The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia has highlighted the deep societal and political divisions within the country. This incident, attributed to a lone individual, has become a symbol of the polarization that now exists in Slovakia. The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further exacerbated these divisions, with lines drawn sharply between those who support vaccines and those who reject them, among other issues.
The suspect, a 71-year-old pensioner reportedly with a fondness for poetry and protests, was charged with attempted premeditated murder. However, both sides of the political divide in Slovakia have manipulated his actions to further their own agendas. Supporters of Mr. Fico portrayed the suspect as a liberal agent to be eliminated, while his critics labeled him a right-wing extremist. The government has accused liberal journalists and opposition politicians of provoking the shooter, reflecting a long-standing campaign to attack political rivals and their legitimacy, as stated by political scientist Pavol Hardos.
Mr. Fico’s government has been accused of stoking tensions within the country, with some likening him to Russian President Vladimir Putin. His policies mirror those of right-wing nationalist leaders like Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, and he has faced criticism for pushing to limit corruption investigations, reshape media to eliminate liberal bias, and restrict foreign-funded NGOs. These actions have raised concerns that Mr. Fico’s government is laying the groundwork for violence by increasing societal tensions.
The attack on Mr. Fico has sparked fears within Slovakia of potential civil unrest, with some citizens expressing concerns that the country is on the brink of a civil war. President Zuzana Caputova and President-elect Peter Pellegrini have called for unity and a de-escalation of rhetoric, urging political parties to dial down their campaigns in light of the shooting. The political atmosphere in Slovakia has been particularly heated due to ongoing elections at various levels of government, contributing to the existing divisiveness within the country.
Slovakia’s history of being ruled by various external powers has contributed to the current divisive political climate. The country has repeatedly felt oppressed by external forces, leading to a defensive and polarizing style of politics. The country’s deep divisions are also fueled by a toxic online environment, where disinformation campaigns and attacks on domestic critics are widespread. Mr. Fico’s political trajectory, from a Communist Party member to a free-market champion to a right-wing nationalist, reflects the shifting political landscape in Slovakia.
Despite facing enormous street protests following the murder of an investigative journalist in 2018, Mr. Fico has managed to hold onto power and return to the premiership. His party’s narrow victory in legislative elections and the recent presidential election have solidified his position, allowing him to continue pursuing his controversial policies. The attempted assassination of Mr. Fico underscores the deep-seated tensions within Slovakian society and politics, highlighting the urgent need for unity and de-escalation to prevent further violence.
