Protests Erupt in Slovakia Over Government's Illiberal Shift

Thousands gathered in National Uprising Square this month to voice their concerns over Slovakia's political trajectory under Prime Minister Robert Fico. The demonstrators, comprising opposition politicians, journalists, and nonprofit workers, protested against a government crackdown on the cultural sector and reforms perceived as threats to anti-corruption efforts. Many fear that Fico's pro-Russia, anti-American stance could lead Slovakia down a path similar to Viktor Orbán's Hungary, marking a significant shift towards illiberal governance. The protests were notably the first since a May assassination attempt on Fico, who attributed the attack to an opposition activist. The prime minister, who survived being shot at close range, has positioned himself as a defender of a "sovereign and self-confident Slovak foreign policy," particularly in his refusal to provide military aid to Ukraine. However, demonstrators criticized his administration for divisive reforms affecting the judiciary and police, as well as aggressive measures against media and cultural institutions. Fico's return to power in 2023 followed a tumultuous political landscape, including his ousting in 2018 amid widespread protests. His recent electoral success was fueled by a campaign that rejected pro-European Union values, focusing instead on anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-EU rhetoric. Critics, including Slovak academic Anton Spisak, argue that Fico's agenda contradicts the EU's foundational principles of the rule of law. The government's controversial overhaul of the public broadcaster, RTVS, and the suspension of communication with independent media outlets have further fueled concerns about press freedom and democratic integrity in Slovakia. As tensions rise, the future of the country's political landscape remains uncertain.