BRATISLAVA, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Thousands of Slovaks protested on Tuesday against the government's proposed cost-cutting measures in the latest rally against nationalist premier Robert Fico.

Since his return to power in 2023, Fico has faced a series of protests in the EU and NATO member over his curbing of rights and seeking close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Thousands gathered in front of the government's main office building in Bratislava, shouting "Enough of Fico! Fico go to jail!" and "It is enough. We are fed up!"

The protest was called by the strongest opposition party Progressive Slovakia, with organisers estimating up to 18,000 people attended.

Laura Codorova, a 17-year-old student, said she was protesting against the government's "lies and, generally, the inhumanity".

"I want to stay in Slovakia, but I am less sure every day... I feel the decisions they (the government) take now will impact my future," she told AFP.

Last week, Fico's cabinet presented cost-cutting measures, including proposing Slovaks contribute more for health insurance and cancelling several public holidays.

Since early January, thousands have repeatedly protested against the government in the central European country of 5.4 million people.

Fico, one of the Kremlin's few allies within the EU, has drawn Bratislava closer to Moscow since his return to power.

He opposed EU sanctions on Russia over the 2022 full invasion of Ukraine, arguing the measures would put his country's energy security at risk, and has repeatedly criticised the Kyiv government.

Earlier this month, Fico met Putin in China, with the Russian leader hailing his "independent position".

Slovakia's government also wants to amend the constitution to curb the rights of LGBTQ people. The proposal also questions the superiority of EU law over national law.

Fico has also tightened his grip on what he deems "hostile" media and replaced leading figures in the country's cultural institutions.