People in Slovakia started writing pro-European messages on sidewalks, showing their disagreement with the current government

https://i.redd.it/jidgeu34jh0g1.png

by g46152

12 comments

  1. Explanation:

    It all began at the start of November in the town of Poprad, where Prime Minister Robert Fico was scheduled to visit a local high school. Before the visit, one of the students decided to express their opinion by writing messages on the pavement in front of the school. The chalk writings were against the government and in support of Ukraine, criticising Fico’s policies and Slovakia’s shifting away from European values. The reactions were pretty unexpected. The visit was suddenly cancelled, and the student who wrote the messages was taken in for a police hearing. News of this spread quickly and left many people across the country surprised and upset. What had been a small act of peaceful expression turned into a symbol of how fragile free speech can be.

    Soon after, Slovaks across different cities and towns began responding in their own creative way. Sidewalks and streets started to fill with colourful chalk messages showing support for students and disagreement with the government’s actions. People now see this as a peaceful way to express solidarity, both with Ukraine and with the student from Poprad who had been treated unfairly for simply expressing his opinion. Students and teachers joined in, some even organising small gatherings to write their messages together. The sight of these chalk drawings spreading through the country became something moving and unifying at a time when many of us feel increasingly disillusioned with the direction our government is taking.

    Some opposition politicians have also joined the chalk protests, writing their own messages of support for students. Their involvement has drawn even more attention to the movement and shown that frustration with the government runs deep. As the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution on November 17th is approaching, people are planning gatherings across Slovakia to honour the fight for democracy. This year, the day feels especially charged, since our government has cancelled the public holiday and ordered people to work instead. Many see this as a disrespectful move that only strengthens the message behind the protests, which show us that freedom and democracy must not be taken for granted.

    What makes this story interesting is how something as ordinary as sidewalk chalk turned into a symbol of courage and resistance. The fact that the authorities reacted so harshly only reminded people here in Slovakia how important it is to protect freedom of expression. For many, the chalk messages are more than just words on the ground. They represent hope, solidarity, and a reminder that even simple, peaceful gestures can carry a strong message. In a way, what happened in Poprad has grown into a quiet but widespread stand for democracy and for the right to speak freely.

  2. Kind of an off topic, but it is nice that as a native Polish speaker I can understand most things without even learning Slovak language 😎

  3. Unrelated but can’t help thinking about when people mock governments for writing “strong worded letters” 😁

    Revolution when ? ✊

  6. Despite everything it’s still my third favorite country in the world 

  7. When voices aren’t heard the streets start talking. That’s pure strength!

  8. Roughly translated messages from left to right:

    1. Fico is afraid of students

    2. Fico is a Russian agent

    3. Dear coalition, you disappointed your own voters and are a laughing stock

    4. SMER mafia to prison

    5. Fico is the ruin. Students the future.

    6. Big men are not afraid of chalk.

    7. A writing in chalk is not an insult but Ficomedicine.

    8. Fico is afraid of students.

    9. Enough Fico

    10. Make love, not war.#chalkwave #17th November

    11. Listen to the youth

    12. Fico is a traitor

    13. Freedom, not totalitarianism

    14. Gentle and chalky

    15. Enough Fico

    16. A traitor is Fico is a traitor

    17. Russian puppet / Fico is afraid of students / Glory to Ukraine / We won’t give up democracy (I can’t read the rest.)

  9. Love to my Slovak brothers and sisters <3 we will stand with you even during Babiš’s government

  10. I hate Slovak and Hungarian governments. I’m teetering on the edge of calling them traitors to Europe.

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