Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is currently in a “very serious” but stable condition after surviving a shocking assassination attempt that has laid bare deep political divisions within the country. The incident has prompted urgent action, with Slovakia scheduling a state security council meeting and convening the cabinet to address the situation head-on.
Fico underwent an extensive five-hour surgery at FD Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds. Miriam Lapunikova, the hospital’s director, disclosed that the prime minister’s condition has stabilized but remains critical. He is now under close observation in the intensive care unit.
The assailant, a 71-year-old man, targeted Fico during his visit to the central Slovak town of Handlova. Despite the presence of Fico’s security detail, the attacker managed to discharge five shots at close range, raising concerns about the prime minister’s security arrangements.
This shocking incident marks the first major assassination attempt on a European political leader in over two decades and has garnered widespread international condemnation. Experts and lawmakers view it as a distressing reflection of the increasingly polarized and tense political climate prevailing across the continent.
The motive behind the attack is believed to be politically motivated, highlighting the deep-rooted divisions within Slovakia. Fico and his coalition allies have previously criticized sections of the media and the opposition, alleging they have contributed to the escalating tensions within the central European state.
The incident has sparked a national debate about Fico’s policies and security measures. It has also reignited discussions about the broader political landscape in Slovakia, which has experienced heightened political debates in recent years.
The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico has reverberated beyond Slovakia’s borders, drawing shock and concern from leaders worldwide. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his dismay, emphatically stating that violence has no place in European politics.
As the nation waits for further updates on Fico’s condition, Slovakia stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the aftermath of this brazen attack and endeavouring to address the underlying political divisions that have been laid bare.
