Protesters in Slovakia on Monday used the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that brought an end to decades of communist rule in Czechoslovakia to voice their protest against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies.

Tens of thousands braved heavy rain in the capital while protest rallies and marches took place in dozens other cities and towns across the country.

“We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change” and “Resign” the protesters at the Freedom Square in Bratislava repeatedly demanded.

“Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred,” a banner in the big crowd read, reminding the people of the words by the late Czech President Vaclav Havel that became the motto of the revolution.

Fico’s government recently canceled the national holiday on Nov 17 that marked the revolution as part of austerity measures.

Michal Šimečka, leader of the major opposition Progressive Slovakia party dismissed that reason.

In a recent incident, Fico angered many by telling high school students in the city of Poprad if they didn't agree with his pro-Russian views they should go to fight for Ukraine.

He also suggested without providing evidence that what took place in November 1989 was a coup staged by communists.

Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond and thousands have repeatedly rallied across Slovakia to protest his policies.

Unlike other European Union leaders, he has met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since the Russian all-out invasion of Ukraine and cancelled all arms support for Ukrainian armed forces fighting the invading troops.

He has openly challenged the EU’s policies over Ukraine.

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.