Slovak protests erupt as PM Fico's Kremlin visit sparks outrage
Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to the Kremlin ignited a wave of protests in Slovakia. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Bratislava to voice their opposition to the government's policy. However, there was uncertainty regarding the Slovak Prime Minister's whereabouts after his visit to Russia. Media reports suggest that Fico may be in Vietnam.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has faced intense criticism following his controversial visit to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin. Since then, numerous protests have erupted across Slovakia.
For two weeks, the Slovak Prime Minister's whereabouts have been unclear. On 2 January, Fico posted a video on his social media. In it, he claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has started to jeopardise Slovakia's public finances and harm the financial interests of the entire EU. "Slovakia must demonstrate that it is a sovereign country," the prime minister wrote.
The portal Dennik N reported that the Slovak Prime Minister is staying at the luxurious Capella Hanoi hotel in Vietnam. A reader helped identify the interior of the room, which is suspected to be the Grand Opera Madam Butterfly suite. One night in this suite costs about £5,400.
Wave of protests in Slovakia
On Friday, January 3rd, thousands of Slovaks took to the streets of Bratislava to express their discontent with the prime minister's policy. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We are not Russia!" and "We are not a Russian puppet!"
Participants waved Slovak and European Union flags during the protest and sang the European anthem. The organisers stressed that "this anthem is ours."
One of the organisers, Viera Dubacova, spoke about Slovakia's significance in the European Union: - "We are also Europe!" - she proclaimed, which was met with an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Slovak painter Rudolf Sikora urged the unification of the civic sector with the opposition: - "I beg you, opposition politicians, unite!" - he stated, highlighting the need for a joint stand against "evil."
Lucia Stassel, one of the protesters, recounted the occupation in 1968 and the persecution of her family: - "I will not allow this country to fall under the influence of Russian politics," she declared.
Fico threatens Ukraine
After the visit to Russia, Robert Fico threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after the New Year.
He emphasised that Slovakia could take "reciprocal measures against Ukraine," including halting the supply of electricity, which Ukraine urgently needs.
- "If Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas, after 1st January, we will assess the situation and the possibility of taking reciprocal measures against Ukraine," Fico announced in a video released online on Friday afternoon. - "If it becomes necessary, we will cease the supply of electricity, which Ukraine urgently requires during network disruptions," he added.
Source: aktuality.sk, Nexta, WP Wiadomości
