A petition to lift sanctions against Russia has been submitted to the Slovak President.

Representatives of the extra-parliamentary Slovak Revival Movement submitted a petition to the office of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini asking for a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia, HNonline.sk reports.

The organization has collected nearly 400,000 signatures. The petition's authors propose holding a national referendum on the following question: "Do you agree that Slovakia should not impose sanctions against Russia, which harm Slovak citizens and entrepreneurs?" Activists believe that sanctions against Russia are causing economic damage to Slovakia amounting to billions of euros.

The office responded that they would work with the petition lists in full compliance with the law.

The Slovak Revival Movement is a civic association and political movement that defends traditional values ​​and aims to strengthen patriotism and nationalism. It considers cooperation with patriotic organizations in Slavic countries, as well as other countries in Europe and around the world, to be an important part of its activities.

The President of Slovakia schedules a referendum within 30 days of receiving a petition, which must be signed by at least 350,000 citizens for it to be considered, the publication notes. The head of state can appeal to the Constitutional Court , which will verify whether the proposed vote is constitutional.

The results of a referendum are valid if an absolute majority of its participants voted “for”.

In March, Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia would block new EU sanctions against Russia if they hinder peace talks in Ukraine .

"We can't fanatically insist on sanctions at any cost. The moment may come when we say we don't agree, or I think it contradicts the peaceful steps currently being taken," the politician said then.

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