Slovakia's Streets Fill with Protesters as PM Fico Warns of Coup Attempts

Huge protests swept across Slovakia as citizens opposed Prime Minister Robert Fico's nationalist agenda. With accusations of a coup and increasing tensions between Fico and opposition groups, the situation remains charged as demonstrations continue in various cities.

Tens of thousands of citizens across Slovakia demonstrated against Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, imploring him to address their grievances. These protests are rejecting his ominous warnings that liberal opposition forces aim to orchestrate a coup during the demonstrations.

Mass gatherings took place in around 25 towns and cities, signifying escalating dissent against Fico's populist-nationalist coalition. Many protesters voiced concerns that his policies are eroding Slovakia's institutions, cultural identity, and its standing within both the EU and NATO, particularly criticizing his growing hospitality toward Moscow and antagonism towards Ukraine.

Fico maintains that he is navigating a "sovereign" foreign policy aimed at a balanced global stance. He rebuffed accusations suggesting that he seeks to withdraw Slovakia from the EU and NATO, claiming those allegations are unfounded. Estimates by the Dennik N news platform indicated around 100,000 demonstrators across the country, including at least 40,000 in the capital, Bratislava.

On Thursday, a significant number of people turned out in the cities of Banska Bystrica and Kosice to show solidarity against the government, avoiding clashes with other scheduled events. Despite fears of violence—which Fico previously warned of—reports indicate that protests remained peaceful.

Amid the unrest, Fico asserted that police would soon deport "foreign instructors" allegedly aiding the opposition, framing this as an urgent necessity. He called for a meeting with the government's security council, citing intelligence claims of foreign provocateurs involved in the protests reminiscent of upheaval in Georgia and Ukraine.

Fico also pointed to a recent cyber incident targeting the country's health insurer as a tactic used by opposition forces seeking to destabilize his administration. However, subsequent reports described the event as a minor phishing attempt rather than a grand cyber offensive, raising eyebrows about the validity of Fico's claims.

Slovakia's political climate is tense, with domestic intelligence backing Fico's concerns; however, skepticism surrounds the SIS due to its leadership's ties to Fico's political party. Observers will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, with citizens adamant in their dissent and unwilling to be swayed by government threats.