In a shocking turn of events, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been seriously injured after being shot multiple times in what appears to have been a politically motivated attack. The 59-year-old leader was rushed to the hospital and is currently in a serious but stable condition.
The alleged assailant, a 71-year-old man from the town of Levice, has been apprehended and charged with attempted murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison for the brazen daylight shooting.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok revealed that the suspect had previously taken part in anti-government protests and acted alone, describing him as a “lone wolf” dissatisfied with the outcome of the recent presidential election.
The attack unfolded on Wednesday as a crowd of supporters in the town of Handlova surrounded Mr. Fico. A gunman fired five shots at close range, striking the Prime Minister in the stomach and arm. Footage showed Mr. Fico’s security detail quickly bundling him into a car and rushing him to a nearby hospital via air ambulance.
Surgeons worked through the night to stabilize the Prime Minister, who was described as being in a “truly very serious” condition. However, by Thursday, hospital officials stated that his condition had improved to stable, though he remained in intensive care.
The shocking incident has been widely condemned as an “attack on democracy” by Slovak politicians across the spectrum. President-elect Peter Pellegrini has called for suspending campaigning ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections. At the same time, outgoing President Zuzana Caputova invited party leaders to discuss the political tensions in the country.
The shooting came amidst controversy over the government’s proposal to reform the public broadcaster RTVS, which has prompted large protests in recent weeks. Some officials have pointed fingers at the media for contributing to a climate of “hatred” that may have motivated the attack.
As the investigation into this brazen assassination attempt continues, all eyes will be on Slovakia as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this startling and politically charged incident.
