Slovakian PM rejects calls to quit as tension grows over shift towards Russia

The latest protests come after private meeting between Robert Fico and Vladimir Putin in December

The Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, has rejected calls for his resignation after tens of thousands demonstrated against his government’s policy shift closer to Russia.

About 60,000 people protested in the capital, Bratislava, on Friday and approximately 100,000 turned out for rallies in cities across the country, the largest demonstrations since Fico returned to power in 2023.

Topics

The Papers: Job cut fears and PM 'rejects whole-life term reform'

The state of the UK economy and calls for sentencing reform after the Southport attack lead the papers.
BBC News - 1d
Tens of thousands in Slovakia protest against PM’s shift towards Russia

Around 60,000 people gather in Bratislava to oppose Robert Fico’s policy moves, with rallies also held in 20 other cities. Tens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak ...
The Guardian - 2d
Tensions over how Southport details went public

Questions continue over why UK authorities did not publish key details about Axel Rudakubana earlier than they did.
BBC News - 4d
China calls for 'win-win' solution to US trade tensions

With the threat of a trade war looming, China's first vice premier says the country wants to boost imports.
BBC News - 5d
Buttler rejects calls for Afghanistan boycott

England's match against Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy next month should go ahead despite calls for a boycott, says captain Jos Buttler.
BBC News - 5d
How Labor Market Tensions Are Shifting the Advantage to Employers

After commanding better salaries, benefits, and work arrangements for most of the post-pandemic period, employees see the balance now tilting back to bosses, who are focused on cutting costs.
Inc. - Jan. 15
Azerbaijani Anger Over Plane Crash Grows, in Deepening Schism With Russia

In the crash’s aftermath, Azerbaijan has unleashed rare and stinging criticism of Russia, with the country’s president saying Moscow’s response has caused “surprise, regret and rightful indignation.”
The New York Times - Jan. 6
Canadian PM Trudeau may quit within days, media reports suggest

The pressure has been building for months, with sinking poll numbers for the prime minister's ruling Liberal Party.
BBC News - Jan. 6
Washington Post cartoonist quits after satire aimed at owner Bezos rejected

The newspaper decided not to run Ann Telnaes' cartoon of tycoons kneeling before Donald Trump.
BBC News - Jan. 4

More from The Guardian

Palestinians to return to northern Gaza after deal on Israeli civilian hostage reached, says Qatar

Benjamin Netanyahu confirms Qatar statement, with Palestinians set to return to north on Monday and Arbel Yehoud to be released on Thursday. See all our Middle East coverage Mediator Qatar has ...
The Guardian - 4h
Jewish non-profit chief says Musk will spur violence with his ‘Nazi salute’

Amy Spitalnick of Jewish Council for Public Affairs warns far right will take action as ‘license for violent extremism’. The head of a prominent US Jewish civil rights body said Elon Musk’s ...
The Guardian - 17h
Colombia rejects US military flights with deportees and sets off feud with Trump

Trump had called for ‘retaliatory measures’ including 50% tariffs on Colombia after Gustavo Petro blocked two aircraft. Colombian president Gustavo Petro blocked two US military aircraft carrying ...
The Guardian - 4h
Chiefs return to Super Bowl after breaking Bills’ hearts in another thriller

Buffalo Bills 29–32 Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City will face Philadelphia in Super Bowl Them again. The “three-peat” is alive for the Kansas City Chiefs after they narrowly overcame the ...
The Guardian - 1h
South Korean president indicted for insurrection over martial law decree

Impeached leader Yoon Suk Yeoul could face years in prison after six-hour imposition which set off political upheaval. South Korea’s prosecutors indicted the impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on ...
The Guardian - 17h