Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico severely wounded in attempted assassination

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was critically injured in a shooting on Wednesday, sparking fears of an assassination attempt and highlighting the deep political divisions in the country. Fico, a populist and pro-Russian leader, was shot multiple times while greeting people in the town of Handlová, about 190km from the capital, Bratislava. His office stated that he was in a “life-threatening condition” and undergoing surgery.

The government revealed that the attacker, who had a gun license, had a clear political motivation for the shooting. Some politicians from Fico’s coalition blamed the opposition for provoking the attack, while others pointed to the country’s polarized political landscape as a contributing factor.

Fico, known for his tough anti-migrant stance and opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, has faced mass protests in the past over corruption allegations. His return to power last October reignited tensions in the country, leading to further unrest.

World leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy and denounce violence in politics.

The shooting of Prime Minister Fico has sent shockwaves through Slovakia, highlighting the fragility of democracy in the face of political polarization and escalating tensions. As Fico fights for his life, the country braces for the uncertain aftermath of this tragic event.