Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was in critical condition on Wednesday after suffering many gunshot wounds in what looked to be an assassination attempt on his life. European politicians strongly condemned the incident. Slovak Prime Minister Survives Assassination Attempt. A dramatic video caught the chaotic scenario in central Slovakia, when security officers raced to help Fico, directing him into a waiting car for immediate medical care. At the same time, police captured a suspect on the spot.
Several hours after being shot in the stomach, doctors were still working hard to save the life of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is 59 years old. The Defense Minister, Robert Kalina, informed reporters at the hospital where Fico was being treated that the procedure was underway and that Fico’s condition was critical.
The incident occurred outside a cultural center in the village of Handlova, some 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the city. The incident occurred when Fico attended a government conference in the city, formerly a coal mining powerhouse.
A suspect was caught, and after a first investigation, the police determined that the attack was politically motivated, said Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok while speaking with media alongside Defense Minister Kalinak. “It’s pretty clear,” Kalinak explained.
Fico’s pro-Russian, anti-American views
Fico has long been controversial in Slovakia and internationally. When he returned to power last year, he conveyed a message that backed Russia while opposing the United States. This raised further concerns among European Union members that Slovakia would leave the Western alliance.
Under his leadership, Slovakia stopped delivering weaponry to Ukraine, which alarmed critics. They are concerned he would push Slovakia, a NATO member with 5.4 million people, away from its pro-Western stance and along the road taken by Hungary’s populist Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
Many people have protested Fico’s policies, with thousands rallying in Slovakia’s capital and other areas on several occasions.
Attack Occurs Prior to European Parliament Elections
According to a comment on Fico’s Facebook page, he was brought to a hospital in Banska Bystrica, some 29 kilometers (17 miles) from Handlova, since reaching the capital, Bratislava, would have taken too long.t he incident occurred as political campaigns heated up three weeks before the European Parliament elections, raising concerns that populist and nationalist parties like Fico’s may gain effect in the 27-member bloc.
Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova, Fico’s political opponent, stated in a broadcast address that “an attack on the prime minister is not only an attack on one person but also an attack on democracy.” Violence in all forms is wrong. The harsh discussion we’ve seen in society leads to terrible behavior. Let’s put an end to this.”
Political opponents lay aside their disagreements.
Fico, who is presently serving his fourth term, and his socialist Smer, or Direction, party won Slovakia’s legislative elections on September 30. In response, Slovakia’s Parliament voted to postpone its proceedings indefinitely. The two opposition parties, Progressive Slovakia and Freedom and Unity have chosen to abandon a scheduled example against an unpopular government proposal to change public broadcasting, which they claim would give the government entire control over public radio and television.
Michal Simecka, the head of Progressive Slovakia, asked all politicians to use caution and avoid acts or words that might increase tensions. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala conveyed his best wishes for Fico’s quick recovery, saying that violence has no place in society and should be strongly opposed.