Slovak PM Robert Fico Accuses Foreign Operatives of Orchestrating Unrest, Plans Expulsion
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused foreign operatives involved in previous protests in Ukraine and Georgia of instigating unrest in Slovakia. In a Friday announcement, Fico revealed plans to expel these “foreign instructors” who he believes are attempting to orchestrate a Ukraine-style Maidan coup.
The prime minister’s statement follows a series of anti-government protests and cyberattacks on key Slovak institutions. Last week, the national information system suffered a major cyberattack, which Fico linked to another attack on the state-owned General Health Insurance company. He described these attacks as part of a “textbook model” used to remove governments that dissent from Western policies.
Fico blamed foreign operatives for the attacks and alleged ties to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan protests and recent anti-government demonstrations in Georgia. In a press conference, he warned citizens not to be swayed by these actions orchestrated by the opposition, foreign-funded NGOs, and well-paid foreign instructors currently in Slovakia.
60,000 Protesters Gather Against Fico’s Policies
Earlier on Friday, around 60,000 people gathered in Bratislava for a rally opposing Fico’s policies. Similar events were held in 20 other cities across Slovakia. Protesters carried banners supporting Slovakia’s EU and NATO membership and chanted slogans like “Enough Fico” and “We are Europe.” They protested against Fico’s perceived alignment with Russia and his critical stance on EU involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Fico first raised concerns about foreign operatives working in Slovakia earlier this week, citing a confidential intelligence report. He warned that these operatives aim to exploit political divisions and spark unrest.