Massive crowds have gathered in numerous cities and towns across Slovakia to voice their vocal opposition against what they claim are the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico.
A rare visit to the Kremlin by a European Union leader since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Recent comments by Fico that Slovakia's foreign policy direction might involve the country leaving the European Union and NATO have fueled the outrage of protesters.
"Europe is in Slovakia," the protesters in Bratislava chanted.
"I came to this protest to express my objections to our government's policies and actions. I do not believe that the government has been authorized to act in the way it is. This is why I wish to express my peaceful dissent. That is why I am here," said one of the protesters, Marcela Slimakova.
The most recent demonstrations happened in 41 locations in Slovakia, an increase from 28 sites just a couple of weeks prior.
Demonstrators claimed rallies also occurred in 13 cities outside their country.
"A personal opinion of mine is that the protest will not lead to significant changes, but it may serve as an opportunity for those participants to unite and make an impact in the upcoming election," said Matej Děbnar, an individual who is protesting in Bratislava.
Friday's protests were the largest since massive street demonstrations in 2018 were sparked by the killing of a investigative journalist and his fiancée.
The resulting political crisis triggered the collapse of Fico's former government.
In May 2024, Fico survived an assassination attempt. He is a polarizing figure in Slovakia and has increased tensions by accusing protest organizers of collaborating with foreign individuals who organized the anti-government protests in Georgia.
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Government authorities have been unable to provide any supporting evidence for their assertion, which has been refuted by the Peace for Ukraine organization.
Fico's views on Russia have predominantly diverged from those of the European mainstream.
He returned to power last year after his left-wing party Smer (Direction) secured a parliamentary election win on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform.
He has since suspended military assistance to Slovakia for Ukraine, criticized European Union sanctions against Russia and promised to veto Ukraine's bid to join NATO.
He has also declared Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy an enemy, following Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas supplies to Slovakia and other European countries.