Robert Fico is out of danger after an assassination attempt on him in Handlova
The Prime Minister of Slovakia – Robert Fico, is out of danger after he was shot 5 times in an assassination attempt when leaving a Government meeting in Handlova on Wednesday, i.e., 15th May’24.
The attack took place outside a Cultural Center in Handlova, Central Slovakia, where Fico was greeted by a group of people, including the suspected shooter. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to a specialised trauma facility in Banska Bystrica, roughly 30 kilometres away. No other individuals were harmed during the incident.
The shooting has been widely condemned, with the President of Slovakia – Zuzana Čaputová, confirming the arrest of the suspect and urging the public against spreading baseless rumours. Defense Minister – Robert Kaliňák and Interior Minister – Matúš Šutaj Eštok have termed the shooting as a politically motivated act, noting its timing closely following the presidential elections. The Deputy Prime Minister – Tomáš Taraba, has expressed optimism about Fico’s recovery, mentioning that the surgery was successful and that Fico’s life is not in immediate danger.
Speaking on the occasion, Tomáš Taraba said, “I was very shocked and tried to contact people to figure out how serious his condition was. Fortunately, as far as I know the operation went well and I guess in the end he will survive.”
Šutaj-Eštok said, “Those who are endorsing this attack as well as those who are calling for some sort of a revenge. And I am asking you, the media too, please, use your power, your influence. Because until now, it was some of you who sow the hate.”
He posted on Facebook, “For the first time in the 31 years of our democratic sovereign republic, someone has decided to express a political opinion not in an election but with a gun on the street.”
Reacting the attack, the President of the European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen, tweeted,
I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 15, 2024
Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good.
My thoughts are with PM Fico and his family.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Rishi Sunak, tweeted,
Shocked to hear this awful news. All our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family. https://t.co/x6gb47kSBF
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 15, 2024
The incident has sparked a broader dialogue on the state of democracy and unity within Slovakia, especially in light of Fico’s controversial stance on various national issues, including foreign policy and judicial reforms. Fico is the most powerful lawmaker in Slovakia. Unlike the President, whose role has limited scope, the Prime Minister holds rank as the decision-making Head of Government.
Since Fico’s return to power last year, Slovaks have been divided over the country’s direction and position in the world. Supporters see Fico as a caring leader who has their interests at heart. However, critics say he is a populist whose pro-Russian leanings pose major risks to the country.
The country has seen weeks of largely peaceful protests over his coalition Government’s controversial domestic reforms. The Government is also trying to shut down public service broadcaster RTVS and plans to replace it with a new national broadcaster, which would be under tighter control of the Government.
Fico won a third term as the Prime Minister of Slovakia in October’23 after running a campaign that criticized western support for Ukraine. As the Prime Minister, he made a major U-turn in Slovakia’s foreign policy and its previously staunch support for Ukraine. He pledged an immediate end to Slovak military support for Ukraine and promised to block Ukraine’s North Atlantic Treaty organisation (NATO) ambitions. Prior to the polls, Fico accused Ukrainian Nazis of provoking the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin.
Domestically, his coalition Government is also pushing controversial reforms that have prompted weeks of large-scale peaceful protests. Attempts to overhaul the criminal justice system have been particularly controversial, as the Government seeks to reduce penalties for corruption and has already abolished Slovakia’s special prosecutor’s office, which was tasked with investigating serious and politically sensitive corruption cases, including some that involved people connected to Fico and his political party – Direction – Social Democracy (SMER).
It is to be noted that Fico first served as the Prime Minister from 2006 to 2010. He was then re-elected from 2012 to 2018. He was forced to resign in March 2018 after weeks of mass protests over the murder of an investigative journalist – Jan Kuciak and his fiancée – Martina Kušnírová. Kuciak who reported on corruption among the country’s elite, including people directly connected to Fico and his party SMER.
