In Bratislava and in almost 30 other cities in Slovakia and abroad, Slovakia is Europe protests were held early Friday evening. The police report that the gatherings were peaceful and without serious incidents.
According to the organizers of the protests, people gathered to express their disagreement with the current direction of the country and to demonstrate support for democratic values and the European future of Slovakia. During the protests, people chanted for Prime Minister Robert Fico to resign.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself, who is “at odds” with Prime Minister Fico, commented on the protests. Zelenskyj shared on the social network X status and a photo of ex-president Zuzana Čaputová’s friend Juraj Rizman, who participated in the demonstration in Bratislava.
“Slovakia is Europe! Civil protest against Robert Fico’s government and against cooperation with Putin’s Russia. Freedom Square, Bratislava, Slovakia, January 24, 2025,” wrote Rizman to the shot, which you can find in the gallery. Zelenskyj shared this photo with an additional description. “Bratislava is not Moscow. Slovakia is Europe“, the Ukrainian president said.
“The events symbolized the unity and determination of the people to defend democracy. Tens of thousands of people all over Slovakia chanted today – Slovakia is Europe,” said the civil association Mier Ukraine, stating that Slovak society rejects isolation and the direction of an authoritarian regime.
According to the police, public gatherings were peaceful and without serious incidents or disruption of public order. “In total, during their course, we recorded three minor violations, which the police resolved on the spot“, the police said on the social network.
