The man accused of attempting to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been ordered to remain in custody by Slovakia’s Specialized Criminal Court. Fico is currently in serious but stable condition after surviving multiple gunshots during an attack in the town of Handlova. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was reported to be a 71-year-old retiree with no known political affiliations. The motive behind the attack is believed to be politically motivated, although the suspect has not been linked to any specific political group.
Following Fico’s surgery to remove dead tissue from his gunshot wounds, his condition was reported to be promising, but he is not yet able to be transferred to a hospital in the capital, Bratislava. The government ministers expressed gratitude for the efforts of the medical staff and noted that Fico’s condition is slowly improving. The suspect’s home was searched by police, who seized a computer and documents, but it remains unclear how he obtained the firearm used in the attack. Slovakia has strict gun ownership laws, resulting in one of the lowest gun ownership rates in Europe.
World leaders have condemned the attack and offered support to Fico and Slovakia. Fico’s return to power on a pro-Russia, anti-American platform has raised concerns among EU and NATO members regarding Slovakia’s pro-Western direction. Critics have accused Fico’s government of attempting to stifle independent media and take control of public broadcasting, leading to protests and concerns about the country’s democratic values. Despite the lack of a named temporary leader, the government is said to be functioning normally and moving forward with Fico’s agenda.
Fico’s plans to overhaul the penal system have sparked controversy and raised fears of a more autocratic direction for Slovakia. His government’s actions, such as halting arms deliveries to Ukraine and attempts to eliminate the special anti-graft prosecutor’s office, have been met with opposition and widespread criticism. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest against Fico’s policies, reflecting the deep division and tensions within Slovak society. Communication with Fico has been limited due to his condition, and Defense Minister Rober Kalinak is temporarily overseeing government affairs.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Fico’s recovery and the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt, the Slovak government is continuing its work and preparing for the next government session. Kalinak, who is currently in charge, has affirmed that the government is functioning normally, and there are no immediate concerns requiring the premier’s attention. While the situation remains fluid, Slovakia is hoping for a swift recovery for Fico and a return to stability in the country’s political landscape. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and offering support to ensure a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis.
