Slovakia aping 'Orban's playbook on steroids' says leading lawmaker

Today Radio Schuman speaks about opposition protests in Slovakia with vice-president of the European Parliament, the Slovak liberal Martin Hojsik.Mass protests are expected in towns and cities across Slovakia today, sparked by outrage over Prime Minister Robert Fico’s handshake with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a December visit to Moscow.Since reclaiming power in 2023, Fico's eurosceptic agenda has raised alarm in Brussels over his stance on Ukraine and potential challenges to EU sanctions against Russia.His ongoing disputes with both the EU and Kyiv—especially over Ukraine’s move to halt Russian gas transit to Slovakia—have only deepened tensions.Radio Schuman also covers a summit of the Patriots for Europe party getting under way in Madrid and considers those European countries where people struggle with concentrating.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.