Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Thursday that his government would implement preventive measures regarding public protests that state officials fear could escalate into attempts to overthrow the government.
Fico alleged that opposition groups were planning to intensify demonstrations by occupying government buildings and seeking the government's fall. Despite lacking evidence, Fico referenced intelligence reports claiming the involvement of unidentified experts who had influenced protests in 2014 and in Georgia the previous year.
Warning of potential chaos and even clashes with law enforcement, Fico emphasized the gravity of the situation during a televised briefing following a State Security Council meeting. He expressed concerns about a perceived threat to the constitutional framework of the Slovak Republic.
Despite Fico's allegations, the civic groups organizing the protests and the opposition have vehemently denied any involvement in such activities. The Progressive Slovakia party, a major opposition party, dismissed Fico's claims as baseless attempts to stifle dissent and deflect attention from internal issues within his coalition government.
Fico's government, leaning towards leftist-nationalist policies, has grown increasingly critical of the liberal and conservative opposition since he survived an assassination attempt the year before. Public demonstrations in Slovakia have surged amid worries about Fico weakening democratic principles and aligning the country's foreign policy more closely with Russia than with its EU and NATO partners.
Another protest is scheduled for Friday.