Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in stable condition following an attempted assassination where he was shot five times in Handlova. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak stated that Fico’s condition is very serious but stable after undergoing emergency surgery. The alleged attacker, a 71-year-old writer, has been taken into custody. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba stated that Fico’s operation went well, with one bullet passing through his stomach and another hitting a joint.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok described the attack as politically motivated, linked to the recent presidential election won by Fico’s ally, Peter Pellegrini. Pellegrini called the attack an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy, emphasizing the importance of expressing political opinions through democratic means. Leaders from around Europe, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, condemned the shooting and wished Fico a full recovery.
Russia also condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable. Fico’s government has faced criticism for scaling back support for Ukraine, reducing penalties for corruption, and revamping the public broadcaster. The incident has raised concerns about political polarization in Slovakia and the need to protect democratic processes. A state security council meeting has been scheduled to address the situation.
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