It all started with a student from a high school in Poprad who last week wrote on the sidewalk in front of the school "How does Putin taste...", expressing dissatisfaction with the political situation. On the same day, the Prime Minister was supposed to visit for a lecture, which Fico later canceled.
The writings belong to a student named Michal, known by the nickname Muro. He mentioned that the police called him in for questioning, but treated him correctly.
In an interview, Michal explained why he chose this form of protest:
"I would have many questions for Fico – from how he can look in the mirror in the morning, to why he considers us his enemies. His foreign policy is just the root of what I don't like. I am concerned about his general measures and economic decisions that are making Slovakia a country without a future."
According to Michal, he only wrote part of the chalk messages: "How does Putin taste...?" – with a question mark, "Enough Fico," and drew a heart in the yellow and blue colors of Ukraine. The writings were made with chalk, so they are easy to wash off; he faces only a fine of 33 euros for alleged "gross misconduct in a public place."
The school's reaction was also official. The principal of the Poprad High School emphasized that calling the police was not an act of revenge, but only an attempt to ensure safety, and stressed the importance of freedom of speech and tolerant dialogue.
In response to the incident, a public initiative called "Chalk November Wave" emerged, joined by activists. They are calling on city residents to write messages in chalk on sidewalks in support of the student and in defense of freedom of speech, without insults or threats.
The protests have already spread to many cities in Slovakia, including Poprad, Bratislava, Žilina, and others. People are sharing photos of their writings on social media with the hashtag #KriedováVlna
Participants in the action emphasize that chalk writings are a peaceful and temporary way to express one's position, draw attention to socially important issues, and support freedom of speech. They are not intended to insult specific people, but are meant to be a signal to society about the importance of civic engagement and dialogue.
