Fico Meets University Students Amid Protests Against Political Influence in Schools

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held a debate with university students, an encounter that sparked public controversy over the role of politics in educational settings. While students who participated said they were not forced to attend, the event drew criticism from protesters who gathered outside, chanting calls to keep politics out of schools. The demonstration reflected broader public unease about what critics see as the government's attempts to extend its political influence into academic and educational institutions. Fico, leader of the ruling Smer-SD party — a left-nationalist political movement that has dominated Slovak politics for much of the past two decades — has faced repeated accusations from opposition groups and civil society of using state institutions to consolidate power. The protest chants of 'leave the children alone' underscored growing public sensitivity around the separation of political activity and education in Slovakia.