Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and gravely wounded in an assassination attempt after a government meeting in Handlová, a town northeast of the capital, Bratislava. The suspect, a 71-year-old writer identified as a founder of the DUHA (Rainbow) Literary Club, was detained at the scene. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok confirmed the arrest and stated that the attack had a "clear political motivation."
Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba expressed cautious optimism about Fico's recovery, indicating that the prime minister is not in a life-threatening condition. Fico, who was engaging with supporters when the attack occurred, remains under intensive medical care after being hit in the abdomen.
The suspect's son expressed shock over his father's actions, noting his father did not support Fico politically. Media reports revealed that the suspect had a history of controversial political statements on social media, criticizing immigration and European governance. His membership in the Association of Slovak Writers will be revoked if his involvement is confirmed.
President Zuzana Caputova and President-elect Peter Pellegrini condemned the attack as an assault on democracy and called for an end to hateful rhetoric. International leaders, including US President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, also condemned the violence, highlighting the broader implications for regional stability.
The incident underscores the deep political divisions in Slovakia, which have intensified since Fico's return to power on a pro-Russian, anti-American platform. As the nation processes this shocking event, political campaigns have been paused, and calls for unity and calm have been made to prevent further escalation of violence.
Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba expressed cautious optimism about Fico's recovery, indicating that the prime minister is not in a life-threatening condition. Fico, who was engaging with supporters when the attack occurred, remains under intensive medical care after being hit in the abdomen.
The suspect's son expressed shock over his father's actions, noting his father did not support Fico politically. Media reports revealed that the suspect had a history of controversial political statements on social media, criticizing immigration and European governance. His membership in the Association of Slovak Writers will be revoked if his involvement is confirmed.
President Zuzana Caputova and President-elect Peter Pellegrini condemned the attack as an assault on democracy and called for an end to hateful rhetoric. International leaders, including US President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, also condemned the violence, highlighting the broader implications for regional stability.
The incident underscores the deep political divisions in Slovakia, which have intensified since Fico's return to power on a pro-Russian, anti-American platform. As the nation processes this shocking event, political campaigns have been paused, and calls for unity and calm have been made to prevent further escalation of violence.
