On Wednesday, marked as Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Slovakia celebrated the 22th anniversary of the Velvet or Gentle Revolution. This event triggered the end of the rule of the single communist party and the Soviet led totalitarian regime that lasted for more than 40 years. On this occasion, commemorative events took place all across Slovakia.
Also on this day, non-governmental parties, including far right political subjects organized protests against the Government, vaccination and restrictions aiming to slow down the spread of COVID-19, stating that they violate freedom.
“From the legacy of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy day, many have taken away only the right to limitless freedom, the right to spread lies, the right to offend anyone and endanger others,” said Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová on Wednesday. She added that freedom comes hand-in-hand with responsibility and the limits at which our freedom begins to restrict the freedom and rights of others.
“Slovakia has been embroiled in a fight for democracy, and once again we need the portion of society that espouses the values of democracy to make a push,” said the President.
