He denies opposition claims he wants to take Slovakia out of the EU and Nato, saying his country’s membership in both institutions was not in question.

The Dennik N website estimated that some 100,000 people across Slovakia attended the protests, with at least 40,000 in the capital alone.

Some 10,000 were reported to have taken to the streets of Banska Bystrica, a city of 75,000.

On Thursday, 15,000 demonstrated in Slovakia’s second city, Kosice, to avoid a clash with a separate event being held there this evening.

There were no reports of violence or disorder, contrary to Fico’s warnings this week that provocateurs would encourage demonstrators to attack public buildings, causing a police reaction leading to bigger protests.

Earlier on Friday Fico told reporters police would shortly begin deporting several foreign “instructors” he claimed were in Slovakia to help the opposition try to topple his government.