BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Thousands of protesters gathered across Slovakia on Tuesday as nationwide protests intensified against the economic policies of pro-Russian populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

They condemned a package of austerity measures recently approved by the government that is currently being debated in Parliament. The rallies took place in 19 major cities and towns, including the capital of Bratislava, up from 16 a week ago.

The government’s austerity measures, which it says will help cut one of the highest budget deficits in the European Union, have united the opposition, businesses, employees, labor unions and many others.

The measures include increases in health and social insurance, income tax rises for higher earners, and higher value added tax on some food produ

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