Tens of thousands of people gathered in dozens cities and towns across Slovakia as vocal protests against pro-Russian policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico intensified.

On Friday evening, mass anti-government protests occurred in over 50 cities in Slovakia. In Bratislava, more than 40,000 people gathered, and across the country, the total number of participants was about 100,

Tens of thousands of people have once again taken to the streets in numerous cities across Slovakia under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe!" They accuse left-nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico of taking a pro-Russian stance and lacking solidarity with Ukraine.

Tens of thousands of Slovaks protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government in more than 40 cities Friday, seeking to defend the country’s pro-European alignment.

Fico's views on Russia have largely differed from the European mainstream. He ended Slovakia's military aid for Ukraine, criticised European Union sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rejected protesters' calls for his resignation on Saturday after tens of thousands demonstrated against his government's policy shift closer to Russia.

There will be more and more of us. Those who want to live in our little Slovakia, but in a civilized Europe,” said Eva Kulová, 84, who helped topple Communism.

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital on Friday, waving banners opposing Prime Minister Robert Fico's policy shift closer to Russia, after tensions between the government and the opposition rose.