Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his controversial and populist views, was shot and injured in an apparent assassination attempt on Wednesday. The 59-year-old leader, who has been compared to former US President Donald Trump, has been a polarizing figure in Slovak politics.
Fico’s political comeback last year saw his party, SMER, secure nearly 23% of the votes in the polls. However, his stance against immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and his opposition to EU sanctions on Russia have drawn criticism from many within Slovakia.
Critics have expressed concerns that Fico’s sympathies towards Russia’s Vladimir Putin could lead to a shift away from Slovakia’s pro-Western stance. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in protests against his policies.
Fico, who has served as prime minister for over 10 years across three different spells, has faced backlash for his anti-Western rhetoric and his controversial statements regarding Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. He has also been accused of attempting to exert control over the media in Slovakia.
The recent assassination attempt on Fico has raised concerns about the political stability in Slovakia and the future direction of the country under his leadership. As the leader of a coalition government with leftist and nationalist parties, Fico’s policies continue to divide public opinion and spark protests across the nation.