A group of foreign citizens, allegedly involved in the Maidan and events in Georgia, is reportedly seeking to topple the government in Bratislava, according to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico made the statement at a press conference, saying, “The model being prepared is very simple and has been tested in many countries. I can confirm that there is a group of experts in Slovakia who participated in the events in Georgia and actively took part in the Maidan in Ukraine; this group is being financed from various sources.”
The prime minister also warned that there could be attempts to break into government buildings during anti-government protests, aimed at hindering the work of state organs. The country’s Security Council is set to meet on Thursday to review intelligence on a long-term influence operation aimed at destabilizing the republic.
Fico emphasized that the government will take all preventive measures to ensure that such an event does not occur, stating, “I cannot imagine someone breaking into our parliament or a government building, as happened in the US Capitol.”
The prime minister pledged to take measures to prevent the attempt of a violent coup in the country.
The conflict between the opposition and Fico escalated after the prime minister visited Moscow on December 22 and met with President Vladimir Putin. Fico justified the trip, citing the need to clarify the issue of gas deliveries, following Kiev’s decision to halt transit through Ukraine. Opposition parties criticized the prime minister for the visit, prompting him to claim that the opposition is preparing to stage a “Maidan” in the republic.