Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in critical condition after being shot during a political event in Handlova, Slovakia. The 59-year-old leader was hit in the stomach by four shots fired outside the House of Culture. A suspect has been detained, and Fico was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The incident has been condemned as an attack not only on Fico but also on democracy, with politicians calling for an end to hateful rhetoric and violence in society.
Political rivals and allies alike have expressed shock and concern over the shooting, with outgoing President Zuzana Caputova calling it an attack on democracy. The President-elect, Peter Pellegrini, referred to the assassination attempt as a threat to Slovak democracy and emphasized the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed shock and condemned the violence.
The shooting has raised concerns about political violence in Slovakia, with some speculating that it may have been an attempted assassination of the Prime Minister. The incident comes just three weeks before crucial European Parliament elections, where populist and hard-right parties are expected to make gains. Major opposition parties in Slovakia have canceled a planned protest against a government plan to overhaul public broadcasting in light of the shooting, emphasizing the need to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.
Robert Fico, a third-time premier known for his pro-Russian and anti-American stance, has faced criticism for his policies, leading to widespread protests across Slovakia. European leaders have condemned the attack, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing it as a “vile attack” and emphasizing the importance of democracy. Leaders from neighboring countries, including Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have sent messages of support to Fico and denounced the use of violence in political discourse.
The shooting of Prime Minister Fico has sparked concerns about the state of democracy in Slovakia and the rise of political violence in the region. As the leader undergoes treatment for his injuries, the country is left grappling with the implications of the attack on its political landscape. Both allies and rivals of Fico have called for unity and a commitment to non-violent means of political expression in the wake of the shooting. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the need to uphold peaceful dialogue in political discourse.
