Protests in Slovakia Against Prime Minister Fico's Pro-Russia Stance

Tens of thousands of Slovaks protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico's government in more than 40 cities on Friday, seeking to defend the country's pro-European alignment. The protests are the latest sign of public discontent with Fico since he returned to power in 2023 with campaign promises to halt military aid to Ukraine and rebuild ties with Russia. His Moscow-friendly rhetoric intensified late last year as Ukraine prepared to halt natural-gas flows from Russia.