Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was in critical condition after an assassination attempt in Handlova. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital in Banská Bystrica, where doctors fought for his life. Fico’s government ministers were visibly shocked, with Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák stating that regardless of personal feelings towards Fico, he was fighting for his life. The atmosphere at the hospital was tense, with limited information provided to the public.
Social media in Slovakia exploded with polarizing opinions, prompting the Interior Ministry to appeal for calm. It was unclear whether Fico authorized the deputy Prime Minister to lead the government in his absence. This situation was unprecedented for Slovakia, with the last similar incident occurring in 2016 when Fico underwent heart surgery.
Fico’s popularity soared during the pandemic due to his anti-restriction stance, which attracted support from conspiracy theorists. He had previously taken a strong anti-Ukraine stance, aligning more with Moscow. The country remained divided between pro-Moscow and pro-European camps.
As journalists gathered at the hospital, the ministers reflected on the consequences of Fico’s divisive policies. Despite the gravity of the situation, some Slovaks seemed unfazed, focusing instead on a hockey match. The future of Slovakia remains uncertain as the leader fights for his life and the country grapples with internal divisions.
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