The latest wave of anti-government rallies was fuelled by Robert Fico’s recent trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

BRATISLAVA - Tens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital on Friday, waving banners opposing Prime Minister Robert Fico's policy shift closer to Russia, after tensions between the government and the opposition rose.

Ahead of planned pro-European protests in around 20 Slovak cities Friday, the pro-Moscow ruling coalition on Thursday used an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council to address what it alleged was an “organized escalation” of domestic tensions directed from abroad.

"Enough of Fico," "We won't give up Slovakia" - these slogans accompanied the large demonstration that took place in Bratislava. Protesters demanded a change in Slovakia’s foreign policy and protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed the potential for securing Russian gas through Turkey with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who pledged Ankara’s help in finding a solution with Moscow.

Tens of thousands of people in Slovakia have gathered at squares and street across the country to voice their opposition to the pro-Russia policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico

Protests erupted in more than 20 Slovak cities on Jan. 24 under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe," targeting the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovak media Aktuality reported.

Tens of thousands of people protested against the government across Slovakia Friday evening, as anger grows over nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico's push for closer ties with Russia.

The Friday protests were organised by civic group Mier Ukrajine (Peace to Ukraine). Media reported around 15,000 turned up in Kosice in eastern Slovakia, the country's second biggest city, on Thursday. (Reporting by Radovan Stoklasa in Bratislava and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Sharon Singleton)