World Politics
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico Shot Multiple Times in ‘Politically Motivated’ Attack
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was gravely wounded in an apparent assassination attempt on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the central Slovak town of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bratislava. Fico, 59, was shot multiple times as he engaged with supporters following a government meeting at the House of Culture.
The attack unfolded around mid-afternoon, with reports indicating that four to five shots were fired. Fico was struck in the abdomen and sustained serious injuries. He was initially rushed to a local hospital in Handlova before being airlifted to a regional medical facility in Banska Bystrica for urgent treatment. Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba later confirmed that Fico's condition, while critical, was no longer life-threatening following successful surgery.
The assailant, identified as a 71-year-old local resident and former security guard, was apprehended at the scene by law enforcement officials. The suspect, who is also a published poet and a member of the Slovak Society of Writers, reportedly held a legal gun license. The motive behind the attack is believed to be political, according to Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who stated that the decision to carry out the shooting was made shortly after the recent presidential election.
The assassination attempt has sent shockwaves through Slovakia and the international community. President Zuzana Caputova expressed her dismay, condemning the "brutal and ruthless" attack and wishing Fico a swift recovery. Caputova emphasized that such violence is an attack not only on an individual but also on democracy itself. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Joe Biden also condemned the attack, with Biden stating that the U.S. government is in close contact with Slovak authorities and ready to assist.
Fico, a polarizing figure in Slovak politics, has a long and contentious history. He first served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2018. His tenure has been marked by a blend of social populism, nationalism, and anti-liberalism. Fico's political career has been marred by allegations of corruption and his controversial stance on foreign policy, particularly his pro-Russian and anti-American rhetoric.
In 2018, Fico resigned amid widespread protests following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, who had been reporting on corruption involving high-level Slovak politicians. Despite this setback, Fico made a political comeback in 2023, leading his left-wing nationalist party, Smer-SSD, to victory in the parliamentary elections. His return to power has been characterized by a shift in Slovakia's foreign policy, including the cessation of military aid to Ukraine and a more conciliatory approach towards Russia.
The attack on Fico comes at a time of heightened political tension in Slovakia. The country has seen increasing polarization, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets to protest Fico's policies. His government has faced criticism for its attempts to weaken anti-corruption measures and its plans to overhaul the public broadcasting system, which opponents argue would place media under state control.
The incident has prompted calls for calm and unity from various political leaders. President-elect Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico, described the shooting as an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy. He urged citizens to express their political opinions through democratic means rather than violence. Opposition leaders also condemned the attack, calling for an end to the hateful rhetoric that has permeated Slovak society.
As Slovakia grapples with the aftermath of this violent act, the focus remains on Fico's recovery and the broader implications for the nation's political landscape. The attack underscores the deep divisions within Slovak society and the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that Slovakia can navigate this crisis and uphold its democratic values.