Handlova: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico fought for his life following a “politically motivated” assassination attempt as he left a government meeting on Wednesday, disclosed Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok. Gunshots rang out as Fico, aged 59, exited the meeting venue, with the assailant firing five shots, leaving the prime minister critically wounded. Even hours later on Wednesday evening, Fico remained in surgery, battling for his life, as stated by Interior Minister Sutaj Estok during a press briefing.
“This assassination attempt was politically motivated, and the perpetrator’s actions were influenced shortly after the presidential election,” remarked Sutaj Estok, alluding to the recent victory of a Fico ally in April’s election. The incident, which unfolded in the central Slovak town of Handlova, shocked the nation and drew swift condemnation from international leaders. Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union, has rarely experienced political violence. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden, along with Slovakia’s EU counterparts, expressed profound shock and condemnation over the shooting.
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Fico was swiftly transported to Handlova hospital following the attack, where he had been presiding over a government session. Later, he was airlifted to the regional capital, Banska Bystrica, for urgent medical intervention. His condition was deemed too critical for transfer to Bratislava, the capital. A Reuters correspondent at the scene reported hearing three or four gunshots as Fico approached a crowd waiting to greet him. Law enforcement swiftly subdued the assailant.
“An assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico occurred today at the government’s off-site meeting in Handlova,” stated the government office in an official release. According to Slovak media, the assailant was identified as a former security guard at a shopping mall, an author of three poetry collections, and a member of the Slovak Society of Writers. His son, as reported by Aktuality.sk, claimed his father possessed a valid gun license but expressed bewilderment over the incident. “I have absolutely no idea what my father intended, what he planned, what happened,” quoted the son.
Europe’s Veteran Leader Fico
Veteran leader Fico, who resumed office for the fourth time last October, has faced criticism for his pro-Russian stance in the Ukraine conflict and for introducing reforms in criminal law and media regulation, sparking concerns over the rule of law and prompting public protests. Calling the shooting a “monstrous” crime, Putin conveyed his hopes for Fico’s survival in a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova. Biden extended U.S. assistance to Slovakia, condemning the violence. Fico’s close ally, Lubos Blaha, decried what he termed as the “liberal media” and opposition for fostering an environment conducive to violence. Blaha sharply condemned the incident and denounced the “hatred” propagated against Fico by the media and political opponents.
Progressive Slovakia, the largest opposition party, canceled a scheduled protest against government public broadcaster reforms in light of the shooting. Party leader Michal Simecka urged all politicians to refrain from actions that might escalate tensions. Throughout his three-decade-long career, Fico has navigated between pro-European sentiments and nationalistic positions, occasionally opposing EU and U.S. policies. He has shown a willingness to adapt depending on public opinion and changing political dynamics. With echoes of past protests triggered by the contract killing of journalist Jan Kuciak in 2018, which led to Fico’s resignation, divisions within Slovak society remain palpable. Slovakia’s President-elect, Peter Pellegrini, curtailed a foreign trip and is en route back to the country, according to a spokesperson for his HLAS party.
