17. november: Protesty, voľno a spomienka na Nežnú revolúciu

Slovakia is marking November 17th as Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, but the date is no longer a public holiday. The change, part of a broader austerity package, comes after the day was officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021.

The move to eliminate the day as a non-working day was approved by the National Council of the Slovak Republic on September 24, 2025. The decision comes as the country grapples with economic challenges and political divisions.

Protests and public gatherings are planned across the country. News outlets are preparing coverage from cities including Bratislava, Žilina, Poprad, and Banská Bystrica.

Throughout the day, updates will be provided on the events unfolding across Slovakia.

Summary:

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8:52 – Prime Minister Robert Fico addressed the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, diverging from the opposition and civic sector. While parties like Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), and the Movement for Slovakia have planned events in town squares nationwide, Fico’s Smer party is holding a celebration in the Agrokomplex in Nitra.

The event, titled “November 17 – A Day of Respect for Different Opinions,” is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Fico has previously expressed a lukewarm attitude toward the events of November 1989, once stating he didn’t even notice them.

“Please don’t ask for my opinion on November 17th, because you’ll faint. It was a normal communist coup. The leaders of the Communist Party in 1989 realized that the country was not competitive, that an economy based on state ownership could not function. So they made decisions and let it go,” the Prime Minister explained during a controversial lecture to students in Poprad.

8:48 – Veronika Remišová of the “For the People” party is calling for protests, criticizing the government’s actions. She argued that the current coalition is undermining the principles of democracy and justice.

“Even communist officials didn’t dare do what this government is doing – awarding themselves lavish salaries while squeezing honest workers,” Remišová stated. She also criticized changes to the criminal code, rising crime rates, and the Prime Minister’s perceived alignment with Moscow, calling for a united opposition and peaceful demonstrations.

8:36 – The Košice Children’s Railway is commemorating the values of November 1989 with a symbolic historical train ride. The train will depart from the station in Čermel at 10:45 a.m. on November 17th.

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8:27 – Minister Blanár commented on the anniversary, stating that democracy should be applied without exception.

“We honor this holiday regardless of whether it is a day off or not, which is what the opposition parties are trying to distort. Instead of understanding the true essence of November 17th, they are exploiting it to polarize society. In November 1989, we all united for the values of democracy and freedom of expression, as well as for the plurality of political parties,” he said.

8:22 – A monument commemorating the November 1989 revolution will be unveiled in Bratislava today at 4:30 p.m. The ceremony will be attended by figures from the November ’89 events and the public.

8:00 – The Association of Employers’ Unions and Associations stated that Slovakia, like in 1989, needs peace, unity, and the ability to come together to address challenges. A stable business environment, predictability, and trust in basic democratic principles are crucial for economic growth and social prosperity.

While many local governments and schools have chosen to observe the day with voluntary closures, businesses are permitted to remain open. Slovakia’s railway company will operate a normal schedule on both November 17th and 18th, though passengers are urged to check for updates due to significant schedule adjustments.

Numerous universities have also acknowledged the significance of November 17th, granting rector’s days off. These include Comenius University in Bratislava, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, and several others. The Technical University in Košice is hosting discussions, lectures, and related events.

Many private companies from various sectors have also joined in commemorating November 17th by granting their employees the day off. These include banks, publishing houses, cafes, advertising agencies, florists, and private medical clinics.

The opposition movement PS, along with SaS, KDH, and the non-parliamentary Democrats, is organizing a gathering in the capital under the name “We Won’t Let Them Take November.” Hnutie Slovensko is also planning protests in various cities across Slovakia.

A civic protest, organized by Peace for Ukraine, titled “In ’89 We Fought for Freedom, Today We Must Defend It,” will follow as part of the “Slovakia is Europe” protests.

Commemorations, memorial gatherings, and marches are planned in several cities throughout Slovakia.