Assassination Attempt on Slovak Prime Minister
In a startling incident that has sent shockwaves through the European Union, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, was the victim of an assassination attempt following a government meeting in Handlova. The 59-year-old leader sustained life-threatening injuries and was immediately rushed for urgent treatment.
The attack occurred in the central city of Handlova, where Fico had been attending an off-site government meeting. Shortly after the meeting concluded, a Reuters witness reported hearing several shots fired. In the chaos that ensued, police swiftly detained an individual, and security personnel were seen escorting someone into a vehicle which then hastily departed the scene.
With critical moments ticking away, emergency services opted to airlift the Prime Minister to Banska Bystrica rather than to the capital, Bratislava, due to the urgency of his condition and the need for immediate medical intervention. TA3, a broadcaster, reported that four shots were fired with Fico being hit in the abdomen.
The assassination attempt has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across Europe. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her distress over the violent act, emphasizing that such acts have no place in society and pose a threat to democracy. Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer voiced their shock and underscored that hate and violence must not infiltrate democratic processes.
The Slovak government had been touring regions of the country after assuming power late last year, with Fico at its helm for the fourth time. Known for his political adaptability, Fico has navigated between pro-European and nationalistic stances throughout his career. In response to the shooting, Slovakia’s main opposition party canceled a protest planned against government reforms.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova took to social media to express her horror at the attack and wished Prime Minister Fico strength and a swift recovery. The incident has united political figures in their stance against violence and in support of Fico’s recovery as he undergoes treatment following this harrowing ordeal.
