EU nation to deport 'foreign instructors' accused of coup plot, says PM
Slovakia intends to remove foreign operatives suspected of conspiring to orchestrate a Ukraine-style Maidan coup, stated Prime Minister Robert Fico. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Slovakia will expel “foreign instructors” allegedly involved in destabilizing the nation and attempting to instigate a coup akin to the Ukraine Maidan. This declaration came during a press conference on Friday, where he accused foreign operatives, opposition factions, and NGOs funded from abroad of undermining his administration.
This announcement follows a surge of anti-government protests and a series of cyberattacks targeting significant Slovak institutions. Recently, the national information system was hit by a major cyberattack, which Fico claimed was linked to another assault on the state-owned General Health Insurance company. He characterized these attacks as a “textbook model” used to remove governments that oppose Western policies.
Fico attributed the cyberattacks to foreign operatives, alleging connections to the 2014 Maidan protests in Ukraine that resulted in the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovich, as well as to recent anti-government protests in Georgia. He urged citizens not to be swayed by “atrocities organized here by the opposition, non-governmental media funded from abroad, and well-paid foreign instructors who are on the territory of the Slovak Republic.” He indicated that preparations are underway for the expulsion of these individuals in the “coming days,” although specific names of those involved were not disclosed.
Earlier on Friday, approximately 60,000 people rallied in Bratislava to express their opposition to Fico's policies, with similar demonstrations occurring in 20 other cities across Slovakia. Protesters waved banners advocating for Slovakia’s EU and NATO membership and chanted slogans such as “Enough Fico” and “We are Europe.” Their discontent was directed at Fico’s perceived alignment with Russia and his critical perspective on EU involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The prime minister contended that the protests were also fueled by the actions of “foreign instructors.”
Fico had first expressed concern about foreign operatives in Slovakia earlier in the week, referencing a confidential report from the Slovak Information Service. He warned that these operatives seek to exploit public dissent to destabilize the nation, though he claimed they remain under strict surveillance. In contrast, opposition parties have dismissed the report as “conspiracy theories,” accusing Fico of attempting to divert attention from pressing domestic issues.
Fico’s government has diverged from the prevailing Western stance on the Ukraine conflict, opting not to supply arms to Kyiv and advocating for a diplomatic resolution. The prime minister has asserted that Western backing for Ukraine has contributed to regional instability, charging that Kyiv has extended the conflict by refusing to engage in negotiations with Moscow.
Last month, Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where he committed to strengthening ties with Russia. He also announced plans to participate in the World War II Victory Day celebrations in Moscow this May.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
This announcement follows a surge of anti-government protests and a series of cyberattacks targeting significant Slovak institutions. Recently, the national information system was hit by a major cyberattack, which Fico claimed was linked to another assault on the state-owned General Health Insurance company. He characterized these attacks as a “textbook model” used to remove governments that oppose Western policies.
Fico attributed the cyberattacks to foreign operatives, alleging connections to the 2014 Maidan protests in Ukraine that resulted in the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovich, as well as to recent anti-government protests in Georgia. He urged citizens not to be swayed by “atrocities organized here by the opposition, non-governmental media funded from abroad, and well-paid foreign instructors who are on the territory of the Slovak Republic.” He indicated that preparations are underway for the expulsion of these individuals in the “coming days,” although specific names of those involved were not disclosed.
Earlier on Friday, approximately 60,000 people rallied in Bratislava to express their opposition to Fico's policies, with similar demonstrations occurring in 20 other cities across Slovakia. Protesters waved banners advocating for Slovakia’s EU and NATO membership and chanted slogans such as “Enough Fico” and “We are Europe.” Their discontent was directed at Fico’s perceived alignment with Russia and his critical perspective on EU involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The prime minister contended that the protests were also fueled by the actions of “foreign instructors.”
Fico had first expressed concern about foreign operatives in Slovakia earlier in the week, referencing a confidential report from the Slovak Information Service. He warned that these operatives seek to exploit public dissent to destabilize the nation, though he claimed they remain under strict surveillance. In contrast, opposition parties have dismissed the report as “conspiracy theories,” accusing Fico of attempting to divert attention from pressing domestic issues.
Fico’s government has diverged from the prevailing Western stance on the Ukraine conflict, opting not to supply arms to Kyiv and advocating for a diplomatic resolution. The prime minister has asserted that Western backing for Ukraine has contributed to regional instability, charging that Kyiv has extended the conflict by refusing to engage in negotiations with Moscow.
Last month, Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where he committed to strengthening ties with Russia. He also announced plans to participate in the World War II Victory Day celebrations in Moscow this May.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
