Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico earlier accused operatives who participated in the Ukrainian Maidan and in Georgia’s protests of brewing unrest in his country
Slovakia will expel “foreign instructors” allegedly involved in destabilizing the country and aiming to orchestrate a Ukraine-style Maidan coup, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Friday. He accused foreign operatives, opposition groups, and foreign-funded NGOs of undermining his government.
Fico’s announcement follows a wave of anti-government protests and a series of cyberattacks on key Slovak institutions. Last week, the national information system suffered a major cyberattack, which Fico said was linked to another one targeting the state-owned General Health Insurance company on Friday. He described the 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 they had ties to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan protests, which led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovich, and recent anti-government demonstrations in Georgia.
“Do not let yourself be swayed by these atrocities organized here by the opposition, non-governmental media funded from abroad, and well-paid foreign instructors who are on the territory of the Slovak Republic,” Fico said speaking at a press conference. He added that the expulsion of these individuals is being prepared “in the coming days,” without disclosing the names of people or groups involved.
Earlier on Friday, around 60,000 people gathered for a rally in Bratislava to oppose 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 such as “Enough Fico” and “We are Europe.” The demonstrators were protesting against Fico’s perceived alignment with Russia and his critical stance on EU involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The premier said the protests were also sparked by the activities of “foreign instructors.”
Fico first raised concerns about foreign operatives working in Slovakia earlier this week, citing a confidential Slovak Information Service intelligence report. He warned that the operates aim to exploit public dissent to destabilize Slovakia but claimed that they are under strict monitoring. Opposition parties, however, dismissed the report as “conspiracy theories” and accused Fico of attempting to deflect attention from domestic issues.
Fico’s government has dissented from the Western position on the Ukraine conflict, refusing to provide arms to Kiev and advocating for a diplomatic settlement. The prime minister has argued that Western support for Ukraine has exacerbated regional instability, accusing Kiev of prolonging the conflict by refusing to negotiate with Moscow.
Last month, Fico traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he pledged to strengthen ties with Russia. He also announced plans to attend the World War II Victory Day celebrations in Moscow this May.
