Slovak Leader Praises Trump, Says He’s ‘Doing Europe a Great Service’ to Enthusiastic Washington Audience

Slovak Prime Minister Criticizes EU’s Ukraine Strategy Amid Growing Protests

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has claimed that all EU member states, except Slovakia and Hungary, support using the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia politically and economically.

Growing Protests in Slovakia

Fico’s pro-Moscow and anti-EU stance has sparked widespread protests across Slovakia, with demonstrations spreading to over 50 cities and towns. Many protestors support the country’s continued alignment with the West. On February 21, demonstrators had another reason to take to the streets—the seventh anniversary of the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová.

Criticism of Corruption and Leadership

At a rally in Bratislava, which drew around 10,000 people, Ján Kuciak’s father, Jozef Kuciak, criticized Fico’s leadership. He accused him of being the architect of the alleged “our guys” system, a term referring to corruption. “It’s up to us to decide what is more important, freedom or passivity,” Kuciak told the crowd.

Fico Blames the EU and Defends Trump

Meanwhile, speaking in Washington, Fico blamed the European Union for prolonging the war in Ukraine by participating in peace negotiations while openly supporting the conflict. He also claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy benefits from the ongoing war, suggesting that it prevents democratic elections and makes financial oversight more difficult.

In his closing remarks, Fico praised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, calling it an influential vision that resonates globally. He emphasized his admiration for Trump’s focus on national interests, stating, “This is exactly what each and every one of us should be doing.”