Mass protests in Slovakia against government's pro-Russian course

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Bratislava to protest against the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is accused of a pro-Russian orientation. Participants are chanting: “Slovakia is Europe!” (Slovakia is Europe!)

The protests have engulfed the capital and are already being compared to historic events — some commentators are calling what is happening “Maidan 2” (Maidan 2). People with European Union flags and slogans in support of democratic values are demanding that the government abandon its move towards Moscow.

The mass rallies are a reaction to recent statements by Fico, in which he advocated closer ties with Russia and a review of the country's foreign policy course. The Prime Minister's opponents believe that such an approach contradicts Slovakia's European aspirations and threatens its sovereignty.