Protests against pro-Russian Prime Minister in Slovakia

This information was reported by Dennik N.

Demonstrators expanded the number of their demands to include not only plans to amend the criminal code and a controversial reform of the special prosecutor’s office. Now, slogans calling for the resignation of pro-Russian Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová are echoing in the streets.

There are also mentions of a minor car accident involving the leader of the Slovak National Party, Andrej Danko – a coalition partner of Fico – who fled the scene.

This was already the fifth round of protests, and the number of participating cities increased from 19 to 23. In Bratislava, approximately 26,000 people participated, more than the previous week. In smaller cities, more people also joined the protests than before.

These are the largest in a series of anti-government demonstrations in Slovakia since Fico’s cabinet announced plans for a law enforcement reform.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová called the planned reform a “serious threat to the internal security of the state” and urged the ruling coalition to submit the package of draft laws for discussion instead of approving them under an accelerated procedure. The combination of the proposed changes would signify the state’s abandonment of protecting its citizens and ensuring effective justice, potentially implying a departure from the rule of law.

Earlier reports indicated that the new government of Slovakia would cease supplying weapons to Ukraine from its own stocks. According to the country’s Ministry of Defense, the new government aims to strengthen the potential and capabilities of the Armed Forces in fulfilling tasks aimed at preserving the safety of people and the state. Simultaneously, the modernization process will be directed at minimizing risks to the lives of servicemen.

Previously, Politico reported that Slovakia would not provide assistance to Ukraine after the victory of the pro-Russian party in the elections. According to the publication, the Slovak Ministry of Defense was considering the possibility of sending a new package of aid. However, the temporary government of the country announced that it had stopped sending further military aid to Ukraine, as parties negotiating the formation of a new government after the elections were against further support for Kyiv.

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