Thousands protest in Slovakia against Fico’s austerity plan

Prague (EFE).- Thousands of Slovaks demonstrated on Tuesday across 17 cities to oppose Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s austerity measures, motivated by concerns that the proposed tax hikes and spending cuts, intended to save 2.7 billion euros and reduce a 5.9% budget deficit, would negatively impact their livelihoods.

The rallies were organized by opposition parties Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), Christian Democrats (KDH), and the extra-parliamentary Demokrati.

The largest protest took place in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, where several thousand people gathered peacefully, chanting slogans like “Enough, Fico!” Protesters explained they believe the austerity plan unfairly burdens workers and wage earners while failing to address deeper economic challenges.

“Today, people came to protest against impoverishment, in an event organized by political parties. Next week, trade unions will organize protests. Later, we may return to the initiative with a march or something similar,” said Michal Šimečka, PS leader and head of the parliamentary opposition.

This is the second wave of demonstrations in a week against the government’s proposal. Opposition leaders argue that the austerity package “is a declaration of war against workers and will only bring poverty.”

The plan, currently under parliamentary debate, raises personal income taxes and cuts public expenditure.

Opposition parties warn it will disproportionately impact the middle and working classes, deepening inequality.

The measures have drawn criticism not only from opposition parties but also from unions, business associations, and municipal leaders.

All warn that the government’s strategy risks slowing economic growth and fueling social unrest. EFE

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