Opposition parties of Slovakia-progressive Slovakia and freedom and solidarity (SAS)-criticized Prime Minister Robert Fitzo for his visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Opposition leaders believe that this step harms the international image of the country, removes it from allies in the European Union and NATO, and calls into question its independence.
Michal Shimechko, the leader of progressive Slovakia, called this act Fitzo treason, accusing the premiere of cooperation with the dictator. SAS representatives, in turn, announced their intention to initiate an extraordinary parliamentary session in order to express no confidence in government.
Additional indignation caused the secrecy that surrounded the visit of the premiere to Moscow. Journalists still do not have clear information how he got there and returned. In addition, the Russian leader, which was issued an international arrest warrant, did not even leave Fitz for a joint press conference.
The protest against the actions of the premiere took place in the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The action was joined by former prime ministers Igor Matovich and Edward Heger, as well as opposition leaders, artists and Ukrainian refugees.
The political observer of Gerzhi Just noted that Fitzo's visit to Moscow is a convenient propaganda tool that the Kremlin uses to demonstrate the split within the EU.
President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini and representatives of the Fitzo HLAS party are still refrain from comments, waiting for additional explanations from the premiere regarding the results of his trip.
