In a dramatic incident on Wednesday, Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was the target of an assassination attempt, where he was shot five times by a 71-year-old man. The incident took place immediately after a government meeting in the town of Handlová, near the capital Bratislava. The condition of the Prime Minister was later reported to be stable in the evening, and he is now out of life-threatening danger. The perpetrator was arrested shortly after the attack, and Fico was rushed to the hospital for treatment. This violent act has attracted significant international attention and condemnation.
US President Joe Biden expressed his shock and offered his assistance to the Slovak government. The attack occurred on a day when the Slovak parliament was to discuss a controversial proposal put forward by Fico involving the shutdown of the independent public TV station RTVS. The proposal has been criticized for undermining democratic institutions and rights in the country.
Fico, who came to power in October 2023, has previously drawn criticism for his pro-Russian stance and the decision to halt all military aid to Ukraine. His political style and decisions have led to comparisons with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for similar attacks on democratic institutions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has had a close relationship with Fico, also condemned the assassination attempt and described it as a “heinous act”. He expressed hope that Fico’s strength and courage will help him through this difficult time. Slovakia’s Interior Minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, hinted at a press conference that the attack could have a political motive, further complicating the situation and raising questions about the country’s political stability.
This incident has not only shaken Slovakia but also the international community, closely monitoring the developments and consequences for the region’s political landscape.