesters upheld peaceful demonstrations focused on democracy, EU values, and the rule of law.
Government Response: Dismissal and Conspiracy Claims
Fico and his allies have attempted to discredit the protests, dismissing them as foreign-orchestrated attempts to destabilise Slovakia. The government has repeatedly referenced an intelligence report from the Slovak Information Service (SIS), alleging a Western-backed plot against the state.
Protesters and opposition figures have ridiculed these claims, with actor Robert Roth sarcastically welcoming attendees as “coup plotters and conspirators” during the Bratislava rally.
Fico also shared statements from the European Commission, arguing that Slovakia remains committed to the EU. However, his government’s repeated criticism of Brussels, along with moves to weaken judicial independence and limit police investigations into corruption, have fuelled public distrust.
The January intelligence report, which alleged a foreign-backed attempt to overthrow the government, was endorsed by the entire cabinet and President Pellegrini. However, its contents were widely dismissed as fabricated and politically motivated. The government’s use of state security institutions for domestic propaganda and intimidation drew sharp criticism, with comparisons to Russian disinformation tactics.
Regional Protests and Growing Resistance
While the largest rallies took place in urban centres, smaller demonstrations in traditionally pro-Fico strongholds such as Čadca, Bardejov, and Michalovce signal a shift in public sentiment.
In Gelnica, a historically impoverished region where Fico’s party has long dominated, hundreds gathered for the first time. Historian Peter Weiss and actor Milan Kňažko addressed the crowd, denouncing the government’s policies as acts of “political and moral treason.”
Similarly, in Ružomberok, organisers emphasised the need for continued mobilisation, warning that “today’s protests will be remembered as Slovakia’s fight against autocracy.”
The January protests had already showcased the broad national scope of discontent, with tens of thousands rallying in Bratislava (60,000 people), Košice (15,000), and Banská Bystrica (10,000). Demonstrators in Trenčín, Žilina, and Poprad further amplified calls for democracy, transparency, and European integration.
International Echoes and Future Mobilisation
The scale of the protests has attracted international attention, with figures such as Czech priest Tomáš Halík expressing solidarity. “Czech and Moravian democrats stand with Slovakia’s pro-European forces,” he said.
Despite government resistance, organisers vow to continue mobilising. With upcoming anniversaries, including the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, the movement may gain further momentum.
Friday’s protests on both 24 January and 7 February underscore a growing resistance to authoritarian rhetoric and state-led disinformation. Citizens are rejecting fear-mongering and reaffirming Slovakia’s commitment to democratic values, European integration, and independent institutions.
As tensions rise, Slovakia’s political future remains uncertain. The protest movement, initially sparked by foreign policy concerns, has evolved into a broad demand for democratic accountability, independent institutions, and a clear commitment to European values.
