POPRAD, Slovakia – A student-led protest is quickly becoming a focal point of growing opposition to Prime Minister Robert FicoS government in Slovakia. Following a sidewalk exhibition by a Poprad gymnasium student, Michal Murár, similar expressions of discontent are being reported nationwide as concerns rise over potential limitations to civil liberties and a perceived erosion of democratic principles. The protests coincide with commemorations marking the 34th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which ended communist rule in Czechoslovakia [[1]].
POPRAD, Slovakia – A high school student’s sidewalk protest against the current Slovak government sparked a wave of similar displays across the country, as citizens express growing discontent with Prime Minister Robert Fico’s policies. The demonstrations come as concerns mount over potential restrictions to freedoms and a perceived shift away from democratic norms.
Michal Murár, a student at a gymnasium in Poprad, initiated the movement by writing messages on the sidewalk outside his school building early Monday morning, just before a scheduled appearance by Fico. The student, known as “Muro,” was voicing his opposition to the Fico administration’s actions.
Murár did not participate in a traditional commemorative protest held in Poprad on November 17, marking the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, when communism fell in Czechoslovakia. Instead, he joined a larger demonstration in Bratislava, where an estimated 50,000 people gathered.
He sent a recorded message to the Poprad protest, which was shared with those in attendance. In the message, Murár stated, “I think that the history of this day has always belonged to people who knew that they should not serve power, but power should serve them. And they were not afraid to stand up to that power when it began to serve itself. Freedom is not a contract for an indefinite period. Freedom is something that must be reaffirmed again and again, and now it is our turn. As those who will inherit what this generation of politicians leaves behind. If we remain silent, if we pretend that it does not concern us, it ends up as we see today. People who once stood in the squares often now vote for those they once clinked keys at.”
He continued, “This year, we have been reminded that the truth written in chalk on the sidewalk still carries more weight than lies from the government office. And even in this chaos, even among cynicism and fatigue, each of us has the opportunity to fight. And from you, fellow students, I do not want heroism. I just want you not to be silent, not to be convinced that you are small and powerless. Change does not begin in parliament, but in the minds of people who are willing to clink keys and write on the sidewalk in front of the government office. So don’t be silent.”
Zdeno Suchý, a moderator at the Poprad protest and organizer with the civic platform Poprad za Demokraciu, acknowledged Murár’s role, saying, “So that’s a short greeting from ‘Muro.’ Thank you for getting everything started.”
The school’s principal, Mária Vojtaššáková, filmed Murár writing the two messages. Shortly after, two police officers arrived during class time and took him in for questioning before releasing him back to school.
Fico ultimately canceled his scheduled discussion at the school on the topic of “Slovakia’s Foreign Policy and its Direction,” citing a potential infringement from the European Union as the reason. The cancellation underscores the escalating tensions between Fico’s government and international bodies.
