Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was targeted in an assassination attempt that has left the nation reeling, in a shocking twist of fate. The close-to-the-chest leader who is 59 years old and has made headlines with his polarising policies was fired upon five times during a meeting of state administrators at Handlova on Wednesday. At present, he is in a severe condition while admitted to a hospital within Banská Bystrica after having undergone major surgery.
The suspect, identified by local media as a 71-year-old writer and poet from Levice, has been charged with attempted murder. The Slovakian Interior Minister, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, revealed that the suspect acted alone and was motivated by political disagreements. Specifically, he opposed Fico’s recent reforms, including the abolition of the special prosecutor’s office, cessation of military aid to Ukraine, and changes to the public service broadcaster.
Footage from the scene shows the assailant approaching Fico, who was greeting a small crowd, and opening fire. The prime minister was immediately rushed to a local hospital before being airlifted to Banská Bystrica for emergency surgery. Despite his critical condition, Fico was conscious and able to speak after the surgery, according to Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia’s President-elect and Fico’s long-time ally.
The assassination attempt has ignited widespread condemnation and concern. Slovakia’s Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák and Interior Minister Šutaj Eštok held an emotional press conference, describing the attack as a consequence of rising political hatred and division within the country. They called for unity and condemned the growing rhetoric of violence.
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Fico’s political career has been marked by significant controversy. Last year when he got back to power, his policies have caused a sharp division over the whole country. A section of those who back what he does think of him as someone who guards our national interests, whereas others claim that his pro-Russia populist position is a danger to Slovakia’s stability and diplomatic ties.
The recent event points out the very wide political divisions there are in Slovakia which have been made worse by the controversial reforms of its Prime Minister Robert Fico and his hardline policies. In the meantime, as people are still coming to terms with what happened there yesterday, there are still concerns being raised over what role rhetoric plays in dividing people against each other
Fico remains in intensive care, with the nation closely monitoring his recovery. The attack on the prime minister is a stark reminder of the volatile and charged political environment in Slovakia.
