A mass public protest took place in Bratislava on Thursday, January 11, in opposition to the government's plans to abolish the office of the main anti-corruption prosecutor and reduce penalties for financial crimes. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
Robert Fico finds himself in a peculiar trap. The protests are frustrating him, but he cannot acknowledge their importance publicly. Nor can he criticise them much, since he himself gained support by protesting against Igor Matovič's government.
He cannot stay indifferent, because more than five years ago protests removed him from power. At the same time, he cannot prevent people from regularly gathering in the streets and comparing his government to the mafia.
He cannot use physical force, and he cannot expect the protests to stop any time soon. Nor can he just say that only liberal Bratislava is protesting.
