Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Survives Assassination Attempt
BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times by a would-be assassin on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the Central European country. Despite deep political polarization, Slovak politicians have called for calm in the wake of the rare instance of political violence.
Fico is currently in serious but stable condition, according to a hospital official. The attack, which took place while Fico was attending a government meeting in a former coal mining town, has been deemed to have a clear political motivation by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok.
The attempt on Fico’s life comes at a time of high polarization in Slovakia, with thousands of demonstrators protesting his policies. The incident also precedes the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova, a political rival of Fico, has urged for calm and a rejection of violence in the country. She emphasized the need for responsibility among all citizens during a news conference in the capital Bratislava.
Fico’s government, known for its pro-Russian and anti-American stance, has faced criticism for halting arms deliveries to Ukraine and plans to amend the penal code to eliminate an anti-graft prosecutor. His return to power last year raised concerns among EU members about Slovakia’s pro-Western course.
The assassination attempt on Fico has garnered condemnation from both allies and adversaries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denouncing the violence. The incident has sparked a national conversation about political tensions and the future direction of the country.