Citizens of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are protesting against leaders Andrej Babis and Robert Fico, accusing them of betraying the democratic legacy and of getting closer to Russia.

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, thousands of citizens have mobilized against eurosceptic leaders Andrej Babis and Robert Fico, accusing them of betraying the democratic values gained after the fall of communism. The protests in Prague, themed "The Czech Republic is not for sale," were triggered by the election of Babis, a billionaire with business interests in Romania, who won the legislative elections and formed a coalition with far-right parties. Protest participants expressed fears that Babis is steering the country towards the East, to the detriment of European values. In Slovakia, Fico, a former communist, has been criticized for measures that undermine democracy and for the return of relations with Russia. Protesters emphasize that freedom is not a gift, but a right, and fear a repetition of communist history.