Thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Sunday, marking the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution with protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. The largest demonstration, held in Bratislava, drew an estimated 17,000 to 18,000 participants, according to opposition media.
The protests were organized by two liberal and one conservative opposition parties to commemorate the historic pro-democracy movement that ended Communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Known as Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, the anniversary honors the peaceful revolution that began with a violent crackdown on a student protest on Nov. 17, 1989, and culminated in regime change.
Protesters expressed concern over what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies in Fico’s coalition government, which includes two social democratic parties and a right-wing populist party. Demonstrators carried signs warning, “The government takes away our democracy and freedom. In return, it offers us revenge and hatred.”
Michal Simecka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, criticized Fico’s long-standing leadership during the rally. “Freedom and democracy are no guarantee of good governance. Otherwise, Robert Fico would not have been ruling us for 14 years already,” Simecka said.
Fico, who returned to power last year, is serving his fourth term as prime minister after a brief hiatus from office. Protesters are calling for greater vigilance to protect Slovakia’s democratic freedoms and liberties.
