Mass protests in Slovakia draw thousands as budget cuts spark tensions
Mass anti-government demonstrations unfolded across Slovakia, reports TV Markiza. The televised coverage highlighted the scale of the gatherings, with thousands taking to the streets to voice concerns about recent government decisions.
Protesters challenged the cabinet’s move to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor and criticized the government’s cost-saving steps intended for the state budget effective in 2024. Organizers and participants warned that these measures could lower living standards for Slovak households, especially in the short term as services and public support programs are reevaluated.
The largest turnout occurred in Bratislava, where demonstrators gathered at the Slovak National Uprising Square to express their opposition. In other cities, more than two thousand people protested in Košice and roughly one thousand in Banská Bystrica, underscoring a nationwide mood of discontent across different regions.
Earlier statements from Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková touched on financial maneuverings amid broader EU discussions. It was noted that Slovakia had secured a temporary exemption from certain EU sanctions by permitting the use of oil from the Russian Federation in the production of petroleum products for 2024. This decision was presented as a pragmatic step within the country’s energy and economic framework, though it drew debate about its long-term implications and alignment with EU policy directions.
Meanwhile, discussions about EU expansion included speculation about the possibility of expanding the union to nine member states. The evolving geopolitical and economic context continues to shape domestic policy choices and public response, contributing to a climate of ongoing debate over Slovakia’s future economic direction and its role within the European bloc.