Latest news with #ProgressiveSlovakia
New European
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
Robert Fico goes to Moscow
The prime minister, Robert Fico, was en route to Moscow for a meeting with Putin, his second visit in recent months. He was the only EU leader present in Moscow on that day. Fico's previous trip triggered widespread outrage and months of mass demonstrations. At one point, Fico described the protests as an attempted coup. In an extravagant show of military might, Vladimir Putin presided over a grand parade in Moscow's Red Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second world war. More than 10,000 troops marched through the capital, even as the war in Ukraine continued. Meanwhile, in Slovakia, almost 10,000 demonstrators gathered in central Bratislava on Victory in Europe Day, the day before the Moscow parade. People protested outside the government's headquarters, with Slovak and EU flags filling the square in a show of dissent. Michal Šimečka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, the main opposition party, which is currently leading in the opinion polls, has criticised Fico's foreign policy direction. 'It is a disgrace and a betrayal of Slovakia's national interests, which is driving our country out of the EU. This is happening against the will of our citizens,' he told me. 'I am convinced that there will be a political change in Slovakia and that we will bring Slovakia back to the European table'. A few hours before his departure for Moscow, Fico marked Victory Day in the town of Piešťany. His speech was met with a mix of applause and boos. Then it was off to Moscow, where he had a brief exchange with Putin, a meeting with the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, a cheerful photo op with the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, and even a meeting with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, their second in six months. Fico did not attend the parade itself – the EU had made clear that his attendance would have crossed a red line. In protest at Fico's show of friendship towards Putin, the Baltic states barred his plane from their airspace, forcing a lengthy detour. Rastislav Káčer, our former foreign minister, told me he thought the trip was 'both a disgrace and a strategic mistake'. The trouble with Fico, he said, was that he 'targets 'the west', despite the fact that we conduct almost 90% of our trade with the west. Yet when he is in trouble, he turns to Brussels, seeking compensation, subsidies, and diplomatic support.' Since the start of the year, Fico has managed, albeit with difficulty, to hold his fractured coalition together, while using foreign affairs as a tool of self-promotion. It began in February with a trip to the conservative gathering of MAGA Republicans at the CPac conference in the US. It was meant to be a photo opportunity with Donald Trump, but events did not unfold as planned. In the end, Fico managed only a brief meeting with Elon Musk and a mention on the welcome list from Trump. He returned from Washington without his longed-for photo, or even a handshake from his political idol. Trump is no friend of Slovakia. His tariffs on the car industry pose a significant threat to our economy – Slovakia produces around 1m vehicles each year. Jakub Filo, deputy editor-in-chief of Slovak daily SME, said: 'Fico is a Slovak proponent of authoritarian national conservatism. His approach to foreign affairs is not focused on strengthening ties with Slovakia's natural partners and allies, but rather on forging connections with other national conservatives and autocratic leaders. 'Domestically it serves him, as a significant portion of his and the governing coalition's electorate holds pro-Russian sentiments and is susceptible to Russian propaganda.' Against this backdrop, Fico appears to be cultivating a carefully crafted image of strength, just like Putin. However, also like Putin, Fico's foreign adventures are leaving him increasingly isolated. They may no longer be delivering the domestic political gains they once did. Branislav Ondrášik reports for the Slovak daily SME
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Protesters in Slovakia condemn Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Protesters gathered Friday in the Slovak capital to demonstrate against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's latest trip to Russia. Fico was the only leader of a European Union country to travel to Moscow for festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Chanting slogans like 'We've had enough of Fico,' 'Slovakia is Europe,' and 'Stay there,' protesters filled Freedom Square. Organizers said that Fico 'doesn't represent the whole Slovakia.' 'It's a shame for Slovakia,' and 'one of the worst moments for the Slovak foreign policy,' Michal Šimečka, the leader of the major opposition and pro-Western Progressive Slovakia party, said about the trip. The Kremlin has used the annual 'Victory Day' celebrations to tout its battlefield prowess. On Friday, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying that 'we are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory.' Fico said in a video message his goal was to establish 'normal, friendly cooperation,' with Russia. The rallies in Bratislava and some other towns and cities across Slovakia were the latest in a wave of protests fueled by Fico's recent trip to Moscow for talks with Putin over gas deliveries in December. Fico, who is a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform . Known for his pro-Russian views, he has openly challenged the European Union's policies over Ukraine.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters in Slovakia condemn Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Protesters gathered Friday in the Slovak capital to demonstrate against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's latest trip to Russia. Fico was the only leader of a European Union country to travel to Moscow for festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Chanting slogans like 'We've had enough of Fico,' 'Slovakia is Europe,' and 'Stay there,' protesters filled Freedom Square. Organizers said that Fico 'doesn't represent the whole Slovakia.' 'It's a shame for Slovakia,' and 'one of the worst moments for the Slovak foreign policy,' Michal Šimečka, the leader of the major opposition and pro-Western Progressive Slovakia party, said about the trip. The Kremlin has used the annual 'Victory Day' celebrations to tout its battlefield prowess. On Friday, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying that 'we are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory.' Fico said in a video message his goal was to establish 'normal, friendly cooperation,' with Russia. The rallies in Bratislava and some other towns and cities across Slovakia were the latest in a wave of protests fueled by Fico's recent trip to Moscow for talks with Putin over gas deliveries in December. Fico, who is a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Known for his pro-Russian views, he has openly challenged the European Union's policies over Ukraine.
Toronto Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Protesters in Slovakia condemn Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Protesters gathered Friday in the Slovak capital to demonstrate against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's latest trip to Russia. Fico was the only leader of a European Union country to travel to Moscow for festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Chanting slogans like 'We've had enough of Fico,' 'Slovakia is Europe,' and 'Stay there,' protesters filled Freedom Square. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Organizers said that Fico 'doesn't represent the whole Slovakia.' 'It's a shame for Slovakia,' and 'one of the worst moments for the Slovak foreign policy,' Michal Šimečka, the leader of the major opposition and pro-Western Progressive Slovakia party, said about the trip. The Kremlin has used the annual 'Victory Day' celebrations to tout its battlefield prowess. On Friday, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying that 'we are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory.' Fico said in a video message his goal was to establish 'normal, friendly cooperation,' with Russia. The rallies in Bratislava and some other towns and cities across Slovakia were the latest in a wave of protests fueled by Fico's recent trip to Moscow for talks with Putin over gas deliveries in December. Fico, who is a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Known for his pro-Russian views, he has openly challenged the European Union's policies over Ukraine.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Protesters in Slovakia condemn Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Protesters gathered Friday in the Slovak capital to demonstrate against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's latest trip to Russia. Fico was the only leader of a European Union country to travel to Moscow for festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Chanting slogans like 'We've had enough of Fico,' 'Slovakia is Europe,' and 'Stay there,' protesters filled Freedom Square. Organizers said that Fico 'doesn't represent the whole Slovakia.' 'It's a shame for Slovakia,' and 'one of the worst moments for the Slovak foreign policy,' Michal Šimečka, the leader of the major opposition and pro-Western Progressive Slovakia party, said about the trip. The Kremlin has used the annual 'Victory Day' celebrations to tout its battlefield prowess. On Friday, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying that 'we are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory.' Fico said in a video message his goal was to establish 'normal, friendly cooperation,' with Russia. The rallies in Bratislava and some other towns and cities across Slovakia were the latest in a wave of protests fueled by Fico's recent trip to Moscow for talks with Putin over gas deliveries in December. Fico, who is a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Known for his pro-Russian views, he has openly challenged the European Union's policies over Ukraine.
