The main demand of the protesters is the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico and a change in his pro-Russian course. The largest demonstration is taking place in Bratislava, where about 60,000 people have gathered. Rallies were also held in 20 other cities, and the news site Dennik N calculated that at least 100,000 people protested.
The wave of protests began after the Slovak Prime Minister privately visited Moscow in December to meet with Vladimir Putin.
The protests have reached levels similar to 2018, when the murder of an investigative journalist sparked mass demonstrations and forced Fico to resign. However, in 2023 he was re-elected as Prime Minister.
Earlier this week, Robert Fico claimed that a "coup" was being prepared in the country involving the opposition, non-governmental organizations, the media, and a "secret group of experts" from abroad.
Citing intelligence information, Fico claims, without providing evidence, that there is a group of "unknown experts" in Slovakia who helped in protests against the pro-Russian leader in Ukraine in 2014 and in Georgia last year.
Opposition parties have called for a vote of no confidence in Fico's government, but the Prime Minister still retains a relative majority of votes.
Photo: Reuters