Thousands rallied across Slovakia on Tuesday in a nationwide mass protest against the economic and pro-Russian policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The rallies took place in 16 major cities and towns, including the capital of Bratislava.

The latest wave of protests has been fueled by Fico's recent trip to China where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin for the third time since the Russian all-out invasion of Ukraine, while a package of austerity measures recently approved by the government further angered the protesters.

The government says the measures are necessary to cut a budget deficit.

They include increases in health and social insurance, in income tax for higher earners, in value added tax on some food products and a possible reduction of national holidays.

Among other critics, labor unions said ordinary people will be hit most while businesses complained the measures do not include anything to boost the economy.

"When we started protesting against the amendment to the Criminal Code, against the mafia amendment in the squares, I felt anger. Today, looking at you, I feel determination and hope", Michal Šimečka, the head of the Progressive Slovakia party told the crowd at the Freedom Square in Bratislava.

His party led the protests in conjunction with three other political groups, Freedom and Solidarity, the Christian Democrats and the Democrats.

Fico, who has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond, returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023 parliamentary election following a campaign that featured a pro-Russia and anti-US message.

He has openly challenged the European Union’s policies over Ukraine, while his critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico is following the direction of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is regarded by many as an autocrat.