Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico Survives Assassination Attempt
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a “life-threatening situation” after surviving an assassination attempt where he was shot multiple times. The 59-year-old leader was attacked while greeting people in the town of Handlová, sparking shock and concern across the continent just weeks before European parliamentary elections.
Fico, a populist and pro-Russian figure, underwent hours of surgery and is currently recovering in the hospital. Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba confirmed that Fico’s operation went well, and he is expected to survive despite sustaining serious injuries. The prime minister was hit in the stomach and a joint, but is now in a stable condition.
The suspect, a 71-year-old man with a gun license, was detained at the scene after firing five shots at Fico. The incident has highlighted the deep political divisions in Slovakia, with Fico’s recent election victory and judicial reforms sparking public protests.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok described the attack as politically motivated, occurring shortly after the presidential election won by Fico ally Peter Pellegrini. The incident has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Slovakia, with calls for unity and an end to divisive rhetoric from both supporters and critics of the prime minister.
Outgoing President Zuzana Čaputová condemned the attack as a threat to democracy and urged for a peaceful resolution to political differences. The nation remains on edge as Fico continues his recovery, with hopes for a swift return to stability and unity in the country.