Around 60,000 people gather in Bratislava to oppose Robert Fico’s policy moves, with rallies also held in 20 other cities

Tens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital, waving banners opposing prime minister Robert Fico’s policy shift closer to Russia, amid rising tensions between the government and the opposition.

Organisers estimated 60,000 people attended Friday’s demonstration in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, about four times more than in the last demonstration two weeks ago.