Protesters have gathered in the Slovak capital to to demonstrate against populist Prime Minister Robert Fico’s latest trip to Russia.

Thousands have rallied in the capital and other major cities in Slovakia to denounce a plan by the new government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico to amend the country’s penal code.

A populist former prime minister who campaigned on a pro-Russian and anti-American message looks to be heading for victory in the early parliamentary election in Slovakia, according to preliminary results.

Voters in Slovakia are casting ballots in an early parliamentary election that pits a populist former prime minister who campaigned on a pro-Russia and anti-American message against a liberal, pro-West newcomer.