The Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable but "very serious" condition

Thursday 16 May 2024 - 08:55

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was gravely injured in an attempted assassination on Wednesday afternoon during a political event in the town of Handlova. The brazen attack has sent shockwaves through the nation's political landscape and sparked condemnation from across the ideological spectrum.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba, Fico's condition remains stable, although he described it as "very serious." In a statement to the BBC, Taraba expressed cautious optimism, stating, "I assume that ultimately, he will survive. His life is not in danger at the moment."

Medical authorities have corroborated this assessment, characterizing the Prime Minister's condition as "stable but still very serious." Doctors fought tirelessly for several hours to save the life of the 59-year-old pro-Russian statesman, who sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen, as confirmed by Defense Minister Robert Kalina at the hospital where Fico is receiving treatment.

The Slovak political class has swiftly condemned the shooting, but officials from various parties were quick to assign blame for the escalating violence in society, particularly after the return to power of the Prime Minister's populist party.

President Zuzana Caputova expressed her shock at what she described as a "terrible and vicious attack." In a poignant statement, she said, "A physical attack against the Prime Minister is first and foremost an attack against a person, but it is also an attack against democracy. The hate speech we can see in society leads to hateful actions. Please, stop this."

As Robert Fico was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, messages of support poured in from across Europe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of non-violence in democratic societies, stating, "There must be no violence. Democracy is characterized by the non-violent ability to resolve differences. And that must remain the case."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the "totally unacceptable act of violence" and expressed his wishes for the Prime Minister's speedy recovery, adding, "It is important that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions."

The alleged assailant, a 71-year-old man, was apprehended immediately following the shooting. Slovak media reports suggest he was a former security guard at a shopping center.

While the motive behind the attack has not yet been established, Slovak Interior Minister Roman Mikulec stated that Fico sustained five gunshot wounds and that initial evidence "clearly indicates a political motivation."

As the nation grapples with this unprecedented act of violence against its highest elected official, the investigation continues, and the Slovak people await further updates on the Prime Minister's condition and the circumstances surrounding the shocking attempt on his life.